Plumbing maintenance is one of the biggest responsibilities of home ownership. There may be times, though, when your plumbing system needs work and you can’t afford to call a professional, or you don’t have time to sit at home and wait for one. This article lays out some effective tips for repairing and maintaining your plumbing.
If a pipe freezes, make sure you turn the closest faucet to allow the thawing water to exit. As such, bursting can be halted, saving you from even more costly damages.
Have a professional flush your septic tank every five years or so to keep it working well. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
Use filters on all drains to prevent debris that might clog the pipes from getting through. Clean your kitchen strainer often, particularly if you can see debris accumulating. Kitchen filters should be changed often, while bathtub filters can be changed as needed.
Garbage Disposal
You can greatly extend the life of your garbage disposal by regularly cleaning it. Using lemon rinds and cherry pits mixed with dish soap will help keep your garbage disposal operating efficiently and smelling fresh.
Make a schedule for plumbing work, so it occurs all at approximately the same time. You might be tempted to contact a plumber every time you face a small problem, but if you have problems repaired all at once, you will have time to save money for the fixes. Because plumbers generally round up to the nearest hour, this also allows you to save money. The time only gets rounded up once, rather than multiple times.
Save money by getting better shower heads. The majority of hot water is consumed by showers. If you use energy efficient heads for your showers, you can save hundreds each year on your bills.
Having to repair pipes that freeze could be very costly. This, however, is typically preventable. First, you need to check your outside pipe to make sure it has the proper insulation. When colder weather is approach, disconnect your garden hoses and make sure the outside water fixtures are turned off. This will help to save you money on plumbing bills.
If you want to add some water pressure to the shower or any spigot in the home, make sure you clean out the aerator. Take apart the faucet, and clean the aerator with vinegar and a small brush. After the aerator is thoroughly cleaned, rinse it under clear water, put it back together, and attach it to your faucet again. Clean the aerator, it might increase your water pressure.
If you require the services of a plumber, be sure to check them out prior to hiring them. Some plumbers aren’t experienced or skilled enough to do certain jobs, which makes the problem worse. Check the reviews on any plumber you are considering, and ask friends and family for the name of a plumber that they use and trust.
As the cold winter weather approaches, make sure that your outside faucets are not leaking or dripping. If they are, it is necessary to repair them before the arrival of freezing temperatures. Regardless of what the pipes in your house are made out of, freezing water will cause them to crack. Even a tiny crack can leak enough water to flood your home.
Before you have a plumber come out to your house, research their history with your local government consumer affairs department or agency. You can make sure that their license is up to date and if there are any negative complaints against them. If their license is questionable or expired, you won’t want to hire them to do work for you.
You have to always be aware of where the primary water shut off valve is in your home. You will see the water meter near it or on it. Toilets, sinks and some other fixtures can have cut off valves of their own. Inform all the members of your family where they can find the valve, and also show them how to shut them off if they are leaking.
There are a variety of skills related to plumbing, not just ones that have to do with water. Fixing water lines is a common thing plumbers work on.
To make sure that your water heater is running efficiently, you need to know what size your hot water tank is. Knowing how many people and which appliances need heated water in your house can help you figure out the right capacity for a water heater tank.
It is not necessary to call a plumber for every problem. The preceding tips have given you the ability to take care of the smaller plumbing tasks around the home. Taking care of your own plumbing needs allows you to fix problems more quickly and for a much lower price.