If your plumbing is giving you issues and problems, then it is advisable to be certain you are approaching the situation in the most optimum way. At first, you may need to get help from several sources, but then use these tidbits to begin work.
Obnoxiously loud pipes that like to squeal and hammer are easy situations to correct. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. For pipes that are situated inside walls, or the floor or ceiling, you should hire a professional.
Don’t let your house temperature drop to below freezing and make sure to insulate anything that is exposed to the outside elements to prevent frozen pipes. If ambient temperature surrounding pipes goes below freezing, pipes can freeze as well. It takes time for thawing to occur so you can have water again. The other option is the pipes may burst, which would result in significant repair costs and a mess to clean up.
If you are unable to relieve a clogged toilet with a plunger, try pouring a small bucket of water into the bowl from about waist level if the level of water in the bowl is low. Repeat this once your water goes back to a lower level.
Don’t put oil, grease or fat into your drain. They might be in liquid form, but after they cool off, they will solidify and make a clog in your drain pipe. Grease is of particular concern when there is a disposal unit installed in your drain. It can cause the unit to lose efficiency. Pour the grease and oil into a can to cool, put it in the trash.
If you notice orange or pink stains in your bathroom fixtures, this is because of the iron in your water. This is fixed by using water softener, which can be bought at a store, or you can have someone come to your home and fix it.
If you have a clogged toilet and a plunger is not helping to clear the blockage, if the water level is low, pouring a bucking of boiling water from a height into the toilet bowl could resolve the problem. You could repeat this process again if the water in the toilet bowl gets low.
Save Money
Schedule your plumbing jobs all together. 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. You can save money by only paying a single service call fee instead of ending up with multiple hours being billed from multiple visits.
Keep your bathtub drain running well by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain each month. Cover the drain up with a plug or old rag, as there will be a chemical reaction in the pipes. Wait until the chemical reaction runs its course, then flush the pipes by pouring in a kettle full of boiling water. This process should open up the pipes by clearing out hair build-up and soap scum.
Keep your bathtub drain running well by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain each month. Cover it with a plug or rag, since a chemical reaction should happen in the pipes. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. This process should open up the pipes by clearing out hair build-up and soap scum.
You should make sure that the holes are not stopped up on the overflow. These overflow holes are present in case of a clog or overfilling. It may seem unlikely as a problem now, but the necessity is there. When you do periodic checks for any other problems or repairs that are needed, take the time to clear the holes that are there to protect you from overflow.
When running your garbage disposal, always use a lot of cold water. Blades will stay sharper with cold water, making disposal quicker. Hot water liquifies grease and causes it to buildup in the drain, causing clogs in the pipes.
Efficient Shower
To lower the chance that you will have issues with your toilet, do not approach it like it’s a trash can. Do not flush things like paper towels, sanitary pads, tissues, diapers, cotton balls or anything else that might cause the toilet to get clogged. Even keep toilet paper use to the minimum necessary.
Installing efficient shower heads could save you a lot of money when it comes to your energy bill. Your shower consumes a majority of the hot water usage in your home. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 a year.
If you have clogged pipes and thinking about using a pipe cleaner, one that is enzyme based is highly recommended. Enzyme based cleaners use “good” bacteria to transform the clog into a liquid, which will remove it from pipes. Enzyme cleaners should be your first choice.
If you’re ready to battle your plumbing issues, begin by using these tips. It’s great to save cash by making your own repairs, but when you have to call in the pros, be sure to use the right ones. Give these tips serious thought and you’ll find that they will help you.
Be sure that the dryer’s lint trap is clean. This not only prevents fires, but saves money. Look over the lint trap to make sure there aren’t any rips or holes. This can cause problems like clogs.