Content writer-Wallace Todd
Do you want to make improvements or repairs to your home's plumbing? Would you like to know how to deal with an emergency? Dealing with issues related to plumbing can be complicated. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring someone, there are a lot of things you need to be aware of. Here are some useful facts and tips.
Obnoxiously loud pipes that like to squeal and hammer are easy situations to correct. You will need to anchor any exposed pipes. If pipes are located in the floors, ceiling or walls, a professional might be needed for the job.
Do not use the liquid cleaning supplies that are designed to clear clogs. These cleaners are harmful and can damage your pipes as they clear the clog. Instead of using damaging liquids, use a plunger or a plumbing snake. These are much more effective and will not harm pipes.
Put strainers in the bottoms of your drains to stop any clogging agents from escaping down the drain. Each time a filter is clogged, it should be cleaned. Those in the bathtub should be cleaned out periodically, as needed.
Check your gas water heater periodically to make sure the pilot flame is lit. The correct color for this flame should be blue. The tip of the flame should be yellow. If you find that you are only seeing a yellow flame, you may need to call a professional for safety reasons.
When it is time to replace your shower head, you should consider paying a little more for a better one. Some people think it's alright to get the cheapest head for your shower in the store. Like many cheap products, however, cheap shower heads are often not durable.
Don't start any do-it-yourself plumbing project without having a plan in place. You need to know beforehand exactly what you are getting yourself into. Know what kind of space you are working with and what lines are which. Getting a clear picture early on will make your plumbing project go a lot smoother!
Keep an eye on the grout between tiles in your bathroom. Watch for cracks and areas where the grout seems to be falling out, and repair them immediately. Small grout crack issues can be easily repaired by pulling out the bad and putting in new grout. Allow any new grout to dry completely before exposing it to water.
The valves will fuse together if they are not used. You can prevent them from becoming fused by regularly maintaining them with a penetrating oil, and running water through them on a regular basis.
Drain the sediment from the bottom of your
hot water heater twice a year to keep the hot water heater working at its optimal levels. Simply open the drain valve and allow the water to run out into a bucket until the water runs clear. Then close the drain valve.
Look online for reviews of the plumbing contractor you are thinking of hiring. If people are not satisfied with the work that the plumber preforms, many times they will go on the internet and post negative reviews. If they are happy with the plumber they will also post positive reviews.
Check your faucets outdoors for drips before the first winter freeze. If water is continually dripping, you need to make some repairs on your own before the temperature drops below freezing. Regardless of whether you have steel, plastic or copper pipes, the water in them expands when it freezes and will make the pipes crack. Even a small crack can cause a lot of damages to your home.
If you are searching for someone to do your plumbing work, check out the Consumer Affairs Department. You can look at their track record, looking to see whether their license is valid and if they have any complaints lodged against them. If a contractor's license has expired or isn't in good standing, you don't want to hire that contractor.
Read the labels and choose a chemical drain cleaner with care. Avoid those that have chemicals that are damaging to pipes. Always be sure to pick a brand that has been announced that it is gentle on pipes. Some chemicals will kill the bacteria your plumbing system needs to function properly and could even be harmful to humans.
Check the plumbing in your home. If your home has the flexible gray polybutylene water pipes, you need to have a plumber come out and assess their condition. These types of pipe are prone to failure and can lead to very costly repairs if they have a failure within your home.
Teach your children how to notice plumbing problems. Many parents handle plumbing issues without sharing that information with their children, who grow up not knowing anything about plumbing.
read what he said make a small repair or notice a problem, call your kids in and explain what the problem is and what you are going to do. Educate them so they can make good decisions in the future.
A leaking bathroom fixture does not necessarily mean that a full replacement or costly visit from the plumber is necessary. Often times, a simple rinse of the individual parts or repair of a rubber seal is all that's needed to keep your bathroom fixture running properly for years to come.
If your lawn has areas where the grass grows very quickly compared to the rest, seems constantly wet or has a noxious odor you may have a sewer line leak. A leak or crack in sewage pipes can be repaired if caught early and save thousands of dollars in failed septic inspection expenses.
There are times when a plumber's service is necessary. However, many plumbing issues can be addressed easily if you know how. Learning more about how your plumbing works can save you time and money in repairs. Remember these tips, and they could save you a lot of headaches the next time you have a plumbing problem.