Don't Understand Plumbing? These Tips Can Help!
Imagine taking on a plumbing project with the confidence that you are going to do a good job and that you are going to complete the job for well under the price of hiring professional help. Now use this hopefulness, and take a few minutes to read the great tips in this article.
On very cold winter nights, allow your faucets to trickle slightly, especially if your pipes are located in a crawlspace. The running water prevents the pipes from freezing as quickly as they would otherwise. You can catch the water and use it for other household needs to prevent wasting it.
Don't be afraid to call a professional. Don't take on jobs to save money, if you aren't sure how to fix them. Calling a professional plumber saves you money, the experience and know-how can fix your problem sooner and with less fuss.
Ensure that everyone in your household knows how to turn off the main water supply, or knows how to contact someone who can. In the event of a burst pipe or other water-related emergency, you should immediately turn off the water to prevent flooding, structural damage, and a sky-high water bill.
If you have issues with the plumbing making a hammering sound when you turn it off, check your water pressure. Any time your water pressure is above 80 PSI, you will hear extra water noise. This can be easily solved by the installation of a pressure-reducing valve, which can be done by most homeowners.
Do not pour grease or oil down any of your household drains. Put them in containers and place in the fridge until they are solid, then throw them away. If you pour them down the drain, they can solidify in cold pipes. These solid masses will clog your pipes and are very difficult to remove.
If you discover a problem with the garbage disposal, don't ever reach into it with your hands to attempt to fix it. Garbage disposals can be dangerous, even if they are powered off. Troubleshooting techniques and schematics of your garbage disposal are available on the Internet.
Try to never pour grease, fat, or any oil-based liquids into your drains. When they cool off, they become hard and will clog your pipes. Even with a garbage disposal, you are going to cause it to be less efficient and risk drain backups. Make certain you dispose of all oils in other places other than the sink.
Is your toilet leaking? Find out by putting some food color in the tank and then check the bowl later. If there is colored water in the bowl, the toilet has an internal leak. To fix an internal leak you can simply replace the tank's ball or flapper.
If you have plumbing problems caused by grout in the water lines, it is best not to attempt to fix it yourself. You can try dislodging some of the blockage which will open up the line. Plastic pipes are more conducive to clearing grout than metal pipes. Yet keep in mind that it is probably going to take professional work to eradicate this problem for you.
You need to always be aware of the location of the primary water cut-off valve on your piece of property. The cut-off valve will generally be close to the water meter. Additionally, certain fixtures in your home, including sinks and toilets, may have individual cut-off valves. Make sure your entire family knows where each shut-off valve is, and provide instructions nearby on which direction to turn the valve in to shut it off.
If water is flowing out from where your meter is located, a professional is required to come out and fix the leak. If your water bill goes up, this is most likely because the leak is on the house side of the water meter. You will need to get a professional to come out and fix the leak.
If you cannot turn off your main water valve before leaving on vacation, turn off the individual valves for the toilets, sinks, and washing machine. If the valves do not look like they are in good working order, then leave them on and that will be something that you need to have changed when you return.
Check for leaks behind the wall tile in your bathroom, especially any tile surrounding your bathtub, by gently pressing each tile and feeling for some give. If you find any mushy or soft spots, you will need to find the source of the leak and repair it to prevent further damage.
To summarize, you want to know that you are taking care of your plumbing job just the same as a professional would, but without the additional costs they would inflict upon you. Hopefully, this article was informative enough for you to tackle any plumbing issue that might come your way.
Hallsboro, NC