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It is common for all of us to have plumbing concerns and questions. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. This article will help you with both repairs and maintenance, so that you are prepared to deal with any plumbing situation you may face.

Having your septic tank pumped out on a regular basis will keep it functioning properly. Having your septic pumped will keep sediments from settling to the bottom of the septic tank and causing the tank to malfunction or backup. Getting your septic tank drained occasionally may be expensive, but it's dirt cheap compared to the cost of repairing a damaged septic system or the cleanup cost when raw sewage backs up into your home.

Learning the basics is important with plumbing problems, including how to use the common plumbing tools. Read your manuals and books, either online or at the library, to teach yourself do it yourself plumbing. Before attempting any repairs, plan ahead, or you may make a costly mistake.

You should avoid using blue toilet tablets, bleach tablets or any other odor removers in your toilet. It may help to get rid of your toilet's odors, but it will damage any rubber parts, causing your toilet to malfunction, or even break down.

You can unclog a toilet by pouring warm water in the bowl from waist level. Do this as often as necessary if the water level dips back down again.

Don't put oil, grease or fat into your drain. Grease hardens when it cools and will clog your pipes. This can make your garbage disposal run slower. To keep your drain running efficiently, dispose of fats and oils in other ways besides pouring them down the drain.

If you want your garbage disposal to have the same lifespan as your total home, clean it regularly. You can use dish soap, lemon peels, and cherry pits to get your garbage disposal clean and fresh and running well.

Have all the plumbing repairs done in one visit. You may be tempted to call a professional plumber if you have any minor issues, but saving your plumbing issues for one time can let you put that money back into repairs. You will also save because plumbers usually charge hourly rates, so hours they can charge you are reduced if there is only one trip made.

Ensure that your sink's overflow holes are clear. Overflow holes exist to act as a double check in case of an overfilling sink. That may seem unimportant - but it will become a problem if they are clogged. Inspect and clean the overflow holes as part of your regular household maintenance.

If you are using a slower head, see to it that you replace it with one that has good quality. It's common to think it's fine to buy the one that is the cheapest. The problem with doing that is the cheaper shower heads are not known to be sturdy, and they tend to break easier.

Over time, sediment buildup may lead to problems with low water pressure. Often, this problem can be addressed by thoroughly cleaning out the aerator. Remove the aerator, take it apart, and clean with a small brush dipped in vinegar. Then you can simply rinse off the aerator and reassemble the faucet. This should remove any obstructions that were in the aerator, thereby improving your water pressure.

If your toilet has sewage back-up, then there is a block somewhere along the branch line that connects the sewage and main lines. If you cannot take care of this blockage, a professional will have to come out and run a snake through the line in order to clear it.

Rarely used valves tend to fuse together. Clean them using penetrating oil by turning them regularly to prevent them from sticking.

Check professional listings to find a good plumbing contractor. You can learn if a contractor's license is valid and if any complaints have been filed against them. They need a current license that is in good standing, and if not then you should look elsewhere.

Verify the location of your main water valve, and cut-off, for your property It is likely very close to your water meter. Also, locate additional shut off valves for toilets, sinks, washers and any other device that runs off of your water supply. Show each family member the location of the valves, and mark them so people can turn them off in an emergency.

Plumbing is more than dealing with water. There are other skills needed if you want to try out plumbing. Plumbers frequently have to repair water lines.

You need to know how to address problems before you actually experience them. Performing regular preventive maintenance is a great way to keep problems at bay. If you follow these tips, you can be ready to fix anything else that goes wrong with your plumbing.