If you know how to maintain your plumbing, it will be helpful in the future. However, there are times when plumbing needs attention from a plumber but getting one to your house quickly is not a viable option. Read on to learn some amazingly useful tips to help you keep your home plumbing in great shape all by yourself!
Noisy pipes that make squeaking or hammering sounds are an easy problem to fix. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. If these pipes are located in the floors, ceiling or walls, you are probably best calling a profession plumber to take over the project.
If a pipe freezes, make sure you turn the closest faucet to allow the thawing water to exit. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. Doing this prevents any sediment from getting built up within the tank, which causes plumbers service a backup in your home or causes your entire septic system to fail. While you may find it costly to get your septic tank cleaned out, the cost is much higher to have sewage and backups cleaned up and your septic tank repaired or replaced.
Wait until a job is done before you pay for it. In some cases, you have to make a down payment prior to the first day of work. This is okay to do; however, don't let your plumber talk you into paying the entire cost of a job before he's finished, and never pay the whole cost before he's even begun. You need to know the plumber did what he promised before he is reimbursed for the entire amount.
If a plumbing project is in your future, know two things: what tools you have, and how you are supposed to use them. Read all of the equipment's manuals and read up as much as you can on plumbing projects. You need to conduct research before attempting a repair, because it could be expensive to correct an error.
Don't be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that claims to prevent toilet odor. They can clean the bowl and remove odors, but they also damage the soft plastic and rubber parts in and around your toilet.
Check your floors for softness around toilets, so that you can ascertain if there is any floor damage. Straddle your toilet by rocking it from foot to foot to see if there's any weakening or softness on the floor below you. You can save money if you notice the problem as soon as possible.
Cleaning your in-sink garbage disposal can extend its lifetime significantly. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.
Think about what plumbing work you need, then schedule them all at once. It can be tempting to call a plumber each time you have a minor problem, but saving plumbing work for one time allows you to put money aside for the repairs. This will cut down on your plumbing bill because they can not charge you for extra trips.
Pour equal parts baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Afterward, place a washcloth or towel over the top of the drain, to keep the chemical reactions contained. Wait a while, and then use boiling water to flush. By following this tip, you should be able to clear all the soap scum, hair, and other grime out of your pipes.
Run cold water in your sink when you turn on the garbage disposal. The cold water keeps your blades sharp, which helps your disposal run smooth. Using hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate in the drain, which will cause clogs in your pipes.
Swapping out old shower heads for energy-efficient ones can save you money on the energy bill. The majority of hot water is consumed by showers. A single energy efficient shower head can save you $100 a year.
An enzyme based cleaner is an excellent way of unblocking clogged pipes. These natural bacteria cleaners turn sludge into liquid, and then remove it from the pipes. These enzyme cleaners are probably the best that exist.
If grout has gotten stuck in the line, trying to clean it out yourself is probably not the best idea. You can break the grout up and make it go further down the line. It works better if you have plastic pipes instead of metal pipes. This is a tough problem, however, that very often requires professional intervention.
If you need to repair your home plumbing, you have a lot of options as to what to do. Following the advice in this article and learning these techniques will prove extremely valuable if you ever have a plumbing emergency. They will also help you save money because in some cases, you will be able to avoid hiring the services of a plumber.
hellishcoward9604 Community Member 
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