Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. This keeps the sediment from building in the tank, which can cause septic tank failure or backup into your house. 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.
Toilet discs and odor removers should never be used in your toilet. These things may help improve smells, but they can damage the rubber components of a toiler, which can cause it to function improperly or even worse, completely break down.
If your toilet happens to be clogged, and the plunger is not working, you can pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, but be sure to pour it from a height that is waist level or above so you do not flood the bathroom. Repeat this once your water goes back to a lower level.
Avoid placing fat, grease, and other oils into your drain. When they cool off, they become hard and will clog your pipes. This is most true if you use a garbage disposal, as the fat causes the blades to function slower and they will become less efficient. 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. A water softener can filter out unnecessary minerals, and leave you with clean, usable water.
Make sure all the work on your plumbing is scheduled at one time. By doing so, you can save up enough money to pay for the repairs. Another reason it lowers costs is that plumbers bill per hour worked, and due to partial hour effects, doing all the work at once results in lower billable hours.
Check the overflow holes for clogs. Overflow holes are one of those things which you forget about until you need them. Take the time to clean out the overflow holes as you go through your house doing your regular checks for various issues.
Installing shower heads that are more effective can save you a lot on your energy head. Showers and baths are responsible for the bulk of your hot water usage. Water-conserving shower heads are relatively affordable, but using them can save you a great deal of money within a single year.
When changing your shower head, replace it with one of good quality. Choosing the cheapest shower head in the store can end up costing you more in the long run. Cheap shower heads can break much more easily.
If your pipes are clogged, and you want to try a pipe cleaner, it is suggested that you use an enzyme based cleaner. Enzyme cleaners contain bacteria that digest through solid sludge, making it weak enough to be flushed out. Enzyme cleaners are efficient and will not damage your pipes.
When water pipes freeze, the damage can be extensive and costly. It can also be easily prevented. Insulate your outside pipes. Before winter, drain your hoses and disconnect your outdoor faucets. Taking proper precautions can save you lots of money on plumbing bills.
Sometimes low pressure in water lines can be fixed just by cleaning sediment out of the aerator. The aerator should be removed and taken apart. Then, clean with a water heater tiny brush swabbed in vinegar. Finally, rinse off the aerator, put it back together and then reattach it to your faucet. Doing so will assist in increasing water pressure since obstructions in the aerator are removed in this process.
Don't bother running your water when you use the garbage disposal. A lot of people assume that running water while running the disposal will help the contents to flush through better, but really this is not helpful. It can even cause what you put down the disposal to stick, causing damage to the unit.
Thoroughly check out a plumber's skills, licensing and references before hiring them. An inexperienced plumber will end up being costly if they can't do the job correctly, and they cause further problems for you later. Ask around, and check online reviews. Your relatives and friends will likely know a plumber they will recommend.
Ensure the toilet is free of any leaks. An easy way to check for this is to drop some food coloring in the toilet tank. If you see the coloring after a few seconds, you will know that there is a problem with your toilet that needs immediate attention.
Be aware of the location of the main water shutoff valve on your property. There should be a water meter either on it or possibly close by. Water fixtures typically have a cut-off valve of their own. Show your family members where these valves are, and then add markings that show how they should be turned off if an emergency occurs.
A plumber's work goes well beyond fixing toilets and pipes. Fixing water lines is a key part of plumbing, and requires a fair amount of knowledge to do correctly.
Figure out how large a tank your household requires so that you can ensure there's enough hot water to meet your family's needs. Knowing how many appliances and people use the hot water in the house can help you become aware of the size that is best for your house.
The advice you just read illustrates how having plumbing skills can make your life easier. You will not only save a ton of money, but you could actually make some money fixing minor plumbing issues your friends and family encounter. The hints and tips you were given were meant to be easy to understand and easy to utilize. With any luck, you learned something of interest that will come in handy when you are repairing, maintaining or updating the plumbing in your own home.
