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Plumbing issues can crop up at any time. There are some plumbing things that can seem hard while others can seem easier to deal with. No matter what your particular case may be, it is important that you are educated on plumbing, so that the problem can be fixed in a timely manner.

Have your septic tank cleaned every five years to keep it in prime condition. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system. It will cost some to have the septic tank pumped, but it would cost much more to have it cleaned, repaired or replaced due to sewage back up.

Never pay a plumber until the job is complete. Some plumbers may require a deposit, but don't fork over all the dough until the job is completed to spec. You should know the plumber did his job before you pay him.

Never try to fix a garbage disposal by putting your hand down into it. Your garbage disposal is a dangerous device, even when turned off. Look for a diagram of the garbage disposal you have on the Internet.

Check your floors for softness around toilets, so that you can ascertain if there is any floor damage. You can check for softness or weakness in the floor by placing one foot on each side of the toilet and rocking back and forth. You could save money if you notice these problems early.

Trash should go in the trash basket, not the toilet. Use the toilet for what it is designed for, and it won't give you a lot of problems. For example, don't flush sanitary pads or diapers down your toilet. These items can clog the pipes. Also, be conservative in your use of toilet paper.

Clean out your dryer's lint filter. This will save you trouble, such as preventing fires. Look over the lint trap to make sure there aren't any rips or holes. This can cause problems like clogs.

It is very important to to use lots of cold water when running your garbage disposal. The cold water helps keep the blades sharp and can make disposal much smoother. Hot water can clog your drain by allowing liquid grease to build up in it.

Keep the drains in your bathtub working properly by pouring a cup's worth of baking soda and than a cup's worth of vinegar directly down your drain every month. Cover with a rag or plug, as a chemical reaction will occur in the pipes. Wait for a bit, then flush with boiling water. Your pipes will soon be clear of accumulated hair and soap scum.

To extend the life of your pipes, try to stay away from drain cleaners if you can. Drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can cause your pipes to corrode if you overuse them. If you do have a clogged drain, it is better to hire a professional to see what is causing it.

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When trying to unclog drains, never use any chemical drain openers. Yes, these products will open your drain, but the chemicals can harm your body, particularly if you get them directly on your skin. Make sure you protect your hands and arms if you are still going to use these products.

If you want to go green try purchasing a water heater that is tankless. These heaters only heat water when it is needed, so they do not store any water the way a regular heater does. This saves money by not heating water pointlessly.

It doesn't have to be as hard as you may think. Though plumbing is a complex subject, there is a great deal of information http://www.grainger.com/category/plumbing-equipment/hand-tools/ecatalog/N-972 out there. A little push in the right direction is all it will take to get you started. Hopefully, this article will help you in the future!