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Looking For Solid Advice About Plumbing? Check Out These Tips!


Did you know that faulty air chambers might be why you are hearing a hammering sound in your pipes? The noise is known as water hammer and it may mean that water has entered your air chamber. Here are some tips to help you fix your problem.

Before starting any plumbing project be sure to turn off the main water supply. Water damage can be one of the most expensive things to repair. To minimize damage turn the main water supply off as well as any shut off valves near where you are working. This will save a great deal of hardship later on.

Pour equal parts baking soda followed by vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. This will cause a chemical reaction to occur and you should plug the drain. Allow some time to pass then follow up by pouring down boiling hot water. Doing this will clear your pipes of any soap scum or hair that has accumulated.

When concerned with plumbing you need to know what can cause noisy pipes. This is important because it can mean the difference between an annoying noise and flooding in your house. Do your research to distinguish between the different noises and hire a professional if any serious risk is posed.

If you have noisy pipes you can cushion them with a rubber blanket or add additional anchor straps. Banging pipes are usually caused by loose pipes water hammering to a stop as you turn it off or hot water pipes shifting in their position. All of these problems can be solved by cushioning and anchoring the pipes.

Do you have a frozen drainpipe? You can use a garden hose to thaw it out. First of all remove the trap from the drainpipe and insert the hose until it will not go any further. While lifting up the other end of the hose pour hot water down it. Keep pouring hot water down the hose until the drainpipe thaws. To save time with cleanup keep a bucket underneath to catch the water that overflows.

Sometimes you have to make the choice between replacing or repairing. If you have an old appliance that uses a lot of water or electricity it may be best to replace. Sure it will cost more initially but it will save you money in the long run. The other thing is you cant be sure how well a repair will work out whereas with a new appliance youll at least get a guarantee.

Dont start any do-it-yourself plumbing project without having a plan in place. You need to know beforehand exactly what you are getting yourself into. Know what kind of space you are working with and what lines are which. Getting a clear picture early on will make your plumbing project go a lot smoother!

Frozen pipes can lead to many problems most of them expensive to fix. So you want to avoid that at all costs. To avoid frozen pipes make sure the temperature in your home never drops below 55 degrees. Look for any air leaks around your pipes and make sure theyre sealed up.

In the winter months if you live somewhere where temperatures fall below freezing leave your faucets on a little bit to let a thin stream of water through. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing which could be a major problem for you and all the pipes in your home.

When plunging a drain to attempt to remove a blockage first make sure that the drain is completely covered in water. This helps to form a seal. Then plunge at least fifteen to twenty times before stopping. Repeat the process two to three times. If this doesnt work try a chemical drain cleaner.

In the winter months if you live somewhere where temperatures fall below freezing leave your faucets on a little bit to let a thin stream of water through. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing which could be a major problem for you and all the pipes in your home.

If you have a lot of hair in your shower drain be sure to get a stopper and put it in the drain. This will catch the hair from going down the drain which can clog it. Just make sure that you remove hair that is already in the drain before using the stopper.

You should consider getting a stainless steel sink if you are in need of a new sink. Stainless steel sinks are much better than other ones for many reasons. They are more durable they absorb shock they are easier to clean and they go with almost any decor.

Use a product like BioBen if you are planning to leave your system shut off for a few weeks. Water will still remain in the pipes and could start smelling because it is not moving. This type of product will keep the water from stagnating and from smelling too bad.

If your washing machines drain stack overflows you should try to snake it with a typical pipe snake. Its common for debris and lint to accumulate in the pipe creating a clog.

When it comes to plumbing a great choice is to invest in brass fittings. Sure they may be more expensive upfront however their longevity is amazing compared to the alternatives so you end up saving money. As an added bonus the brass fittings look so much better than the other alternatives.

Make sure to use the toilet for waste and toilet paper only. Dont put cotton swabs and other items in the toilet as if it is a trashcan. Make sure that whatever you put in the toilet can easily dissolve so that you dont cause major clogging and backup in your pipes and drains.

Now that you have read these plumbing tips you should feel a little more comfortable about looking after that scary hardware that lurks in some rooms of your home. Follow the advice above and you are sure to do the right things when tinkering around with any of the pipes.