Plumbing problems can cause quite an uproar for a homeowner that is not familiar with fixing these types of issues. It can take a lot of time and money when it comes to hiring a professional plumber. If you know what to do you can tackle some simple plumbing tasks. Read on to find out how to make plumbing problems easy!
In order to avoid unsightly and unnecessary clogs in your shower invest in a drain strainer. This cost-effective addition to your shower will gather your hair before it makes it to the drain and limit the chances that you will find yourself showering while standing in a clogged up mess.
Use your garbage disposal with the cold water running so that you can preserve the blades of the disposal. Using hot water makes grease more liquid and can cause problems including clogs. Make sure to clean blades by putting in a little dish detergent and run cold water at the same time.
If you have a pipe that freezes you should turn on the faucet that is close to the pipe; this way the water has a place to go. This relieves the pressure contained in the pipe as it also prevents it from bursting which would reduce the damage done to your house.
Frozen pipes can do very extensive and expensive damage. However most of the time you can prevent this from happening. Make sure that any outdoor pipes are well insulated. When the temperature dips you should also make sure your garden hoses are disconnected and that your exterior faucet is shut off. Doing this can help save a lot of plumbing repair bills.
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.
If you have drains in your house that have not been used for a long period of time pour one gallon of water through them to keep them functional. Furthermore this will have the added benefit of reducing any odors from entering your house from lack of use during the year.
There are simple ways to check your toilet for leaks that can ultimately lead to great cost savings in the long run. The easiest way to do this is to pour a small amount of food dye into the holding tank of your toilet overnight. In the morning if you have any color in the basin then you know you have a leak that needs some attention.
Regular maintenance of your plumbing lines is a great idea. Your options are getting your lines snaked or jetted. Jetted is a technology that is proven more effective than snaking is. It gets deeper and cleans harder. So jetting is a good idea next time you are having maintenance performed on your lines.
Being educated about plumbing issues is essential if you are a homeowner. Problems can occur when we least expect it so understanding how to handle common DIY projects and knowing what you need to be aware of in hiring a contractor will all go a long way towards getting your project done and done well.