It is common for all of us to have plumbing concerns and questions. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. This article will help you gain the knowledge you need to not only fix issues, but properly maintain your pipes as well.
To avoid frozen pipes in your home, never allow the temperature in your house to drop below freezing and insulate any pipes that are exposed to the elements. It is easy for pipes to freeze whenever the mean temperature near the pipes drop below freezing. If they do freeze, you are looking at some time before they can thaw out, thus you will have to wait for running water. The worst case would be that they burst, creating water damage and a big repair bill.
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. This keeps the tank from developing a buildup of sediment, thereby preventing the septic system from backing up or failing altogether as a result. The cost to have your tank pumped might be a little steep, but it sure beats the alternative of dealing with sewage in your home or on your property.
Don’t be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that claims to prevent toilet odor. While they may be effective deodorizers, they can damage rubber parts in your toilet. If they become too damaged, your toilet will not operate properly.
If your garbage disposal stops working, never try to fix it by reaching down with your hands. Even when they are turned off, disposals can be very dangerous. Use a guide or the Internet to locate a blueprint of your disposal, or a troubleshooting manual.
Orange or pink discoloration on your bathroom fixtures is a solid indication that your water contains too much iron. A water softener will take care of the issue. This can either be done by yourself, or you can hire a professional to come and take care of.
Garbage Disposal
Make sure that you’re always cleaning your garbage disposal regularly. Doing this will save you from having to repair or replace an expensive piece of equipment in the future. Cleaning can be done with a variety of things you may already have in your home, such as dish-washing soap, the rinds of lemons, or the pits of cherries. When you create a regular cleaning schedule, you can make sure your garbage disposal runs in tip-top shape and smells fresh and like new.
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. Plug the drain afterwards or cover it with a washcloth, as the two chemicals are going to react with each other. Wait for a little while and then allow boiling water to go down the drain. Doing this will help rid your pipes of disgusting soap scum and blockages.
To lessen the chances of toilet problems, do not use as a place to put trash. A lot of commonly-flushed items such as tissues, cotton balls and swabs, paper towels, diapers, and sanitary napkins can clog up a toilet by failing to dissolve properly. Even keep toilet paper use to the minimum necessary.
Lint Trap
You should always clean your dryer’s lint trap. This can prevent a lot of problems, including a fire. Look over the lint trap to make sure there aren’t any rips or holes. This can cause problems like clogs.
Learn about the subject before you have a problem. Performing regular preventive maintenance is a great way to keep problems at bay. Remember the tips in this article to be able to handle your plumbing at home.
