subject: Solutions To Deal With Plumbing Problems [print this page] When you are doing plumbing work, there may be some things that go wrong. Some plumbing problems require only a simple fix; however, others can be more complicated. Whatever the problem, whether big or small, make sure you know a lot about plumbing so it can be fixed quickly.
Keep the drain in your bathtub working well by pouring one cup baking soda into the drain quickly followed by about a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with an old rag, because there will be a chemical reaction taking place inside the pipes. After giving the mixture time to work, flush it out by running boiling water through the drain. This simple solution can break up clogs caused by everything from hair to soap scum.
Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. Compounds that are ingredients in common drain cleaners are quite corrosive and can cause pipe damage if overused. If your drain is clogged, hire a pro to figure out the problem.
If your flapper is damaged or old, it can allow water to seep out of the tank, leading to constant noise and increased water bills. You should purchase a new flapper, and also scrape down the flapper seat before applying the fix.
Don't pay the entire plumbing bill upfront; wait until the plumber finishes the plumbing job. In some cases, you have to make a down payment prior to the first day of work. This is okay to do; however, don't let your plumber talk you into paying the entire cost of a job before he's finished, and never pay the whole cost before he's even begun. You will feel better paying the bill when you are completely satisfied with the job.
Be very careful when you are selecting drain cleaners. Avoid those that have chemicals that are damaging to pipes. Be certain to choose a brand that claims to be gentle on pipes. Some chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria in your pipes which are needed so your plumbing system can work correctly. Additionally, some of these chemical can also be dangerous to you and your family.
If you have a need for a plumber, check the references of the person or company before hiring them. Some plumbers aren't experienced or skilled enough to do certain jobs, which makes the problem worse. Check out online reviews of various plumbing companies, or get recommendations from friends and family.
Prevention is the key to keeping your plumbing repair bills down. Drain clogs are a common plumbing expense. This is because pipes can retain and trap hair, and other particles, very easily. Use a drain cover to keep hair and other elements from going down your pipes. Getting the hair off the screen is much simpler than removing it from the pipe.
Don't bother running water when you use your garbage disposal. Water will not make your garbage disposal run smoothly. The truth is that water could make garbage stick to the disposal, which might create a problem later.
Figure out the size of the water tank you need, this will help you save some money on energy bills. If you are aware of how many people and appliances will be using hot water, you can determine the appropriate capacity.
Look for water damage by looking at loose tiles. Loose tiles might be an early indicator that there is a leak that needs to be taken care of, so press gently against the wall or floor where the tiles are to see if you feel any "give". You can better respond to an issue proactively if you are warned enough in advance by the tiles.
As mentioned above, there are many problems your plumbing can have. These range from minor repairs to major disasters. By using the above hints, you'll see that these problems can be solved without stressing you out.
