Proper plumbing is essential to maintaining your home. You may need to call a plumber for some of your issues, but it might not be possible because of money. This article lays out some effective tips for repairing and maintaining your plumbing.
Know where the location of the main water-valve is on your property. There should be a nearby water meter. Individual fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, may also have shut-off valves just for that fixture. Make sure every member of the family knows where the values are located, and mark them so they are easy to turn off in case the need arises.
TIP! If the flapper is worn out, or if the seat for the flapper has mineral deposits building up, the water in the bowl is allowed to run constantly. Your water bill will show a significant increase at these times.
Investigate loose tiles for sign of water damage. Loose tiles can be an early sign that a leak exists and needs to be addressed, so press against the floor or wall around the tiles to determine if there is any “give”. Using your discernment when viewing the tiles, you can handle the problem more effectively.
Don’t pour chemicals down your drain to unclog it, even if the product is labeled as a drain opener. No matter how effective they are at unclogging drains, the contents of such products can be very dangerous, especially if your skin is inadvertently exposed to them. If you insist on using them, wear gloves and long sleeved shirts.
Most people don’t know much about plumbing, so they pay ghastly prices for plumbing services. Learn some plumbing basics so that you’ll understand what the plumber needs to do to resolve problems in your home. By learning a little bit about the topic, you can rest assured that you won’t be robbed blind by a plumber.
TIP! The dryer has a lint trap that must be kept clean. This can prevent a lot of problems, including a fire.
Sometimes you might find that your drainage pipe for the washing machine might overflow. This can be caused by things that go through your wash and eventually build up in your pipes. You should regularly check for water damage to your bathroom floor caused by your toilet in order to save money and further complications. Feel the floor around the toilet and check to see if the floor is soft, molded, chipping, etc. Sit reversed on the toilet (facing the tank) with your feet on the floor. Rock your weight onto each foot in turn and see if you can feel any weakness or “give” in the floor. When you have a problem like this to deal with, the earlier you detect it, the less expensive it will be to take care of.
Copper pipes can sometimes expand a little as hot water passes through them. This expansion can cause the pipe to grind against its hanger, which can cause damage. In order to prevent potential damage, wrap tape around loose pipes before putting them back in their hangers.
TIP! Remember that your toilet is not intended to be used to dispose of trash. Don’t flush anything that is unlikely to dissolve and wind up clogging pipes, such as diapers, tissues, paper towels and cotton balls.
The flapper valve is one of the most critical components of a toilet. Flappers do deteriorate over periods of time, and the majority of toilet leaks start with flapper issues. If the chain has come loose, replace it and tighten its hold. If the chain is not the issue, it is most likely the time to replace the flapper.
As you now know, there are many tricks and tips that can be used to repair plumbing in your house. By utilizing these tips in your home, you can not only fix your plumbing in an emergency, but you can also cut costs by reducing the need for a professional plumber.