Many people think do-it-yourself plumbing is difficult. However, when you have the proper education and proper advice for a particular plumbing job, it is much easier. This article is packed with plumbing tips to help you finish any plumbing project you begin.
Keep your plumbing flowing by maintaining a temperature above 32 degrees and wrapping up any exposed pipe works. Pipes have the potential to freeze if the surrounding temperatures are below the freezing mark. It takes time for thawing to occur so you can have water again. However, they might burst, which will cause an enormous mess and repair bill.
If you discover a frozen water pipe, turn on a nearby faucet so that thawed ice has a place to go. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.
Never pay a plumber until the job is complete. You may have to put money down before they start working, but avoid paying the total amount until it’s done. This ensures that the plumber fully completes the job before getting paid.
A strainer positioned over a drain can prevent stoppage by collecting food particles as they try to enter the drain. Clean the kitchen sink strainer any time something collects in it. Kitchen filters should be changed often, while bathtub filters can be changed as needed.
If you want your garbage disposal to have the same lifespan as your total home, clean it regularly. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.
Schedule your plumbing jobs all together. This allows you to save up for necessary parts and equipment while saving money on hiring a professional. It also saves you money because a lot of plumbers charge by the hour–they cannot charge for multiple hours every trip if they only make one trip out.
Ensure that the overflow holes in your sinks are not clogged. If your sink starts to overflow, the water will run into the overflow holes, this might not be a huge issue, unless they are clogged. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.
To keep your garbage disposal working at its best, use plenty of cold water when you turn it on. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. When you use hot water, any grease that is in the garbage will melt and be more prone to stopping up your drain.
Don’t skimp on quality when it’s time to replace that shower head. Some people think it’s alright to get the cheapest head for your shower in the store. This is not the case though. The cheaper models usually are low quality and will break easier than a high quality fixture.
As was discussed at the beginning of the article, while plumbing can be an extremely difficult chore for anyone to complete, it becomes significantly easier if you have the right advice and information. Use the advice from this article, and you’ll be on your way to doing your own plumbing.