Article created by-Kendall Winkel
As fun as planning to do your own plumbing can seem, it is a very important reason to start learning how now. Another thing is that it can save you a lot of money in the future, so you can handle any issues yourself. These tips below can help you start.
You can check your toilet for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring, Kool Aid or some coffee grounds to the water in the toilet's tank (not the water in the bowl). Check the water in the bowl after a half hour or so. If any of the coloring agent is visible in the water in the bowl, the tank is leaking, and you will have to have it repaired.
Before you start a plumbing project you should tighten all of the pipes that are easily accessible. Especially if your pipes are making a range of loud banging sounds, as this is a clear sign that there are loose pipes along the line. It is also a good idea in case there is a clog so the excess pressure released does not break a loose pipe.
You need to winter-proof your house. You have to make sure you switch of the master circuit breaker or the shut-off valve before you leave your house. Since one small hole or congested water can quickly freeze and cause pipes to break and expand, you need to drain and open all outdoor and household water lines.
Avoid using hard cleaners on your toilets, such as drop-in cleaner tabs in the tank. When these tabs are almost completely dissolved, what's left of the tab gets washed into the bowl. This can then end up clogging the toilet's port holes, preventing the toilet from flushing properly. It can take months for this debris to finish dissolving in those holes.
Always keep your garbage disposal clean. You can do this in many ways. Pour some dish soap in and let the disposal run for a few minutes with some cold water. Be sure to run it regularly, if not, it can cause rust. To eliminate foul odors, grind lemon or other citrus peels. You can clean the walls of the disposal by grinding small fruit pits or egg shells.
Do not ignore
http://tanner68berta.isblog.net/you-might-have-the-ability-to-repair-your-own-water-lines-23413641 flushing toilet. This is usually a sign that something is wrong. It can also cause backups and overflows.
https://greatist.com/happiness/how-to-unclog-a-sink of a slow flushing toilet are sediment build up, tank malfunctions, or partial clogs. You should periodically check for these problems.
When chilly weather approaches, it is time to disconnect your water hoses from your outside faucets. If you forget to do this, water in the hoses can freeze and expand. This can cause the faucets and the connecting pipes inside your house to freeze and break. By simply rolling up your garden hoses and storing them for the winter, you can help prevent costly plumbing repairs.
To prevent pipe banging when you turn on the water, think about rubber blankets or straps. Instead of assuming the pipes need replaced, consider anchoring them or buffering them. If your pipes are plastic, leave them some room for expansion and contraction. If pipes do not leak but just make noise, eliminate the noise.
Make sure you shut off your main system before leaving your house for a few weeks. The water will stay in the pipes, but this should prevent any further damages in case a leak starts while you are away. Check that your shut-off valve is working properly before you leave.
Avoid using
Hydro Jetting Drain Cleaning to clear clogged drains by purchasing a hand-held manual auger. A drain auger is a one-time purchase as opposed to purchasing a new bottle every time a drain is clogged. This is especially helpful for people who deal with clogged drains often, such as people with long hair or kids who like to drop things down the drain.
Cover pipes that are outside or in cool areas. Use heat tape to make sure that the pipes are completely covered and insulated. This will prevent frozen pipes in the winter, which can be an expensive problem. Check outdoor pipes for other problems such as leaks and cracks which are better to catch early.
Be sure to have a running toilet fixed as soon as you can. Having a running toilet uses more water, which raises your water bill. To fix it yourself, you just have to find out what the problem is and buy the supplies you need. If you can't fix it yourself, call a plumber.
If you are starting a plumbing project due to a leak be sure to tighten all the nuts first. Loose areas are the number one cause for leaks. If after tightening all nuts in the area you find that the leak continues, it is then time to search for possible holes.
When it comes to plumbing, there is never an unsolvable problem. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated with the project, you should try to take a break from what you are working on. The greatest mistakes start to happen when you become angry and inpatient, so take a break and walk outside.
If you toilet is clogged up, the water is low and a plunger doesn't work you could try dumping warm water from a bucket into the toilet from waist level or higher. You should repeat dumping warm water in the bowl when necessary and if the water gets low again.
When you are snaking out your drain, always make sure that you use a mask to cover your face. You will be pulling up all sorts of chemicals that you do not want to inhale or get on your skin. Practice safe plumbing if you desire to optimize your health.
If you need to locate a pipe under the floor, attach a strong magnet to a solid line coated with fish tape. Flush the magnet or throw it in a drain. Make sure to attach the line to something or to have someone hold it. Use a compass to locate the magnet and the pipe.
Before starting a plumbing project be sure to know your pipes. Each pipe has a different use and every municipality has different codes for what pipes can be used for. Making a mistake in this area can be very costly, if you are forced to remove all the pipes from the work you have just completed.
As you can see, hiring a professional plumber is usually an unnecessary and expensive thing to do, compared to fixing the problem yourself. Next time your plumbing needs repair, try pulling up this article and trying to solve it yourself. You may be surprised how easy it is to do!