Most people are unaware that plumbing is something that just about anybody can do. It can be a daunting idea at first, but after you learn the basics, it can actually be pretty easy to find an Emergency Plumber Near Me. Use this article as a guide to help you with any plumbing issues that might come up.
Do not use the liquid cleaning supplies that are designed to clear clogs. These cleaners are harmful and can damage your pipes as they clear the clog. Instead of using damaging liquids, use a plunger or a plumbing snake. These are much more effective and will not harm pipes.
Ensure that everyone in your household knows how to turn off the main water supply, or knows how to contact someone who can. In the event of a burst pipe or other water-related emergency, you should immediately turn off the water to prevent flooding, structural damage, and a sky-high water bill.
Be careful about using liquid clog cleaners. These liquids can contain chemicals that are extremely bad for your pipes. Instead, use a snake or a plunger to dislodge any clogs you might encounter. Be sure to try these things before giving up and calling a plumber, who will probably re-perform those same acts.
Frozen and bursting pipes from harsh winter weather is a problem that no-one wants, so plan now to winterize your exterior faucets and pipes against freezing conditions. A simple way to accomplish this is to find the exterior water shut-off valve located inside your home (often located in the basement). Turn off the water valve to stop water flow, and then open up the outside faucets to drain out any water that has collected. Be sure to turn off the outside water faucets tightly after the water has drained out. Take in any hoses you may have outside so they don’t crack from the cold weather.
Use strainers in all drains to catch hair and other objects. This will prevent all the material from going down the drain and causing a clog, which can cause a bigger problem down the line. Clean out the strainers daily so that you don’t start getting backup of water in your sink or tub.
Check your gas water heater periodically to make sure the pilot flame is lit. The correct color for this flame should be blue. The tip of the flame should be yellow. If you find that you are only seeing a yellow flame, you may need to call a professional for safety reasons.
If your water is coming out black, then most likely you have an iron and magnesium issue to your water. You need to contact a water softener company, and get them to come out and assess your water. They will be able to fix the problem by adding a water softener.
Avoid putting grease, fat, and other oils down your drain. Grease hardens when it cools and will clog your pipes. A garbage disposal can even become clogged by hardened grease and it will not run at optimum speed and efficiency. Get rid of any fat or oils outside or in the garbage can.
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.
When replacing your shower head, spend the money on a high-quality model. It’s common to think it’s fine to buy the one that is the cheapest. Cheap shower heads are not well-made and are very likely to break. Buying a cheap shower head will end up costing you more money over the long-term.
Taking preventative measures means you will not have to spend as much on plumbing repairs. Clogs can be a major cause of plumbing problems. You can clog your drains with hair. You can prevent this from occurring by using a drain cover or a screen that is meant to keep the hair out of the drain and pipes. Getting the hair off the screen is much simpler than removing it from the pipe.
In conclusion, you do not want to find yourself stuck paying for a large bill given to you by your local plumber when it was a task that you could have easily taken care of yourself. Use this article in order to establish a firm base knowledge of plumbing and what you can do.
