Plumbing Pointer You Actually Need To Find out about
1. Plumbing Pointer You Actually Need To Find out about
Plumbing does not have to be as complicated as most people make it out to be. There are some basic
things that you need to know about plumbing systems, as well as, having the necessary tools to do
your own repairs. This article may have a few useful tips and tricks that you can add to your tool
belt.
When concerned with plumbing, you need to know what can cause noisy pipes. This is important
because it can mean the difference between an annoying noise and flooding in your house. Do your
research to distinguish between the different noises and hire a professional if any serious risk is
posed.
If your water is coming out black, then most
likely you have an iron and magnesium
http://www.wikihow.com/Repair-an-Electric-
Water-Heater 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.
Find out the plumbing codes in your local
area before starting any project. Plumbing
codes can vary wildly from area to area and
you don't want to run afoul of the codes.
Visit your local building department to find
out information or hire a plumber for a day
to help you go over your plans and provide
advice.
In order to keep your garbage disposal in optimal working condition, run it on a regular basis. Just a
simple 60 seconds per day under cold water can keep it running clean and smooth. If not run
regularly, your disposal can be susceptible to corrosion that will eventually make it inoperable.
Before embarking on a plumbing project, make sure that you're aware of where the shutoff valve for
water in your home is, as well as the valves for shutting off individual structures like sinks, toilets,
etc. This way, if something goes wrong, you'll be able to stop the water flow.
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.
If you are using PEX tubing for the supply lines in your home, make sure you get the right tools for
the job. PEX tubing requires a completely different tool type than regular lines. PEX has a lot of
2. benefits though, so water heater cost new don't let the different requirements throw you off.
Be careful with putting household cleaners in your toilet. They can cause the toilet to malfunction.
The debris that these cleaners leave can sit in your toilet's pipes and harden, making them almost
impossible to get rid of. If it does harden, it usually requires the help of a professional.
Everyone in your home should know where the main water shut off valve is. By knowing where to
find this valve, you'll be able to shut off the water in the event a pipe bursts, a bathtub or toilet
overflows or any other emergency that requires you to turn off the water.
To make sure there is no accident or sudden rush of water when you tackle a plumbing project,
make sure you are ready for a cleanup. If you go into the work with a huge stack of towels and
blankets ready to absorb water, the prospect of needing to actually do it will keep you alert enough
to avoid triggering the accident in the first place.
Do not be surprised if a plumber charges you more than you expected. Many customers think that
fixing a toilet or other drainage problem should be easy, therefore the price should be low. You must
remember that not only does a plumber have to charge for labor, but they have to charge for parts
that you need.
Never try to undertake a project that you are unsure of. Additionally, never call on a friend to help
you with something, if they are not a professoinal. There have been hundreds of good friendships
ruined by a guy claiming to know exactly what he is doing, when the truth is he is clueless.
Be sure to check that your faucets on the outside of your home are free of leaks as winter
approaches. If they are, it is important to have all repairs completed before the temperatures drop
below freezing. Frozen water will back up in your pipes and crack them, whether they are PVC,
copper, or even steel. Even a hairline crack can make enough water leak to cause a major flood in
your home.
Heat up frozen pipes carefully if they have frozen. In colder regions, pipes placed closest to outer
walls and ceilings could freeze if not properly insulated. Use hot rags, hot water, a blow dryer or
similar heat source. Start heating at a place nearest the tap, then work backwards.
To save both time and money, consolidate all your plumbing problems into a single visit from the
plumber. Check all of your plumbing fixtures, note any problems and write them down so you don't
forget anything. Once you have your list, you are then ready to call the plumber. By doing this, the
plumber can address all of the problems at the same time, preventing costly return visits.
If you are starting a plumbing project due to have discolored water, especially black, be sure to have
your water tested first instead. There could be a mineral build up in your pipes or the source of the
problem could be further down the line than you can reach. Most importantly you want to be sure
your water is safe for drinking.
If you have unused cooking grease, do not pour it down your kitchen drain. The grease or oil can
clog your drain and even cause irreparable damage. Instead, put the unused grease or oil into a
plastic bag. Or, you can put the grease into an empty tin can, set it in the refrigerator to solidify, and
then throw it away.
Tank-less water heaters are a great space saving alternative to traditional tank units. They are
available in many models, some for indoors and some models are capable for outdoor mounting.
3. Tank-less water heaters are known as great money savers when it comes to your water bill.
As was shown in the above article, there are many plumbing issues that can be handled by someone
other than a plumber. Once you take the time to read how to do it, you will be amazed at the things
you will be doing without the expense of an expert.