Often, the plumbing in a house starts malfunctioning soon after you move in. The kitchen and the bathroom are the most common places that plumbing problems occur. Plumbing issues can be extremely expensive, especially if they are not handled immediately. Here are some helpful plumbing tips in case you find yourself in that situation, or any other situation where you will need to do some plumbing work.
Never pay for a plumbing job completely until they have finished the job. Some plumbers may require a deposit, but don’t fork over all the dough until the job is completed to spec. Agree with the plumber in advance on the job and payment.
You need to know your plumbing tools as well as how they are used so your plumbing efforts are always positive. Read each and every manual, and utilize the information that can be found in libraries and the Internet about do-it-yourself projects. Have a good grasp of what you’re attempting to do before you do it, so you don’t have to repair your repair.
Putting a cup of any kind of baking soda followed with a cup of white vinegar each month will keep your drain running smoothly. This will cause a chemical reaction to occur and you should plug the drain. Flush it with boiling water after a few minutes. Doing this periodically should keep your pipes free of hair and soap scum.
Don’t put fat, grease and other oils into the drain. These materials may be liquid when you pour them in, but they will solidify and cause problems. This is most true if you use a garbage disposal, as the fat causes the blades to function slower and they will become less efficient. Pour the grease and oil into a can to cool, put it in the trash.
Check the floors in your bathroom for any give in order to be sure that there is no damage in the floors. Sit on the toilet and move from side to side, placing one foot on the ground. As you do, see if the floor lacks sturdiness or feels otherwise soft. As with many problems, early detection can save you a lot of money.
Plumbing problems can cause a lot of concern, but they can be fixed with some patience and work. Knowing what to do yourself, and when to call a plumber will quickly get things fixed. Do a favor for yourself and listen to these tips above to fix your plumbing issues.
