Do you want to make improvements or repairs to your home’s plumbing? Would you like to know how to deal with an emergency? Dealing with issues related to plumbing can be complicated. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring someone, there are a lot of things you need to be aware of. Here are some useful facts and tips.When choosing a plumber make sure he is insured and licensed. This is very important. If there is a plumbing emergency, you want to make sure the plumber has met the training requirements of the state. If he is insured, this covers any accidental damage done while fixing your plumbing.
If your pipes bang when you turn on the water, and all the pipes are anchored correctly, you should add some straps or cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket. There may be times when you will need to do both. Make sure that if you have copper pipes, you are not using galvanized straps.
Avoid frozen pipes this winter! Keep a small trickle of water dripping from faucets, and wrap your uninsulated pipes with foam or newspaper. If possible, keep the doors open between unheated and heated rooms. In an unheated area such as a garage or laundry room, keep a small heater next to the pipes. Remember to do this before the first cold snap hits.
The next time you have a clogged drain, avoid the simple solution of dumping drain-clearing chemicals into the pipes. While this method involves the least amount of effort, the chemicals in these liquid cleaners are destructive to your piping. Instead, consider using a little bit of elbow grease with a plunger, snake, or other device designed to clear your clog without chemicals.
If you have noisy pipes, you can cushion them with a rubber blanket or add additional anchor straps. Banging pipes are usually caused by loose pipes, water hammering to a stop as you turn it off, or hot water pipes shifting in their position. All of these problems can be solved by cushioning and anchoring the pipes.
Unclog drains with ease. Try using a plunger and drain cleaner, as your clog may simply be a build-up of hair and debris. If this doesn’t work you may have to clear the drain with a snake. Feed the snake into the drain line as far as it will go. Turn the crank gently, which will help to loosen the clog. Remove the snake, and run water down the drain to see if the clog has been removed. You may have to use the snake a couple of times, before the clog is cleared so don’t give up!
Routinely check your appliance connections and faucets around the house for any kind of obvious leaks or nearby signs of moisture. Not only do even the smallest leaks lead to a large waste of water and money, they also can lead to damage to your home or even the development of harmful molds.
Make sure overflow holes are cleaned out. This can help to prevent any water damage. Overflow holes are a way to stop water from overflowing if a sink is left on by accident. If the overflow hole is clogged it will not be able to do its job.
Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut off valve is and that they know how to work it. That way, if there is a water problem, anyone in your household can turn off the water, thereby reducing the chances that your home will incur major water damage.
As the weather turns frosty, make sure faucets outside are not dripping or leaking. If you see that, you will have to repair it before the temperature drops to freezing. Whatever the material of your pipes, freezing water causes pressure that can make them crack. Even the most minute crack can cause a big enough leak to create flooding or water damage and mold in your home.
It’s common for people to have bad dreams about plumbing, as they fear one little mistake could be enough to severely damage their home. By only knowing one thing, this nightmare can be avoided. You can save your home from any water damage by learning where your water register is, and how to quickly shut it off.
If you are seeing areas in your ceiling or walls that appear to have water damage or are sagging, make sure you turn off the power before inspecting. Electricity and water do not mix. The last thing you need is to go into the attic and get shocked by a pool of water.
To help keep your drains working properly you should pay attention to clogs. Clogs are a common problem at home but with proper maintenance and preventive measures you can avoid a messy situation. Clogs are not only an annoyance, but can also lead to overflows and water damage. So make sure you keep your drains clog-free by implementing easy preventative practices.
If you have minor ceiling stains from plumbing water damage that has been repaired, you might not have to repaint the entire ceiling. Try taking a solution of bleach and water and dabbing the area with a sponge to lighten them. Make sure you protect your hands and eyes when working over your head.
Make sure to have someone check on your home if you plan to be away on vacation for longer than a few days. Plumbing problems can cause massive water damage, and the longer they’re a problem, a worse the results will be. Having someone drop by and check the place out can prevent the worst from happening.
Being educated about plumbing issues is essential if you are a homeowner. Problems can occur when we least expect it, so understanding how to handle common DIY projects, and knowing what you need to be aware of in hiring a contractor will all go a long way towards getting your project done, and done well.