If you plan on maintaining your plumbing yourself, there is a world of information that you need to know. Whether you are outfitting your tool shed or wading through local regulations, knowledge is critical. The tips in this article can provide you with what you need to know to become a better plumber.
Your septic tank should be pumped out at least once every five years if you want it to stay in optimum working order. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system. It will cost some to have the septic tank pumped, but it would cost much more to have it cleaned, repaired or replaced due to sewage back up.
Set up a time when all plumbing work will be completed at one time. It might be tempting to call up a plumber every time you have a small problem, but if you will save all the plumbing issues for one time, it can be helpful. It will allow you save the money for the repairs. It also saves you money because a lot of plumbers charge by the hour–they cannot charge for multiple hours every trip if they only make one trip out.
A great maintenance routine for bathtub drains is to pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain opening once a month. Cover the drain with a plug or rag as you wait for the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda to happen in your pipes. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. By taking these steps, you have a good chance of ridding your pipes of hair and soap scum.
You should make sure that the holes are not stopped up on the overflow. These holes come into use if the skin overflows. Things can get problematic if they are clogged. Periodically clear out the overflow holes when doing your other checks for things that may need repaired.
If you operate the disposal on your sink, run plenty of cool water. Cold water helps the blades stay sharp and keeps the disposal running smoothly. Grease will stay solid and go through your drain with cold water; you don’t want gooey grease in your pipes.
Installing more efficient shower heads can save you tons of money on your energy bill. Most hot water is consumed in our showers. Invest in an energy-efficient shower head and you could save a hundred dollar every year on your water bill.
If you see unwanted water that keeps draining into your dishwasher, the problem is most likely a hose running to your kitchen sink that was not correctly installed. The hose must lead uphill then back downhill to prevent the combining of water from each device.
As you have seen, plumbing, while appearing intimidating, is not all that complicated. There are just many basic things you have to make sure to cover before you begin. In order to start, you just have to know how to properly research, how to work hard, and how to use your common sense in order to discover the best methods for the job.
