It is common for all of us to have plumbing concerns and questions. We want to know how we can fix things ourselves and to learn basic maintenance tips. The ideas here in this article should give you both of these things so you’re prepared to deal with plumbing issues that come up.
If your pipes make squeaking and hammering noises, it may be very simple to fix. If pipes are exposed, you must anchor them. You may need the assistance of a professional in the case that the pipes are contained within a floor or ceiling.
To eliminate the possibility of having frozen pipes, maintain a constant temperature in your home above freezing, and be certain to adequately insulate those pipes that are out in the weather. The pipes will be able to freeze if the temperature surrounding the pipes drops below freezing. It can take a while for the pipes to thaw, which means you will not be able to run water for quite some time. Frozen pipes can also burst, which can be very messy and expensive to repair.
Check floors around toilets for softness, so you can tell if you have any floor damage. Straddle the toilet, then start rocking on each foot to check whether you feel softness or weakening on the floor under you. Discovering this issue sooner can mean big savings for your checking account, as compared to finding out about it later.
Make sure there is a strainer covering all drains in order to collect particles that would cause a clog if they went down the drain. Your kitchen sink strainer needs cleaning every time something big gets stuck in it. A strainer in your bathtub should be checked occasionally and cleaned whenever necessary.
If your house uses well water and you start to see orange or pink stains in your tub and other water fixtures, you have too much iron in your water. You should purchase a water softener to use, or ask a local business to make a visit to your residence and resolve the issue for you.
Proper education prior to a problem arising is imperative. Regular maintenance can also prevent small plumbing issues from becoming serious emergencies. Use the tips included in the preceding piece, and you will be prepared to tackle any plumbing issues that may develop.
