Leaky pipes and backed up water systems can be a serious headache to the homeowner that is faced with dealing with these issues. There is not a lot besides a natural disaster that can damage a house more than a huge plumbing problem. There are a lot of things homeowners can do to prevent serious plumbing problems and reduce the effects if they do happen.
If you have pipes that sound as if they’re squeaking or hammering, it’s an easy fix. Exposed pipes need to be properly anchored. If the pipes are in the walls, floors or ceiling, you may want to call a professional to come and help complete the project.
If you discover a pipe has frozen, open a tap on the line to allow the thawing ice to drain. This gives the pressure somewhere to go, and can keep them from bursting.
Wait to give compensation to a plumber until they are finished with their work. You might have to put money down initially before the plumber begins the job. However, do not pay everything up front; instead, only pay once the job is successfully completed. It is vital that you check your plumber has done all the work he promised before you have over the full payment. This will protect you against being scammed by fraudulent tradesmen.
If your home runs on well water and you notice any orange or pink stains in your fixtures or tub, this is because of 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.
A great maintenance routine for bathtub drains is to pour baking soda and vinegar into the drain opening once a month. Seal off the drain with a conventional plug or a piece of fabric while the natural chemical reaction takes place. Let it sit a few minutes, then wash it all away with boiling water. This simple solution can break up clogs caused by everything from hair to soap scum.
Ensure overflow holes don’t have any debris in them. The overflow holes help prevent a sink from spilling. When blocked, they don’t work properly and the water can spill out onto the floor. Clean the overflow holes when you can, like when doing periodic checks for various other repairs and problems.
Swapping out old shower heads for energy-efficient ones can save you money on the energy bill. Showers and baths are responsible for the bulk of your hot water usage. If you invest in purchasing and installing shower heads that are energy-efficient, you can realize savings of approximately $100 each year for each shower head.
Knowing how plumbing works, having a good idea of how to fix things, and keeping basic plumbing materials at hand will help avoid major plumbing problems. The savvy homeowner who takes the time to learn even a little about plumbing is better able to make good decisions while avoiding plumbing situations that could become dangerous. It’s also true that a homeowner can fix problems smoothly and quickly if he prepares for potential trouble.