Once in a while, everyone has a question about plumbing. Sometimes we want to figure out how to fix a problem by ourselves and need to learn how to do that. This article will help you gain the knowledge you need to not only fix issues, but properly maintain your pipes as well.
If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. A garbage disposal can be dangerous, even when it is not on. Research your disposal online to locate a detailed diagram or troubleshooting guide for your model.
Don’t put oil, grease or fat into your drain. When they cool down, they get hard and that will cause clogs in your sink drains. This is especially damaging to garbage disposals because the fat can make the blades turn more slowly and less efficiently. Dispose of oils and fatty liquids in the trash.
In order to ensure that your garbage disposal will last for as long as your home, keep it clean on a regular basis. Using lemon rinds and cherry pits mixed with dish soap will help keep your garbage disposal operating efficiently and smelling fresh.
Putting a cup of any kind of baking soda followed with a cup of white vinegar each month will keep your drain running smoothly. Seal off the drain with a conventional plug or a piece of fabric while the natural chemical reaction takes place. Pause a few minutes, and then follow the mixture with boiling water. This should help clear your pipes of accumulated hair and soap scum.
If you operate the disposal on your sink, run plenty of cool water. The blades will stay sharper, and the overall disposal process will run smoother. Avoid using hot water, as this will liquefy grease, causing it to build up in the drain and obstruct your pipes.
Swapping out old shower heads for energy-efficient ones can save you money on the energy bill. A lot of the hot water that we use is used when we shower. Invest in an energy-efficient shower head and you could save a hundred dollar every year on your water bill.
If you notice water draining into your dishwater, check your kitchen sink. The hose might not be installed properly. This hose must lead uphill and downhill to prevent mixing water between the kitchen sink and the dishwasher.
Letting your sink run is not really necessary when you put something down the in-sink disposal unit. Water does nothing to make the garbage disposal work more efficiently, even though many people seem to think that it makes the process smoother. In contrast, it could actually cause garbage or waste to stick to the insides of the disposal and do more damage than good.
Proper education prior to a problem arising is imperative. In addition, remember that preventative maintenance can go a long way in avoiding problems, to begin with. Apply the tips provided in the above article, and you’ll be prepared for all plumbing needs you’ll have in the future.