How To Properly Handle A Plumbing Problem

It is common for people to believe that plumbing repairs are hard. But, if you are knowledgeable on the subject, it can be easier. The following plumbing tips will give you a head start on whatever plumbing project needs to be done.

It is important to locate the main water supply cut-off valve in your home. It is likely very close to your water meter. Look for additional cut-off valves for you indoor equipment, such as toilets, sinks or any other water source. Everyone in your household should know where cut-off valves are located and how to turn them off in the event of an emergency.

If you have a pipe that freezes, you should turn on the faucet that is close to the pipe; this way, the water has a place to go. As such, bursting can be halted, saving you from even more costly damages.

Flush your drain with a constant stream of cold water when operating your drain mounted disposal unit. Cold water keeps blades sharp and allows for smoother disposal. If you use hot water it will liquefy the grease, allowing it to accumulate in your drain causing your pipes to clog.

In order to avoid irritating pipe clogs, use chemicals or physical tools regularly in order to keep your pipes clear. This is very important for outside pipes and toilet drains that can have tree roots disturb them.

Heading into the cold season is an ideal time of year to schedule a tune-up for the hot water tank system in your home. Doing this will mean you spend less money on utilities, since your tank will use less energy heating the water.

Frozen pipes can do very extensive and expensive damage. Thankfully, you can prevent your pipes from freezing. Insulate your outside pipes. Before winter, drain your hoses and disconnect your outdoor faucets. If you take these preventative measures, you will save money in the long run.

If your home has copper pipes, when you are running hot water, they will tend to expand a little. This causes the pipes to no longer fit their hangers, and instead grind against them, which could cause pipe damage. You can wrap your pipe in tape and adjust your hangers as necessary to keep the pipes where they belong.

Infrequently used valves can stiffen with age and become inoperable. Apply penetrating oil on a regular basis, and turn it so as to stop it from seizing.

Many times toilet problems can be easily fixed by simply replacing the flapper. Flappers need to be replaced regularly to prevent leaks. If the chain has come loose, replace it and tighten its hold. If the chain is not the issue, it is most likely the time to replace the flapper.

Don't skimp on quality when it's time to replace that shower head. There are some who think that low price is all that matters when buying fixtures for the bathroom. This is not the case though. The cheaper models usually are low quality and will break easier than a high quality fixture.

When replacing old plumbing fixtures, brass fixtures are your best option. Brass fixtures tend to last longer with fewer problems. In addition, brass fixtures are much more attractive than some of the other types of plumbing fixtures. These fixtures are sold in most hardware and home improvement stores.

As was discussed at the beginning of the article, while plumbing can be an extremely difficult chore for anyone to complete, it becomes significantly easier if you have the right advice and information. Use the advice from this article, and you'll be on your way to doing your own plumbing.