Try These Tips If You Have Plumbing Issues

Now is a great time to become more knowledgeable about plumbing. You have considered it before, but just never set the time aside to do so. Read on into this article for sound advice that is worthy of your time should you have plumbing problems or projects in the future.

To keep your pipes from freezing in the winter, insulate all exterior pipes and be sure to keep your interior house temperature above freezing, even if the house is vacant. It is easy for pipes to freeze whenever the mean temperature near the pipes drop below freezing. If they freeze, it will be awhile for them to gradually warm. Therefore, it will take some time for you to have running water again. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.

Never try to fix a garbage disposal by putting your hand down into it. 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.



Check the floor for soft areas around the toilet to determine floor damage. Straddle your toilet and gently rock foot to foot to see if your floor feels a little weak or soft. You could save money if you notice these problems early.

Keep your bathtub drain running well by pouring a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain each month. Afterward, place a washcloth or towel over the top of the drain, to keep the chemical reactions contained. Let that sit for a while, and then run boiling hot water down it. This simple solution can break up clogs caused by everything from hair to soap scum.

Install water-saving shower heads to reduce your energy costs. The shower uses most of the hot water. Installing the energy-efficient heads, you will be able to save in excess of $100 per year.

Don't skimp on quality when it comes to replacing a shower head. Avoid the temptation to purchase an inferior quality head for your shower. However, cheap parts don't work as well and break down more quickly.

Cleaning the aerator will fix low water pressure issues that are caused from sediment buildup. Take the aerator apart and clean it with a brush and some vinegar. Rinse the piece, put it back together, and put it back on the faucet. Remove the sediment from the aerator to increase water pressure.

You might not be able to control which plumber you have to use, but you can find out all you can about them on the Internet. If your insurer has just given you the name of a plumber, see if they have a website, read any testimonials and other feedback so you know what to expect once they arrive at your home.

Always check for leaks in and around your toilets. A simple way to check this is to put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If you then see colored water in the toilet bowl shortly after, you know a problem exists that needs tended to.

When it gets cold out, ensure that your faucets outside aren't dripping or leaking. If you find a problem, you need to move quickly to repair it, lest the faucet crack. Frozen water will back up in your pipes and crack them, whether they are PVC, copper, or even steel. Even a very tiny crack can cause water to get out and flood your home, or at least cause some water damage.

Rarely used valves tend to fuse together. You can maintain them using penetrating oil, and make sure to turn them once in a while so that they do not start sticking.

Verify the location of your main water valve, and cut-off, for your property You will see the water meter near it or on it. Usually toilets, sinks and other fixtures have cut-off valves of their own. Make sure the entire family is familiar with these valves, and mark the shut-off position for ease of use.

A lot of people are intimidated by plumbing issues and think that even small problems will ruin their home. By only knowing one thing, this nightmare can be avoided. Know where your main water valve is so you can quickly turn off your water supply and prevent water damage.

A tankless hot water heater may be a good investment for those who are interested in conservation. Tank-less hot water heaters work differently that conventional heaters. Rather than keeping a large amount of water heated in case you may need it, they only heat water when it is triggered by you needing hot water. Not only will you save money, but you will also have more hot water available to you.

One consideration when replacing plumbing fixtures is the life of the fixture, so you might emergency want your next fixtures to be brass. Brass withstands extreme hot and cold temperatures and inhibits bacteria growth. Brass fixtures often look much more aesthetically pleasing than other materials. You can find these in stores, like Home Depot and Lowe's.

In conclusion, it is extremely valuable that you know your way around a plumbing system. If you are unsure if you will be able to fix a specific plumbing problem, avoid permanent damage and call a plumber. Ideally, you found the concepts above both interesting and helpful in your quest to expand your plumbing knowledge.