If you are a homeowner and you have water issues, it can be a very daunting task. Except for a natural disaster, there are only a few problems which can cause more extensive damage than a plumbing issue. Plumbing education and preparation makes homeowners more prepared to deal with them.
If you can see water dripping in or near your walls, shut off the water and call a professional right away. This could be evidence of a major problem with your plumbing. A lot of these problems have the potential to cause mold or mildew that is harmful to you, and it can even flood your house.
Your septic tank should be pumped out at least once every five years if you want it to stay in optimum working order. This keeps the tank from developing a buildup of sediment, thereby preventing the septic system from backing up or failing altogether as a result. Although it could cost a good deal of money to pump out your septic tank, it will cost a lot more having to clean sewage backup or having to fix or replace a septic tank.
Rest for a while after doing work outdoors for a long time. If you get caught up in your activities, the sun's rays and heat are easy to slip your mind, but that doesn't mean they get less dangerous.
Never use a drain opener with chemicals when you want to unclog a drain. These chemicals can open your drain but they also may hurt you if you get them on your skin. If you must use them, wear long sleeves and gloves.
Do regular maintenance to prevent sink and faucet leaks. Water wasted from leaks can reach 150 gallons everyday, so you should check your pipes regularly for any moisture or leaks. Careful maintenance will also help keep wear on faucets and pipes to a minimum.
Save time by grouping your plumbing problems into the same call. Check all of your plumbing fixtures, note any problems and write them down so you don't forget anything. Once you have your list, you are then ready to call the plumber. It will save money in the long run because you will not have to incur multiple service charges.
If you have sewage backing up into your toilet, this is due to a blockage in the branch line connecting the main line and sewage line. You can run a device through this called a snake to try to clean up the clog. Or you can also purchase some specific drain cleaner and hope that works. If not, you'll have to call in the professionals.
Put the strainer on top of drains to catch any food that would go down and cause a clog. The strainer in the kitchen sink should be cleaned each time you have large particles trapped in it. The ones in the bathroom can be cleaned out as needed.
No matter what plumber you use, you should know a little about him before he comes to the door. Even if your insurance company assigns a plumber to you, you can get online and learn his name and the quality of his work. 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.
To extend the life of your pipes, try to stay away from drain cleaners if you can. Drain cleaners contain very corrosive chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes if used too much. Rather than using cleaners, hire a professional to look at your clogged drain.
While you may not always have your choice of plumbers, you can use the Internet to research and review plumbers in your area. In some cases, your insurance company may select a plumber for you, but you can still research the company online.
Stop cleaning a persistent clog with harsh drain cleaners. There are some harsh, corrosive chemicals found in these drain cleaners. That's why they work so well to knock out clogs. Over time, they will corrode your pipes. Consider hiring a professional when you have drain problems.
In order to stay away from plumbing problems, you should make sure you are knowledgeable about the basics and prepared for the worst. If you own a home and know the basics when it comes to plumbing, you are more likely to make necessary repairs when the need arises. Also, homeowners who dig up information about a problem beforehand are much more likely to solve the problem faster and easier.
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