Choose A Plumber That You Can Rely On

A good home should have a quality plumbing system. However, there are times when plumbing needs attention from a plumber but getting one to your house quickly is not a viable option. This article lays out some effective tips for repairing and maintaining your plumbing.

As you ready your home for the winter, you should service and tune up your water heater. By ensuring that your water heater is in prime operating condition, you will save money on utility bills.

Do not use a drain cleaner if you can help it. The chemicals in those kinds of drain cleaners can be corrosive and might damage pipes if you keep using them. Rather than using cleaners, hire a professional to look at your clogged drain.

If your garbage disposal is having problems, don't give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. Garbage disposals are dangerous, even when turned off. Look for a diagram of the garbage disposal you have on the Internet.

Installing efficient shower heads could save you a lot of money when it comes to your energy bill. Most hot water is consumed in our showers. By installing an energy-efficient shower head that might cost a few dollars, you could save at least $100 a year per person who showers in your house.

When the task you're working on is outdoors, make sure to not overexpose yourself to the sun. The heat of the sun is easy to forget when you are very involved in your work, but that does not mean that it becomes any less dangerous.

Cleaning the aerator will fix low water pressure issues that are caused from sediment buildup. After removing the aerator, use an old toothbrush with some vinegar on it to clean the sediment off. Rinse the aerator with water, put it back together and then attach it back onto the faucet. Removing obstructions from the aerator should allow for increased water pressure.

Avoid dumping oil, fat, and grease in your drain. Whenever they cool, they tend to harden and make clogs inside your drains. If the sink has a garbage disposal, it will also make the blades less efficient. You should dispose of all oils outside of the sink.

Enzyme based pipe cleaners should be a first choice when you are trying to unclog a pipe that is blocked or draining slowly. These cleaners turn the sludge into a liquid using natural bacteria, and then the liquid flows out of the pipes. Enzyme cleaners are efficient and will not damage your pipes.

It is imperative that you turn off your water right away and phone a plumber if water appears to be dripping or seeping into your walls. This could mean that you have some serious plumbing issues. Water within walls can cause not just flooding, but also toxic mold or mildew.

Brass plumbing fixtures are highly recommended if you need any kind of plumbing fixture. Brass withstands extreme hot and cold temperatures and inhibits bacteria growth. Brass is also more visually appealing than some of the alternate metals. You can find these in stores, like Home Depot and Lowe's.

Choosing to purchase brass for your plumbing fixtures is an excellent choice if you are going to replace them. The durability of brass fixtures means that they will remain in good condition for many years. Also, brass fixtures give off a much nicer appearance than similar counterparts. Any home repair store is certain to carry brass fixtures.

Make sure that you're always cleaning your garbage disposal regularly. Doing this will save you from having to repair or replace an expensive piece of equipment in the future. By having a regular cleaning routine, which includes a combination of lemon rinds, dish soap and even pits from a cherry, your disposal can be kept smelling fresh and running smoothly for many years to come.

It is not necessary to call a plumber for every problem. The preceding tips have given you the ability to take care of the smaller plumbing tasks around the home. Practice the tips you read about. Learning how to deal with your plumbing system saves you time and money since you can take care of most maintenance and emergencies without the aid of a plumber.