The topic of plumbing can be very stressful for a homeowner who isn't familiar with plumbing repairs. Hiring a professional can take way too long and cost way too much for a problem that probably could have been solved without a lot of trouble, if you only knew how. Keep reading to arm yourself with some very useful plumbing advice!
When looking at new fixtures for your plumbing, look at the option of purchasing ones made of brass. Brass is a very durable material and will last a long time. In addition, brass fixtures are more aesthetically appealing than fixtures made of other materials. You can find these in home improvement stores.
By installing shower heads that are more efficient, you will be able to save a lot of money. Energy efficient shower heads can save you money on your energy bill and water bill. Invest in an energy-efficient shower head and you could save a hundred dollar every year on your water bill.
TIP! You need to insulate any pipes have exposure to outside elements to avoid them freezing. You should also keep the temperature in the home above freezing to avoid your pipes freezing.
Your garbage disposal blades do not like foodstuffs such as bananas, carrots, pumpkin and even chicken skin because these will snag and start clogs. Throw out hard-to-grind things in a garbage can first, and then place the rest of the food in the disposal.
If your home uses well water and orange or pink stains become noticeable in your bathtub or in other fixtures, this occurs when the water has too much iron. A water softener can filter out unnecessary minerals, and leave you with clean, usable water.
It is important that every family member knows where all the water connections in your home are, as well as how to shut the water off. Every person should know how to turn off the water to the house to prevent flooding. In an emergency, it's important to have the knowledge to turn the water off.
TIP! To extend the life of your pipes, try to stay away from drain cleaners if you can. Drain cleaners contain caustic and damaging chemicals which can destroy your pipes if used too often.
Knowing what tools are what and the proper way to use them will make you much better at plumbing. Use manuals and online sites to get informed before doing a plumbing project yourself. When planning on repairs, plan on having a plan.
If you feel capable of doing some plumbing work yourself, invest in some tools. There are countless ways available that can really help out even the most novice plumber. If you have the correct tools, you need not hire a professional plumber to deal with any minor issues that crop up.
Flush your drain with a constant stream of cold water when operating your drain mounted disposal unit. The cold water will help keep the blades nice and sharp and will allow for a much smoother disposal. If you use hot water it will liquefy the grease, allowing it to accumulate in your drain causing your pipes to clog.
TIP! Frozen pipes can lead to a large plumbing bill. Fortunately, you can generally prevent your pipes from freezing.
As you can see, plumbing problems don't have to be so difficult. If you can solve the problem yourself, you can save time waiting for a plumber, as well as saving a whole lot of money. Try applying what you've learned from this article next time you have a plumbing problem!
