Doing your own plumbing repairs can have many benefits. You can save money by not having to call a p...

1. Things That You Need To Learn about Plumbing
Doing your own plumbing repairs can have many benefits. You can save money by not having to call
a plumber and pay for their labor. You can also gain a sense of accomplishment by learning new
skills and completing tasks yourself.In this article you will find a few ideas that you could find to be
very handy.
On very cold winter nights, allow your faucets to trickle slightly, especially if your pipes are located
in a crawlspace. The running water prevents the pipes from freezing as quickly as they would
otherwise. You can catch the water and use it for other household needs to prevent wasting it.
If a pipe ever freezes, you need to make sure to shut off the water. This will keep the pipe from
bursting and causing you major damage to your home. Make sure to shut the water off at the main
valve, and then open the faucet that is closest to the frozen pipe so it can drain while it is thawing
out.
Before you start a plumbing project you should tighten all of the pipes that are easily accessible.
Especially if your pipes are making a range of loud banging sounds, as this is a clear sign that there
are loose pipes along the line. It is also a good idea in case there is a clog so the excess pressure
released does not break a loose pipe.
There are many ways to unclog a drain. You can try plunging it at first. If that doesn't work
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1597316477148438/ try using a chemical agent from the store.
Before you go and spend money at the store though, if you have baking soda and some vinegar
handy, you http://www.plumbingfittingsdirect.com/ can mix those together and pour them in the
drain and try to plunge that but if all else fails they have stronger remedies at your local hardware
store.
Make sure overflow holes are cleaned out. This can help to prevent any water damage. Overflow
holes are a way to stop water from overflowing if a sink is left on by accident. If the overflow hole is
clogged it will not be able to do its job.
Never pour grease down the kitchen-sink drain. This will help you avoid clogs in your kitchen sink.
Place grease in a can or other receptacles and dispose of in the trash. Grease that has congealed on
pots, and pans can be wiped off with paper towels that can be thrown in the trash.
Sometimes you have to make the choice between replacing or repairing. If you have an old
appliance, that uses a lot of water or electricity, it may be best to replace. Sure, it will cost more
initially, but it will save you money in the long run. The other thing is, you can't be sure how well a
repair will work out, whereas with a new appliance you'll at least get a guarantee.
Cover pipes that are outside or in cool areas. Use heat tape to make sure that the pipes are
completely covered and insulated. This will prevent frozen pipes in the winter, which can be an
expensive problem. Check outdoor pipes for other problems such as leaks and cracks which are
better to catch early.
One of the things that you can do to maximize the security of your home is to seal all of the cracks in
your outdoor faucets. Even a tiny crack can intensify as the season progresses and lead to serious
problems down the road. Reduce drips and leaks for optimal protection.

2. While it is possible to do plumbing activities yourself, it is generally not recommended. If you are not
sure of what you are doing, then you must hire a professional. This will help to insure you don't
make a bigger mess of the small problem that your plumbing previously had.
If you need to shut off your plumbing system, turning off the main valve is not enough. A leaking
sink will still be supplied by the water that remains in the pipes. Make sure you check all the pipes
for signs of wetness or leaks. You should do this regularly.
Treating your drains every month is a great way to avoid future clogs and other problems, and it's a
very simple procedure. Just run one to two gallons of hot tap water down each drain in your house.
Locate the main water shut-off for your property before you start any DIY plumbing projects. There
should be a water meter either on it or possibly close by. Fixtures, such as toilets and sinks, may also
have individual shut-off valves. Make sure all the members of your family know where the cut-off
valves are. In addition, add markings to show how they should be turned off.
The best thing you can do if you smell a foul odor coming from your toilet is to call a plumber. There
is a good chance that you may have a sewer backup. Not only can this cause pipe damage, but
inhaling the smells from sewer backups is harmful to your help.
Water heaters often have a pipe that reaches from the drain pipe and this must be reconnected
during installation of a new unit. It is probably a recirculation pipe; that helps your water remain
heated without wasting too much water.
If you are considering a plumbing project due to having what appears to be pink or red water have
your water tested first. This coloration is likely due to having rust in your water, which an average
plumbing project is unlikely to fix. The rust is likely coming from your well and installing a water
softener there is the best remedy to the problem.

3. As tempting as it may be to try and save on the heating bill, keep your furnace set no lower than 55
degrees over the winter to prevent inside pipes from freezing. If you have pipes located in an
excessively cold basement, consider running a space heater in the basement, but only when it can be
checked on frequently.
Homeowners in colder climates where snow and freezing is the norm should insulate all basement
plumbing pipes with foam to help keep hot water hot and prevent pipes from sweating in the warmer
weather. Properly insulated pipes save money on hot water heating costs and greatly reduce the
chance of frozen pipes in the winter.
In conclusion, you want to back yourself up as much as you can when it comes to taking care of
plumbing issues. Use the details in this article to make sure that you know all of the ins and outs so
that you can hopefully avoid having somebody else come out to take care of your issues.