Issues With Plumbing? Try These Simple Solution!
Learn some tips that can help you best maintain and repair your own plumbing. You can figure out everything you need to not fall for unnecessary equipment and expenses and how to save money by doing it all yourself. It's not so scary once you know the basics of plumbing.
Before starting any plumbing project be sure to turn off the main water supply. Water damage can be one of the most expensive things to repair. To minimize damage turn the main water supply off as well as any shut off valves near where you are working. This will save a great deal of hardship later on.
Avoid the bursting of pipes due to the change in the temperature. You need to allow the flow of heat to reach under the sinks and into the pipes, you have to keep the cabinet doors of the bathrooms and kitchens open. It is important to keep water running at both hot and cold faucets along with vanities that are in close proximity to exterior walls.
Be careful about using liquid clog cleaners. These liquids can contain chemicals that are extremely bad for your pipes. Instead, use a snake or a plunger to dislodge any clogs you might encounter. Be sure to try these things before giving up and calling a plumber, who will probably re-perform those same acts.
You need to winter-proof your house. You have to make sure you switch of the master circuit breaker or the shut-off valve before you leave your house. Since one small hole or congested water can quickly freeze and cause pipes to break and expand, you need to drain and open all outdoor and household water lines.
Do not overload your garbage disposal. If you need to dispose of large items, cut them up into smaller pieces. Also, do not put too much in at a time, put one or two items in and wait a few seconds to dispose of the rest. Overloading your disposal can cause the engine to overheat.
Superior quality is important when it comes to shower fixtures. Some people think it's alright to get the cheapest head for your shower in the store. However, cheap parts don't work as well and break down more quickly.
Find out the plumbing codes in your local area before starting any project. Plumbing codes can vary wildly from area to area and you don't want to run afoul of the codes. Visit your local building department to find out information or hire a plumber for a day to help you go over your plans and provide advice.
Garbage disposals are a common cause of plumbing problems, which is an easy problem to solve. Don't just put everything down the disposal or treat it like a second trash can. Use the disposal things that would be difficult to dispose of normally. Putting all leftover food down the sink is a good way to produce clogs.
If you are looking into becoming a plumber, there are a few things that you should know first. The most important thing is that plumbers who work for companies do not make a high salary. You should try to find read more a way to work for yourself, in order to increase your earnings.
Be sure that you check on your water meter when it is not being used. Then, check on the meter 8 hours later. If the meter has changed, even a small amount, this could be a sign that there is an undetected water leak, which can be a severe problem.
Try to update your internal toilet components from time to time. If you have to hold down the handle for a long time to flush your toilet, you may need to replace a worn piece. This improvement will help to save a lot of money on your water bill during the year.
Keep an eye on your monthly water bill to catch plumbing problems. Has your water bill gone up recently, even though nothing's changed? This could indicate a water leak or appliance problem somewhere inside or outside of your home. Check under sinks for rusted pipes, look for water puddles under outside faucets, and consider having a plumber come out to listen to your pipes to detect running water.
In conclusion, you do not want to find yourself stuck paying for a large bill given to you by your local plumber when it was a task that you could have easily taken care of yourself. Use this article in order to establish a firm base knowledge of plumbing and what you can do.
How to get a decent plumber without going round the U-bend
Finding the valves
You can also search for reputable tradesmen in England and Wales via the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) and in Scotland and Northern Ireland through SNIPEF.
John Thompson, the chief executive of the APHC, says there really is no need to stick with the first available plumber that you stumble on.
"If you feel pressurised into accepting work without a full explanation, have the confidence to question or get a second opinion. Also check if the tradesmen has the right credentials to work on your appliances," he says.
Mind you, if water is pouring, or even just dripping from the ceiling, you will need to try and isolate the problems to minimise damage before the plumber arrives.
For major leaks, turn off the water supply at the main stop tap, usually in the kitchen. You might need to resort to turning off the water company tap at the boundary of the property. Older ones may also turn off your neighbour's supply.
Smaller internal leaks can be stopped using local isolation valves - usually next to the appliance or tap concerned. These may be less familiar to older consumers as they take the form of levers or are just turned with a screwdriver.
On a combi boiler the isolation valve will be located underneath the boiler.
Ian Ruddick
Image caption,
Turning the thermostat up too suddenly can push your boiler over the edge, says Ian Puddick
Lagging
Ian Puddick is the founder of the London Boiler Company. His team is well used to being called out to replace worn out boilers which give up the ghost when they are pushed too hard.
"What happens is that all of a sudden people turn the thermostat up, but this pushes your boiler over the edge," he says.
"Also where you have tanks in the loft, check the little one to see that it's full of water. These can work with little in them for years, but when you turn the temperature up it drives the system a bit harder and then it stops."
Mr Puddick also has a helpful tip for avoiding a big freeze in your loft.
"Once you have checked all your pipes and tanks are lagged, protected and covered, check underneath the water tank. If there's some insulation there just pull it out and leave that area clear so heat can rise and protect the tank."
Emergency repairs are costly. So to avoid being fleeced by an opportunist plumber, it's worth getting your pipes and systems checked and serviced by a reputable engineer before temperatures drop once again.