Plumbing problems can range from an annoying inconvenience to a major disaster. In either case, professional repairs can be costly. Luckily, homeowners take simple steps to prevent leaks, bursts and blockages. Here are some tips to help you avoid having to call in a plumber.
Prevent a clogged kitchen sink by cleaning the waste pipe on a weekly basis. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with half a cup of vinegar. They react together to create a fizzy solution that works to dissolve grease and food debris. When the fizzing dies down, flush out the drain with hot water.
Regular maintenance can help prevent your washing machine from causing a flood. Check the water hoses twice a year. Replace them if they are cracked, kinked or blistered. Follow the guidelines in your owner's manual for cleaning out the pump filter.
Prevent hair from clogging up your bathtub drain. Small strainers designed to fit into the plug hole are available at hardware stores. Keep one on a shelf near the tub. Insert it before taking a shower and as soon as you pull out the plug after a bath. Flush the hair mat down the toilet.
Stop water pipes from freezing and cracking in winter. Apply foam insulation to any exposed pipes in the basement, crawl space or garage. At the end of summer, close the shut-off valve on pipes leading to outdoor taps. Fix insulating caps onto exterior spigots.
Take the time to learn basic plumbing skills such as how to fix a jammed garbage disposal, dripping faucet or running toilet. You can consult a home plumbing manual or ask a handy friend or relative to demonstrate. With a little know-how and a few inexpensive tools, you'll only ever have to hire a plumber for complicated jobs.
Prevent a clogged kitchen sink by cleaning the waste pipe on a weekly basis. Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with half a cup of vinegar. They react together to create a fizzy solution that works to dissolve grease and food debris. When the fizzing dies down, flush out the drain with hot water.
Regular maintenance can help prevent your washing machine from causing a flood. Check the water hoses twice a year. Replace them if they are cracked, kinked or blistered. Follow the guidelines in your owner's manual for cleaning out the pump filter.
Prevent hair from clogging up your bathtub drain. Small strainers designed to fit into the plug hole are available at hardware stores. Keep one on a shelf near the tub. Insert it before taking a shower and as soon as you pull out the plug after a bath. Flush the hair mat down the toilet.
Stop water pipes from freezing and cracking in winter. Apply foam insulation to any exposed pipes in the basement, crawl space or garage. At the end of summer, close the shut-off valve on pipes leading to outdoor taps. Fix insulating caps onto exterior spigots.
Take the time to learn basic plumbing skills such as how to fix a jammed garbage disposal, dripping faucet or running toilet. You can consult a home plumbing manual or ask a handy friend or relative to demonstrate. With a little know-how and a few inexpensive tools, you'll only ever have to hire a plumber for complicated jobs.
About the Author:
Roto Rooter offers 24/7 service. If you need a skilled plumber, look no further. They will assist you with plumbing maintenance, repair, and anything else plumbing related. (http://www.rotorooter.com/buffalogroveil)
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