Plumbing Made Simple - Tips To Help You On Your Plumbing Projects

http://trevorsullivan36.my-free.website/home/plumbing-tips-you-really-need-to-know-about
Plumbing Made Simple - Tips To Help You On Your Plumbing Projects
Are you intrigued by how your plumbing system works? Plumbing can be intimidating to many people on the surface, but it is really not that difficult to learn. Many plumbing issues can be addressed by a simple fix. You can start learning more about plumbing by reading this article for some useful tips.

Avoid frozen pipes this winter! Keep a small trickle of water dripping from faucets, and wrap your uninsulated pipes with foam or newspaper. If possible, keep the doors open between unheated and heated rooms. In an unheated area such as a garage or laundry room, keep a small heater next to the pipes. Remember to do this before the first cold snap hits.

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.

Act quickly if your pipes freeze! Shut off the water and open the faucet, enabling it to drain when it thaws. Starting with the faucet, and working your way to the iced-up area, aim a propane torch or hairdryer at the pipe - this will quickly defrost it. You could also wrap the pipe in a heating pad or aim a heat lamp at it, but this will take quite some time. A last resort is to wrap the pipe in rags and pour boiling water over it.

Frozen and bursting pipes from harsh winter weather is a problem that no-one wants, so plan now to winterize your exterior faucets and pipes against freezing conditions. A simple way to accomplish this is to find the exterior water shut-off valve located inside your home (often located in the basement). Turn off the water valve to stop water flow, and then open up the outside faucets to drain out any water that has collected. Be sure to turn off the outside water faucets tightly after the water has drained out. Take in any hoses you may have outside so they don't crack from the cold weather.

Never reach into your garbage disposal with bare hands, even if there is a serious problem with it. Garbage disposals can be very dangerous, so take caution when fixing it, even while it's turned off. Locate your garbage disposal manual, or do an Internet search for troubleshooting advice and a diagram that illustrates your model.

Each month, treat your drains by pouring one cup of baking soda down it, and then follow that with a cup of regular white vinegar. Cover the drain with a plug or rag as you wait for the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda to happen in your pipes. Wait a while, and then use boiling water to flush. This method clears out soap scum buildup and accumulated hair that gets caught in the pipes.

As you can see, plumbing is not rocket science. All you need to do is to find reliable sources that will give you great tips on addressing plumbing problems. The time you invest in educating yourself on plumbing issues will be time well-spent, because it will save you a lot of money in the long run.