A Beginners Guide To Plumbing

While there are some plumbing difficulties that you should not attempt on your own, there are a few that you can.

In fact, learning how to handle minor plumbing repairs around the house could end up saving you hundreds of dollars.

It’s reasonable to state that not all plumbing jobs necessitate the services of a commercial plumber, but if you prefer, you can do so. Continue reading if you want to learn a few plumbing tricks that will help you save money…

1. The showerhead should be cleaned.

Soak the showerhead in vinegar by placing it in a plastic bag filled with vinegar and securing it with a wire or rubber band. Remove the vinegar-filled bag and run water for a few minutes to remove the vinegar and any remaining build-up. Remove the showerhead from the pipe and soak it for a few hours in a bag of vinegar. Clean the showerhead under running water and replace it on the pipe that you took it from.

2. Find out what may and cannot be flushed.

Most importantly, you must determine the sort of sewer line system you have.

Sewage disposal systems, as most homeowners are aware, are extremely vulnerable. There are some things that should never be flushed down the toilet, regardless of your sewer system. This could result in serious clogs, which would necessitate professional assistance and a lot of money! Baby wipes, face wipes, sanitary towels, dental floss, cotton balls, q-tips, diapers, cooking oil, and other items should be avoided.

3. Pipe Fittings Shouldn’t Be Tightened Too Much

Over tightening fittings and connections between pipes and drains is a classic DIY plumbing blunder. This can lead to damaged bolts and stripped screws, which can lead to leaks over time. Remember the rule of thumb: “hand tight is just fine.” To put it another way, fittings should be tight enough that they can only be loosened by hand (with a wrench).

4. Clogs can be removed without the use of chemicals.

Most expert plumbers will advise you right away that chemicals should never be used to clear obstructions in drains. The chemicals are more harmful than beneficial. Instead, use a drain snake to clear the drain manually. Insert the snake and then push and drag it in and out. Hopefully, after a few strokes, the obstruction will be removed. Another approach is to use a wet/dry shop van to clear the drain of whatever is clogging it.

5. Keep an eye on the water pressure.

It’s a crucial component of a well-functioning plumbing system. You should check your home’s water pressure as often as possible, just like you should check your blood pressure every time you go to the doctor. A simple pressure gauge can be found for a reasonable price at any hardware or home improvement store.

6. Keep your pipes warm in the winter.

The cost of repairing water damage caused by frozen pipe bursts can easily reach five figures. If you reside in an area where it gets cold in the winter, you should have your pipes winterized. Ensure that your home is properly insulated and that any external pipes and fixtures are protected from the elements. Pipe bursts are common when people are gone from their homes for long periods of time and the thermostats are turned down too low. If you’re going on a winter vacation, maintain your home at roughly 60 degrees, even if it’s tempting to attempt to save a few dollars on your heating bills.

7. Obtain an inspection from a local plumber.

Adding a local plumber to your Rolodex will pay you big time unless you’re a professional plumber yourself. Not every plumbing issue can be fixed with a simple do-it-yourself solution. And having someone on speed dial with whom you’re acquainted on a first-name basis will make life easier if you have a plumbing emergency down the line.

Take a look around. Request referrals from friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Make a phone call to a plumber with an excellent reputation.