When you develop plumbing issues in your home, chances are that you become frustrated. Usually, this is because you do not know how to fix it. Although major plumbing problems require the help of professionals, simple problems can be fixed by you. The following article will give you easy plumbing tips.
Do not fall for the idea that liquid grease can be easily washed down the drain with hot water. While the grease may flow past the initial drain with the water, it does not take much of a temperature change as it moves through your pipes to alter from liquid to solid. The repeat habit of dumping grease in the sink is a sure-fire way to ensure a hard-to-reach clog forming in the future.
Check your gas water heater periodically to make sure the pilot flame is lit. The correct color for this flame should be blue. The tip of the flame should be yellow. If you find that you are only seeing a yellow flame, you may need to call a professional for safety reasons.
Installing more efficient shower heads can save you tons of money on your energy bill. A lot of the hot water that we use is used when we shower. By installing energy-efficient shower heads for a few extra dollars, you can save up to $100 or more a year per shower head in your house.
Before embarking on a plumbing project, make sure that you’re aware of where the shutoff valve for water in your home is, as well as the valves for shutting off individual structures like sinks, toilets, etc. This way, if something goes wrong, you’ll be able to stop the water flow.
Be careful with putting household cleaners in your toilet. They can cause the toilet to malfunction. The debris that these cleaners leave can sit in your toilet’s pipes and harden, making them almost impossible to get rid of. If it does harden, it usually requires the help of a professional.
To be able to get a good plumber you can be comfortable with, remember which of your friends are actual home owners and not renting. At some point, every home owner has had to call in a plumber. They can give you a good personal reference they had a positive experience with.
Sometimes, you will be forced to use a certain plumber, but that doesn’t mean that looking him up on Angie’s List or a similar site isn’t a good idea. If the insurance company you have scheduled a plumber for you, you could always check out the website and the reviews and feedback left by customers, so you are more comfortable and ready when they arrive.
One way to prevent water heater problems is to turn down the heat. As long as the water is still as hot as needed for showers and washing dishes, turning it down won’t hurt anything, and will extend the life of the heater. Holding very hot water can corrode the inside.
As was stated above, it is normal to become frustrated by plumbing problems your home may have. But, these problems can usually be easily fixed, if you know how. Use the tips that this article has provided to you in order to get started in plumbing repairs as soon possible!