Knowhow-Now Article

Plumbers: A Short Guide To The Basics

If you are a new homeowner or someone who is just not used to dealing with plumbing in any capacity, this is the article for you! You might be feeling overwhelmed and confused, but you can learn to understand some of these topics. In fact, there are even some projects that you don't need to call a professional plumber for. Keep reading to learn more.

Tip: If you have sewage backing up into your toilet, this is due to a blockage in the branch line connecting the main line and sewage line. If you cannot handle the problem on your own, then seek out a professional to come over and clear it.

The first thing you need to do is to get the proper tools. You are going to need a wrench, for example. A wrench is the single most important tool a plumber has. You use them to tighten things and loosen them, and a lot of plumbing problems are fixed and made easier by using the wrench at the right time. You may also consider getting some new washers in a lot of different sizes, as well as pliers. These have a way of getting used often. If you want more, ask a clerk in any home store what they would recommend. Try not to think about how much money you spend buying these things. Instead think of the money you are going to be saving by doing little jobs by yourself instead of hiring a plumber.

Tip: Do not give a plumber the entire payment for a job until the whole job is completed. You may need to make a small down payment before the job has begun, but you never want to pay the entire amount until you are certain the job was completed to your satisfaction.

Familiarize yourself with the pipe layout of your home. This can come in handy when you need to stop leaks or shut off part of the house's water. Seeing the plans of your house will help you understand how the pipes run and what is connected with what.

Tip: Don't turn on your sink while using your garbage disposal. It is a common misconception that running water simultaneously is a good idea, but that is not really the case.

Take care of your drains. Know whether they are slowing down. That way you can address clogs easily. If they are gurgling or getting stopped up, buy an over-the-counter drain cleaner. This can be the quickest way to go. Just make sure that you have double checked whether the cleaner is safe for your pipes and does not do more damage. You might even want to use a drain cleaner periodically as a preventative measure.

Tip: If you are looking for a plumbing contractor, take some time to check with the Department of Consumer Affairs. It is important to verify that they have a valid license and to check on any complaints that may have been made against them.

Teach everyone in your home to make sure that they know how to put things in the sink. You need to make sure that everyone keeps the filter/strainer in the sink at all times to avoid problems. You may want to take food out of the strainer every time you use the sink. Be careful about things like bacon grease and olive oil. You should definitely not put those in your sink, as they can solidify as the pipes get cooler, causing a problem for you.

Tip: A lot of people dread plumbing incidents, as they believe that even a single incident could cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage. If you know one thing, you can easily avoid this.

Join an online forum related to plumbing. This can be a great way for you to ask questions and get answers without calling a plumber. Even better though, some of the people in the forum may be plumbers or retired plumbers who can tell you whether you can handle a project or whether you need to call a pro.

It's important for you to always remember that you can learn anything. You may be a little unsure of yourself, but remember that you can always learn. You may choose to keep calling a plumber if you need one, but knowing that you can do some projects on your own should make you feel proud; it can also save you money!

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