Plumbing Tips And Hints To Apply While The Plumber Is Away
A plumbing system of a typical house represents an investment share of about 15 per cent of its total value. Among the installations found in a house, this is one of the most important and serves a functional use for the entire family. To maintain it in good working condition, it is best to consider some plumbing tips and hints meant to address common plumbing problems such as leaks, drips, or clogs.
Plumbing is a skill reserved to the experts. However, in case of emergency plumbing situations, a plumber may not always be available to provide timely repair. Nothing can be more bothersome than water being wasted due to leaking faucets or cracked pipes. Homeowners can do something on their own with the help of some plumbing tips and hints that can save them time, money, properties, and even lives.
Kitchen Drains
One of the reasons why plumbers are called in is to open clogged kitchen drains. Homeowners must know that the situation can be prevented by knowing how to use the drain properly. In most cases, grease and fats that hardened in the pipes cause the problem. As cool water flows through, the fatty deposits solidify on the pipe wall and continue to thicken until they block the passage.
To remove the clogging, use a plunger with a large rubber suction cup. Place it over the drain and vigorously pump several times. Another method is to remove the J-trap below to clean the drainpipe. Wrap the wrench jaws with adhesive tape or cloth to avoid scratching the surface. In case of plastic piping, avoid gripping the nuts tightly to prevent them from cracking. Have a bucket ready to catch the drippings once the pipe is opened. Use a long stick to pull out the remaining clogging materials. Replace the gasket when closing the trap back.
Fixing Dripping Faucet
When water tends to run slowly or drip from the faucet, it is most likely that sediments have formed around the aerator. The aerator is the piece found at the end of the faucet spout preventing water to splash. Remove the aerator either by hand or by carefully turning it using a wrench. Take the parts one by one to clean sediments and other mineral deposits. It also helps to soak the parts in white vinegar overnight to soften the sediments. Assemble all the parts back and turn on the faucet to test if water is running smoothly. If the problem persists, replace the aerator with a new one.
Basement Flood
Flood in the basement creates awful mess, destruction, and costly repairs. Imagine having to pull out soaking wet carpet and elevating furniture and appliances to a higher ground. With some practical plumbing tips and hints, these can be prevented from causing you trouble down there.
Installing flood guard is an inexpensive way of avoiding flooding incidents. It can be easily mounted into the basement drain to stand guard against overflowing of water. It functions similarly to a float that reacts when the water level starts to rise up. When the sewer becomes filled with water, the float rises up to seal off the drain until the time water has receded.
Dealing with Frozen Pipes
A faucet without water is an indication that the water system is frozen. This usually occurs during winter when severe cold snaps freeze and cause the pipes to burst off. If you act quickly, frozen pipes can be thawed before they eventually burst. Still, here are some ways to keep the pipes at the right temperature.
• Allow water to trickle from the faucets.
• Light a lamp near exposed pipes to provide heat.
• Cover uninsulated pipes with insulating tapes, old clothes, towel, newspaper, or foam to keep them warm.
• Let warm airflow through the house to keep the pipes from freezing.
These practical plumbing tips and hints can be applied to prevent unnecessary water crises at home. As you wait for the plumber to arrive, use the time to remedy the plumbing situation on your own temporarily.
