If plumbing is something that can have you stumped, you probably know how expensive it is to have it...

1. Need Details About Plumbing? Look into These Practical
Tips!
If plumbing is something that can have you stumped, you probably know how expensive it is to have
it done professionally. You also may have to wait for a plumber to arrive when there's a problem
happening now! Don't let this happen, read on for tips on solving your own plumbing problems!
If a pipe ever freezes, you need to make sure to shut off the water. This will keep the pipe from
bursting and causing you major damage to your home. Make http://www.theplumbinginfo.com/ sure
to shut the water off at the main valve, and then open the faucet that is closest to the frozen pipe so
it can drain while it is thawing out.
On very cold winter nights, allow your faucets to trickle slightly, especially if your pipes are located
in a crawlspace. The running water prevents the pipes from freezing as quickly as they would
otherwise. You can catch the water and use it for other household needs to prevent wasting it.
Give all drains strainers to gather particulate matter that can clog pipes. Clean the kitchen sink
strainer any time something collects in it. Keep the bathroom drains cleaned out too.
Group all of your plumbing repairs before scheduling a plumber to come out. Check all of your
fixtures and faucets. If anything is dripping, running or clogged, make a list for the plumber. That
way, when the plumber comes, they can do all of the jobs in one visit. This will cut down on charges.
Use a hairdryer to thaw frozen pipes, after you shut off the water to the house. A hairdryer will
gently heat the pipe and thaw the ice without causing significant damage to the pipe. Shutting off
the water first means that if the pipe is broken, there will be no rush of water into the house.
While it may seem like a seemingly harmless thing to do, never run potato peels through your
garbage disposal. The chemical make up of this seemingly harmless food allows the potato to turn
into a thick, viscous substance that can wreak havoc on the disposal itself, with the potential to
render it completely useless.
Some people have problems with their plumbing system in that the pipes sweat and drip
condensation. You do not have to hire a plumber to take care of this nuisance. You can purchase self-
adhesive drip tape from your local hardware store. This drip tape will insulate your "sweating" pipes
which are dripping with moisture built up from condensation. To make sure the tape sticks firmly,
dry the pipe thoroughly before applying the tape.
Set the temperature on your hot water heater to a temperature that does not exceed 120 degrees.

2. This helps to save energy and prevents the water from becoming too hot and potentially scalding
someone in your household. Older models that do not have a temperature setting should be set on
Medium.
If you have problems with a slow drain, there are easier things you can do other than removing the
pipes to clean it. There are certain tools made just for this purpose that you insert into the drain to
loosen the clog so it washes away or grab it and remove it completely.
Your water heater works more during the fall and winter so make sure that you eliminate sewer
plumber chicago all sediment buildup around this piece of equipment. Flushing this device can lead
to increased longevity so that you do not face plumbing problems during the winter. This precaution
will save time, money and effort.
There's probably a block in the connector that goes between the sewage line and main line if there is
sewage backing up in your toilet. You can run a device through this called a snake to try to clean up
the clog. Or you can also purchase some specific drain cleaner and hope that works. If not, you'll
have to call in the professionals.
Do a routine check around your house each month on each and every faucet to make sure there are
no signs of leaks or drips. Over time, leaks can add a lot of money to your water bill and will worsen
if you do not take care of the problem.
When it comes to plumbing, there is never an unsolvable problem. If you feel yourself becoming
frustrated with the project, you should try to take a break from what you are working on. The
greatest mistakes start to happen when you become angry and inpatient, so take a break and walk
outside.
An important plumbing-related decision that must be made these days is the choice between an
electric water heater or a gas water heater. In these times with gas costing as much as it does, it is
more cost efficient to buy an electric water heater, especially if you have a smaller water heater.
When installing a new water heater you need to keep your budget in mind for the upcoming
purchase. Low entry gas water heaters usually start around $200 and they usually hold 40 to 50
gallons. Higher line heaters start around $400 and they usually have extra features like 12 year
warranties.
If you are going to update the plumbing in your house, one thing to consider is installing a new tank-
less water heater. They are much smaller than traditional tank heaters, which is a space-saver. Tank-
less water heaters are available in gas or electric, depending on what your house needs.
If you have a water pressure or fill problem throughout the whole house, do not panic. It could be
the simplest of solutions. Sometimes the city flushes their systems, breaking up debris and sending it
to homes. This requires cleaning drains effectively and strainers in order to resolve the problem.
Keep water trickling slightly from faucets to help prevent frozen pipes when the temperature drops
significantly. Colder than normal temperatures can cause problems if pipes are not insulated
appropriately, even when pipes are not exposed to the elements. By leaving the water running
slightly, you keep movement in the pipes which can prevent freezing.

3. There is no doubt that many of the common maintenance and repair jobs that need doing on your
plumbing are things that you are well capable of. You just need to adopt a cautious and methodical
approach. Don't rush anything or take chances and you'll be fine. And, if you're a husband, you can
score major brownie points with your wife!