Every once in a while, we have questions about plumbing. We would like to know how to fix something ...

1. Handy DIY Plumbing Tips For The Homeowner
Every once in a while, we have questions about plumbing. We would like to know how to fix
something ourselves if a problem comes up, and we would like to learn some general maintenance
tips. The ideas here in this article should give you both of these things so you're prepared to deal
with plumbing issues that come up.
Anchoring your pipes can eliminate the hammering and squeaking noises caused by loose pipes and
fitting. Exposed pipes need to be anchored. It may be necessary to hire a professional to address
noisy pipes that are located in less accessible places in your home.
You can prevent frozen pipes within the home, by ensuring the temperature does not fall below
freezing. Another important step is insulating pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures. The pipes
will be able to freeze if the temperature surrounding the pipes drops below freezing. In the best
situation, it can take hours for frozen pipes to thaw and water to run freely again. However, they
could burst, and that could make a mess and result in a big repair bill.
Pump out your septic tank at least every five years to keep it in proper working condition. Doing so
avoids sediment build up, so that you don't have any kind of septic system backup. Pumping a septic
tank might cost a lot of money, but it will cost your more money to clean any back up in sewage you
may have had, and replacing your septic tank costs even more!!
Don't be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that
claims to prevent toilet odor. While they may make your toilet smell pretty, they can erode the
rubber parts in the toilet and cause it to stop working.
Don't pour oils, grease or fat down the drain. These substances will create clogs after cooling in your
drain. This is primarily true if you are someone who has a garbage disposal; the fats will make the
blades go slower and less freely. To keep your drain running efficiently, dispose of fats and oils in
other ways besides pouring them down the drain.
Orange or pink discoloration on your bathroom fixtures is a solid indication that your water contains
too much iron. A water softener will take care of the issue. This can either be done by yourself, or
you can hire a professional to come and take care of.
Be sure that the overflow holes don't clog up. These overflow holes are present in case of a clog or
overfilling. It may seem unlikely as a problem now, but the necessity is there. Clean overflow holes
as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.
Learn about the subject before you have a problem. Keeping on top of maintenance is likely to stop
problems before they even start. If you follow these tips, you can be ready to fix anything else that
goes wrong with your plumbing.