Plumbing Tips
When it comes to the pipes that feed water into and out of your home, few of us know as much as we should to ensure consistent, effective service. To help those having small issues in their home with plumbing, here are some tips you can follow to boost the effectiveness of the plumbing system in your home:
Bathroom Plumbing Tips
The bathroom is the epicenter of plumbing problems. So, it’s important to know some basics to check for issues and repair them when possible. For instance, your toilet is not nearly as complex as you think it is. If you think it might have leaks, start by checking the level of the water in the tank. If it is normal, the overflow pipe is not the issue.
If it is running through the overflow pipe, however, you can change the fill valve until the water adjusts to the right level – roughly 1 inch beneath the tube. It should be clearly marked in your toilet.
Another common problem you will notice is an uneven, choppy spray from your showerhead, often caused by excess mineral deposits building up in the holes. To fix this problem, remove the swivel ball nut and then unscrew the collar nut off of the showerhead. You can then clean the inside of the showerhead using a piece of wire that fits between the holes. When done, flush it clean and the problem should be solved.
Additionally, to keep other issues from developing in your bathroom, run a stream of hot water down the drain periodically, including in your toilet, to keep it clear of any potential blockages. Use strainers to catch any small pieces of hair or other fibers that might get caught in the pipes. If you notice a leak or drip in a faucet, fix it immediately to stop the problem from getting worse or damaging the fixture.
Kitchen Plumbing Tips
When it comes to the kitchen, the number one problem is the garbage disposal. Luckily, a little careful maintenance and precaution in what goes down the garbage disposal can ensure that you don’t need a plumber every time it gets caught.
If you notice a foul smell coming from the disposal, it may need to be cleaned. Putting ice cubes or orange rinds in the disposal can help remove the source of unwanted odor. Dish detergent is also a good cleanser and will help to clean the blades and remove the debris from the inside of the disposal.
If the disposal stops working, start by turning it off. Generally, the problem is the overload protector that has shut it down to protect from overheating. But, in case it is something else, you want to shut the entire thing off to avoid potential injury. If it’s not working properly, never put anything into the disposal, especially while it is still plugged in. Now, press the reset switch and turn the power back on – that should get it back up and running.
Another important tip is to avoid putting anything that can cause major issues down the disposal in the first place. This includes stringy foods like carrots, raw meat, banana peels or potato skins. Whenever you do use the disposal make sure to run water before and afterward to wash away excess food matter and never pour grease down the drain as it will clog the lines.
Saving Money on Energy
Let’s face it – your plumbing eats up a lot of energy in your home. From the water you heat to wash clothes, every gallon of water you use is money out of your pocket. To help reduce that energy consumption, here are some quick energy saving tips.
To start with, reduce the number of chemicals you use in your house and replace them with biodegradable soaps. This will ensure your septic system remains healthy with the bacteria it needs (reducing blockages) and also ensures you have a smaller carbon footprint.
You should also check water pressure coming into your home. You want it no higher than 60 pounds per square inch – the maximum safe limit for homes with traditional plumbing. Anything beyond that risks doing damage to your pipes.
Make sure your toilet is not wasting too much water. Check the flapper as well as the fill valve to make sure they are operating properly. If not, replace them with a new energy efficient option from your hardware store. New showerheads can also save you money by reducing gallons of water in every shower.
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