A plumber is an expert who knows how to fix all kinds of plumbing problems in your home or business, both big and small. However, even though they might be well-trained for the job and have experience fixing these issues, they won't always be able to fix them on the first try. This means you'll need to know about what to do before calling on a plumber. A plumber's job is risky and can be very stressful, so it's important to be prepared ahead of time with tips on how to avoid problems when tackling your next plumbing project. There are plenty of useful tips out there for reducing the risk of potential problems and avoiding the need to call on a plumber at all. Some of these tips might seem silly at first glance, but if they're incorporated into your normal workflow, they can reduce the likelihood of costly plumbing issues in the future. Here are some common plumbing tips that will definitely come in handy when tackling your next project.
You might think that you don't need to check your pipes before winter, since they're underground and it won't get very cold where they are. However, there are a few things you should do, even if you don't have to do them now. First of all, check your water meter to make sure that it's not measuring a reading of zero. This can be a sign that the water has frozen in the pipes and is making it to the meter. It's also a good idea to check the pipes for any build-up of algae or mold. These are common problems that can be brought on by excessive heat or low water pressure, so they can be prevented with regular maintenance. If you do find that there's any build-up of algae or mold in your pipes, it's a good idea to use a bleach and water mixture to clean them out.
As part of your normal maintenance, you should regularly replace your supply hoses and fittings. This can help reduce the risk of leaks and other problems, especially if you use these items in areas where they can get a lot of use. For example, a faucet in a bathroom or kitchen should be replaced every 5 years or so, while a water pump or air conditioner should be replaced every 10 years or so. If you use a pressure washer or another high-pressure system, you should replace the hoses and fittings every 5 years. You can also reduce the risk of leaks and other problems by making sure that the connections are tight. It's also a good idea to occasionally check to make sure that your connections and fittings are in good shape.
Faucets can also be prone to rust and scaling that can lead to leaks, so you should clean out and change your faucet every 10 years or so. To do this, you'll need to shut off the water to your house, and then you can clean out the faucet. You can do this by removing the handle and cleaning out the faucet with a brush and a vinegar solution. It's also a good idea to change out the washer and rubber seals inside the faucet every 10 years or so.
The chemicals that you might think of using to clean your pipes are actually very harmful. These chemicals can react with the minerals in your water and form dangerous gases and compounds that can cause problems with your pipes. For example, sodium hypochlorite is a common cleaning solution that can react with the iron in your water to form a byproduct called iron chloride, which can cause pitting in your pipes. Other common chemicals that are also harmful include muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid, baking soda, and vinegar, among others. The only time you should use chemicals to clean your pipes is if they are completely clogged and cannot be cleared through normal methods.
One of the most important plumbing tips is to learn how to use a pipe wrench properly. Pipe wrenches are incredibly important tools that are used to turn fittings and other components inside your pipes. If you're not familiar with how to use a pipe wrench, you could end up damaging your pipes and causing a leak instead of what you're trying to do. Make sure that you know how to use a pipe wrench correctly, and don't hesitate to ask your plumber for advice if you're not sure how to do it.
There are plenty of useful tips out there for reducing the risk of potential problems and avoiding the need to call on a plumber at all. Some of these tips might seem silly at first glance, but if they're incorporated into your normal workflow, they can reduce the likelihood of costly plumbing issues in the future. Remember to check your pipes before winter, regularly replace your supply hoses and fittings, change your kitchen faucet every 10 years or so, don't use chemical additives to clean pipes, know how to use a pipe wrench properly, and more.