Monday, May 10, 2010

How to Deal With Plumbing Problems

To minimize or fix the damage brought about by these plumbing concerns, you must familiarize yourself with the plumbing system you have at home. The first thing you need to do is locate where the main water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off. This valve is typically outside your home or in your basement or crawlspace. In case you can't find it, ask your local utility company to show you where it is. This is an important step because turning off the main valve limits the risk of a pipe bursting which could lead to your home suffering from water damage.

You should likewise inspect each plumbing device (sinks, toilets, and so on) for their shutoff valves. This will enable you to test if they are in working order. Should the valves fail to stop water from coursing through to the device, then it could only mean you have a faulty valve. Have it fixed by a professional plumber as soon as possible.

Clogs

Initiate preventive measures to avoid clogs and slow drains from occurring. For your tub or shower, get hair traps or screen to filter hair and soap scum and keep them from going down the drain. Never pour coffee grounds and grease down your kitchen drain. The fatty deposits will jell over time, stick to your pipes where it acts as a magnet attracting other particles, and eventually clog your pipes.

Periodically inspect your drains; preferably do this on a weekly basis. This will ensure that your pipes are free from deposits that might turn into clog. To do this, pour salt, baking soda, and vinegar (half-cup each) down the drain and follow with two quarts of boiling water. If a clog is detected, take measures to free the pipes. You can make use of a plunger, pipe snake, or a chemical clog remover (usually lye).

Drips and Leaks

Stopping or slowing down a leak (as a stopgap measure) before a plumber can get to it can be accomplished by following these simple steps.
(1) Tighten and secure a leaking threaded joint with a pipe wrench. If the pipe has no threads, leave it be. Let the professionals handle it.
(2) Using the tip of a sharpened pencil, plug a very small hole and then cover the hole with duct tape, wrapping it in several layers.
(3) Alternatively, apply sealant mixture specially formulated for leaks caused by cracks or small holes.
(4) Repair larger holes by clamping a piece of rubber or garden hose around the pipe. Cut a length of rubber or garden hose at least two inches longer than the hole. For this, you will need at least three hose clamps.

Keep in mind that these are just temporary or stopgap measures that will help prevent water damage but in the end, you still need to hire the services of a professional plumber.

No comments:

Post a Comment