When it’s time to fix your plumbing, you might wonder where to start, what to consider, what equipment to buy and what rules to follow. These tips will give you the information you need to be a better plumber!

If you possess pipes that are alive with the sound of squeaking or hammering, you have an issue that is easily corrected. You must anchor all exposed pipes. You may need to hire a professional to help with any projects involving pipes that are hidden in the floors, ceiling or walls.

To prevent pipes from freezing, don’t let temperatures drop under freezing in your home, and insulate external pipes. The pipes may freeze if the surrounding temperature drops below freezing. It could take some time in order for the pipes to thaw out so that you can have running water. The worst case scenario is a busted pipe and a costly repair.

Don’t pay a plumber midway through the job. It is customary for many companies to require you to put money down before they begin the job, but always wait to pay the rest of the balance until the job is totally finished. You will feel better paying the bill when you are completely satisfied with the job.

If your toilet happens to be clogged, and the plunger is not working, you can pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, but be sure to pour it from a height that is waist level or above so you do not flood the bathroom. Do this every time the water level gets too low.

Garbage Disposal

If your garbage disposal is having problems, don’t give in to the desire to attempt a fix by reaching down into the disposal. A garbage disposal can be dangerous, even when it is not on. It’s advised to obtain a diagram, possibly off of the Internet, that depicts your machine in accurate detail.

Give all drains strainers to gather particulate matter that can clog pipes. Clean the kitchen sink strainer any time something collects in it. The bathtub strainer will prevent hair from clogging up your drain.

If you have a shower head that needs replacing, be sure to get one that is good quality. Some people think they can get away with the cheapest version at the store. However, they are inexpensive for a reason, this being that they are cheaply made and tend to break a lot easier.

Choose enzyme based cleaners if your pipes get clogged. These types of cleaners will use natural bacteria so that the sludge will turn into liquid form, and be removed from your pipes. Enzyme cleaners are considered one of the best the market has.

Lint Trap

Always remember to keep your dryer’s lint trap clean. This is a good idea for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is fire safety. Check your lint trap for holes to make sure the lint is not going in your plumbing system.

To reduce your plumbing repair costs, use preventative maintenance measures. A common serious repair is removing clogs in the drain. Hair is one of the most common clog-producing materials. Screens and drain covers are great ways to stop hair from going down your drains. It’s more convenient to remove hair before it has a chance to get down the drain and into the pipes.

As you have hopefully learned, plumbing doesn’t have to be complicated even if it can appear intimidating at times. It’s just that there are quite a few basics to learn. All that you need to get started is doing a little homework, putting in some effort and using your head to determine the soundest approach to the problem at hand.