Once in a while, everyone has a question about plumbing. People want to know a thing or two about general maintenance, and they want to be able to fix some things themselves. This article problem helps with both so that people may be prepared for all kinds of plumbing emergencies.

To prevent pipes in your house from freezing, do not let the temperature in the house dip below freezing. Also, any pipes exposed to the cold should be insulated. Pipes will freeze if they are exposed to temperatures below freezing. If they do freeze, you are looking at some time before they can thaw out, thus you will have to wait for running water. But, they could also burst, causing a mess and a large repair bill.

Septic Tank

A great tip to use to stop your septic tank from backing up is to make sure you have it pumped at least every five years. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system. It may be a bit expensive to pump a septic tank, but it will be very expensive to clean up an emergency sewage problem.

Don’t be tempted to use commercial bleach tablets, blue toilet tablets or any other product that claims to prevent toilet odor. These tablets have chemicals that can damage rubber parts that are essential to the proper functioning of your toilet.

If you want to look for floor damage around your toilet, just check the flooring for softness. Straddle your toilet by rocking it from foot to foot to see if there’s any weakening or softness on the floor below you. As with many problems, early detection can save you a lot of money.

Use filters on all drains to prevent debris that might clog the pipes from getting through. Clean the kitchen sink strainer any time something collects in it. A strainer in your bathtub should be checked occasionally and cleaned whenever necessary.

Baking Soda

You can pour baking soda down a drain followed by some vinegar if you want to keep drains clear. This should be done once a month, and a cup each of baking soda and vinegar should be used. Plug the drain afterwards or cover it with a washcloth, as the two chemicals are going to react with each other. Wait for a little while, and then pour boiling water down the drain. By taking these steps, you have a good chance of ridding your pipes of hair and soap scum.

It is important to educate yourself in advance before a problem arises. Regular maintenance can also prevent small plumbing issues from becoming serious emergencies. Apply these tips and take the time to inspect and maintain your system to save money.