Plumbing is a crucial aspect of any home’s functioning. Somethings you can take care of yourself, but other issues will require a professional. This article lays out some effective tips for repairing and maintaining your plumbing.

You can resolve most toilet clogs yourself. Try a plunger first. If plunging the toilet doesn’t seem to clear up a clog, check the toilet’s water level. If it’s too low, try filling a bucket with warm water. Open the toilet’s tank, and pour the water in. This procedure can be repeated if the water level again returns to a level that is too low.

Garbage Disposal

Never use your bare hands to try fixing your garbage disposal. Even when the garbage disposal is turned off they can be dangerous. Research your disposal online to locate a detailed diagram or troubleshooting guide for your model.

Never pour grease or anything fatty or oily into your drain. Whenever they cool, they tend to harden and make clogs inside your drains. This is especially true if you have a garbage disposal, as the fat will cause the blades to run slower and less efficiently. Keep a container in your kitchen that is used specifically for discarded grease.

Set up a time when all plumbing work will be completed at one time. If a problem is minor, it can be wise to put off repair until you have more than one item to fix. This also gives you time to save up for the needed repairs. It is a lot more cost effective as you will only be paying for one call-out fee instead of multiple trips.

Use baking soda and one cup of vinegar per month to keep the bathtub drain clear and running well. Afterward, place a washcloth or towel over the top of the drain, to keep the chemical reactions contained. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. This simple solution can break up clogs caused by everything from hair to soap scum.

Overflow Holes

Be sure that the overflow holes don’t clog up. These holes come into use if the skin overflows. Things can get problematic if they are clogged. Clean overflow holes as part of your annual maintenance, and any other time you are handling general plumbing repairs.

Run lots of cold water whenever you use your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades sharp and encourage a smoother disposal. Grease will stay solid and go through your drain with cold water; you don’t want gooey grease in your pipes.

If you need to repair your home plumbing, you have a lot of options as to what to do. If you use these tips, you will be able to fix the vast majority of your plumbing problems without needing to call in a professional.