Written by-Anthony Chaney

Did you know that you can use the same antifreeze that you use in your car to help prevent your home plumbing from freezing? To find out how and why, as well as other great tips for how to maintain your home plumbing, read the following article right away.

Before you start a plumbing project you should tighten all of the pipes that are easily accessible. Especially if your pipes are making a range of loud banging sounds, as this is a clear sign that there are loose pipes along the line. It is also a good idea in case there is a clog so the excess pressure released does not break a loose pipe.

To help you repair a leaky water line, you should hire a plumber. A leaky water line can be a problem because it could lead to a flood. The best way to fix this problem is to hire a licensed plumber who is trained to repair the leak.

To avoid having your outdoor faucets freeze up in the winter, detach all hoses before the first freeze. Also, close the shutoff valve that leads to the outdoor faucets, then turn on the outdoor faucets to let any remaining water in the lines drain. Once temperatures warm up in the spring, you can reverse the process.

If your home uses well water and orange or pink stains become noticeable in your bathtub or in other fixtures, this occurs when the water has too much iron. This is fixed by using water softener, which can be bought at a store, or you can have someone come to your home and fix it.

If your toilet is slow to flush, add some white vinegar to the overflow tube. White vinegar helps the water from your tank to flow quickly, which will make the toilet flush faster. It is recommended that you use about a quart of the vinegar and let it stay there for at least an hour before flushing.

Sometimes you have to make the choice between replacing or repairing. If you have an old appliance, that uses a lot of water or electricity, it may be best to replace. Sure, it will cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run. The other thing is, you can't be sure how well a repair will work out, whereas with a new appliance you'll at least get a guarantee.

Find out the plumbing codes in your local area before starting any project. Plumbing codes can vary wildly from area to area and you don't want to run afoul of the codes. Visit your local building department to find out information or hire a plumber for a day to help you go over your plans and provide advice.




Everyone in your home should know where the main water shut off valve is. By knowing where to find this valve, you'll be able to shut off the water in the event a pipe bursts, a bathtub or toilet overflows or any other emergency that requires you to turn off the water.

Be sure that you check on your water meter when it is not being used. Then, check on the meter 8 hours later. If the meter has changed, even a small amount, this could be a sign that there is an undetected water leak, which can be a severe problem.

Do not be surprised if a plumber charges you more than you expected. Many customers think that fixing a toilet or other drainage problem should be easy, therefore the price should be low. https://www.wjbf.com/the-dish/shalanda-from-universal-plumbing-gives-us-some-helpful-garbage-disposal-tips/ must remember that not only does a plumber have to charge for labor, but they have to charge for parts that you need.

Look for online reviews to check out and help choose potential plumbers. If your insurance provider has set up the appointment, check the company website to see customer reviews and feedback. This allows you to have some information before they arrive.

To keep the pipes in your kitchen in tip-top shape, avoid pouring fats or cooking oils down the drain. These liquid fats solidify in the pipes and create clogs. As an added protection, wipe congealed grease from pots to further avoid creating clogged drains. By following these tips, you can help avoid a plumbing disaster.

Check professional listings to find a good plumbing contractor. This will allow you to be sure that they are properly licensed and that they have not received a ton of complaints from previous clients. They need a current license that is in good standing, and if not then you should look elsewhere.

If you have a leak and your water bill is going up, there is a method you can try before you call a professional. You can use the red-dye system to detect whether the leak is above ground, underground, or whether it has anything to do with the toilets.

Carefully choose drain cleaners. It is possible that your pipes may be damaged with the wrong type of cleaner. Make certain the one you buy is a brand known for pipe safety. There are varieties of chemicals that are not only dangerous for humans, but will also destroy certain types of bacteria that are helpful to the plumbing system.

If you cannot turn off your main water valve before leaving on vacation, turn off the individual valves for the toilets, sinks, and washing machine. If the valves do not look like they are in good working order, then leave them on and that will be something that you need to have changed when you return.

When replacing any PVC type pipes in your home, make sure you buy the correct PVC for the job. PVC comes in several different sizes and grades as well as for different temperature applications. If the water going through the pipes is headed for the kitchen or bathroom, or is for laundry or gardening usage, it must be labeled as "Potable."

Check your toilet for leaks. Once a month, put a couple of drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. After half an hour, check the toilet bowl. If the water is slightly colored, the tank is leaking. You can fix the leak by replacing the stopper in the tank. People waste a lot of water through leaky tanks, without even knowing it.

With a little bit of plumbing, you can route water anywhere you want in your home. Doing so, makes it possible to live anywhere and adds convenience to any room - but done wrong can mean a financial disaster! Keep the wisdom of this article in mind and you can keep the water flowing where you want but in ways you can handle.