Content written by-Hall Ivey

A collection of tips on how to be successful at plumbing makes the perfect starting point for a beginner. Below is just such a collection that will hopefully assist the eager novice into eventually becoming a pro when it comes to plumbing.



Ensure that everyone in your household knows how to turn off the main water supply, or knows how to contact someone who can. In the event of a burst pipe or other water-related emergency, you should immediately turn off the water to prevent flooding, structural damage, and a sky-high water bill.

It is important to know how to properly anchor your pipes when it comes to plumbing. This is extremely important to know because not having your pipes well anchored could result in loud noises, leaks, or pressure problems. Call see page if you are unsure how to take care of it yourself.

If you find you are having an issue with the garbage disposal, do not put your bare hands in the disposal. Your garbage disposal is a dangerous device, even when turned off. Kitchen Sink Plumbing , or at least find your owner's manual to look at a diagram of the disposal. Many owner's manuals are available online, and may even contain interactive troubleshooters.

If your pipes are prone to freezing, let the water trickle continuously in at least one faucet during weather that is below freezing. This will minimize the chances that the pipes will freeze and leave you without water. If water is continually running through the pipes and trickling out of a faucet, the pipes are less likely to freeze.

You can save lots on energy with efficient shower heads. The majority of hot water is consumed by showers. Investing just a few bucks in these newer shower heads can yield triple digit annual savings.

If your sewer is backed up, there are things you can do to troubleshoot and clean, including renting equipment like a main line cable. However, often times this does not fully take care of the problem. A professional needs to assess the issue then, using a camera method, and thoroughly cleaning the main line.

If you have drains in your house that have not been used for a long period of time, pour one gallon of water through them to keep them functional. Furthermore, this will have the added benefit of reducing any odors from entering your house from lack of use during the year.

Avoid pouring grease or oil down your kitchen sink drain. Grease and oil can build up in your pipes and cause a backup. Instead, wait for the grease or oil to cool and solidify and either throw it away or see if there's a place to recycle it near your home.

If water is backing up into multiple fixtures all over the house, it is no longer going to be effective for you to use chemicals or a small hand snake. This is evidence of a blockage in the main line, and you must contact a professional to take care of this problem for you.

Choose your drain cleaner with care. Many of these cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes. Pick a brand that will be gentle on your pipes. Some chemicals will kill the bacteria your plumbing system needs to function properly and could even be harmful to humans.

If you have to take out the clean out plug and cannot do it, you can do it this two ways. You can loosen the fitting around the plug using a hammer and chisel. You can also chisel into the plug.

Make sure that the temperature of your home's water heater is not above 120F. On older water heaters, be sure it is not above medium settings. When temperatures get higher than 120, scalding can occur. Also, having the settings above 120F, tends to use more energy than lower temperatures do.

Always know in your mind exactly where the valve is that will cut the water off on your property. It is likely very close to your water meter. Toilets, sinks and other fixtures could have their own valves that cut off. Show your family members where these valves are, and then add markings that show how they should be turned off if an emergency occurs.

To compare the quality of your pipes or sewers over time, create a video for documentation purposes. Several months later, make the same video so that you can see if there are any new cracks or holes that require fixing. This can serve as a great way to analyze your infrastructure.

Always keep a trash bin in the bathroom so that you can dispose of cotton swabs, facial pads, and hair. Do not put these materials in the toilet as they can cause clogs over time and disrupt your water flow. These items will not dissolve or break down when submerged in water.

Use a foaming root killer, twice yearly, to remove tree roots that can bring your drains to a standstill. Foaming products fill the entire pipe with chemicals, killing roots that grow from the top of the pipe as well as the part that water flows through. They are more effective than regular root killers for this reason.

If you notice that water is dripping behind your walls, you must turn off the water main and telephone a plumber. The dripping water indicates that there could be a major problem with the plumbing in your walls. One result could be the growth of mildew and mold. A large leak could result in your house actually flooding.

Regular maintenance will go a long way in preventing leaky faucets and dripping pipes. Leaks waste water, almost 150 gallons every day, so you have to make sure to check periodically for moisture and tiny leaks. Regular maintaining can prevent significant tear and wear.

Doing your own plumbing can be very rewarding, but it can also be a lot of work. Regardless, if you know what to do and how to do your plumbing properly. So, do yourself a favor by doing your research and applying these tips to your home plumbing endeavors.