As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
Drain And Plumbing Care Tips
Jorge Alexander
Preventing problems with your home's plumbing will start with taking good care of the drains. Improper drain care can take many different forms, but homeowners will be able to effectively combat a wide assortment of drain problems if they are following some key guidelines.
Use A Drain Snake To Break Up Minor Clogs
Clogs are an inevitable problem for your plumbing. While chemical clog removers may seem a though they will be the most effective option for handling this situation, they can have some possible drawbacks to them. For example, chemical clog removers can damage the seals in the pipe joints that prevent leaks, and in some instances, these chemicals may be able to melt sections of your PVC pipes. You can remove clogs without exposing your pipes to these issues by opting to use a drain snake. These devices can break up and remove the clogs without the need to use damaging chemicals. After using the drain snake, you should sanitize it to remove any bacteria that it may have picked up from the drain.
Flush The Drains With Hot Water
Depending on the material that is clogging your pipes, hot water may be another effective option. When hot water is poured down the drain, organic residues and other sticky substances will start to loosen. This can make the clogs easier to dislodge. In fact, it will often be possible to remove clogs by plugging the drain after pouring hot water down it. For the best results with this option, you should allow several minutes after pouring the hot water down the drain as it can take a few moments for the sticky residues to start to respond to the heat. While it is important for this water to be hot to be effective, you should avoid the use of boiling water as this can be hot enough to warp or damage plastic components of the plumbing.
Deodorize The Drains With Vinegar
Your drains can be ideal environments for the growth of a variety of odor-causing bacteria. This is particularly true for kitchen sinks and other drains that will have to handle large amounts of organic matter. For these drains, you will want to regularly flush them with apple cider vinegar to help remove the odors that could otherwise start to emanate from these drains. After you pour apple cider vinegar down the drain, you should wait an hour before using the sink again. This will give the vinegar time to neutralize these odors before it is washed out of the drain by the water.
To learn more about plumbing tips for your home, contact a business such as Calhoun Plumbing.
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