What knowledge do you have about plumbing? Do you see your current knowledge as a foundation to build upon, or are you satisfied with what you already know? How much skill do you have? If you are not confident about your responses to these questions, read the advice below.
Do not use harsh chemicals to clean or treat your toilet. These products will reduce the smell, but they will also cause problems with the rubber gaskets. Over time, the damage will accumulate and could eventually stop the toilet from functioning at all.
If your toilet’s water level is low, the toilet is clogged up, and using a plunger isn’t resolving the issue, hold a bucket filled with warm water at about your waistline, and pour it into your toilet. Repeat this procedure if necessary as the water returns back to a lower level.
If you find you are having an issue with the garbage disposal, do not put your bare hands in the disposal. Garbage disposals always pose a possible threat, even when powered off or non-working all together. You can search online to get schematics or troubleshooting advice for your garbage disposal.
Feel the floors around the toilets to see if they are soft; this will help you know if you have any damage. You can check for softness or weakness in the floor by placing one foot on each side of the toilet and rocking back and forth. Discovering this issue sooner can mean big savings for your checking account, as compared to finding out about it later.
Make sure there is a strainer covering all drains in order to collect particles that would cause a clog if they went down the drain. Clean your kitchen strainer often, particularly if you can see debris accumulating. Bathtub strainers need regular cleaning as well.
It is important to clean your garbage disposal often to keep it functioning for many years. Keep your garbage disposal fresh and running by using dish soap, cherry pits and lemon rinds regularly.
To keep things flowing smoothly through the drain of your bathtub, each month you should feed it baking soda, one cup’s worth, with a cup of vinegar to chase it. Seal off the drain with a conventional plug or a piece of fabric while the natural chemical reaction takes place. After letting it sit for a few moments, clear the pipes out with a gallon of boiling water. Doing this will probably void your pipes of hair accumulations and soap scum.
Check your fixtures to ensure the overflow holes are clear of debris and mineral build-up. Overflow holes catch the excess water from an overflowing sink. They may not sound like a matter of great importance until you actually need them. When you do periodic checks for any other problems or repairs that are needed, take the time to clear the holes that are there to protect you from overflow.
How is your knowledge level with respect to plumbing now? Do you have a better idea of the kind of system your home has? Do you feel you have become more adept at plumbing? Do you feel you can now use plumbing diagnostic and repair techniques with your home’s system? Are you knowledgeable on how to use the equipment properly? Hopefully, you are able to answer all of these questions positively and have furthered your plumbing knowledge.…
