Water may be the source of all life, but it can also be a nemesis to the frustrated homeowner dealing with plumbing problems. Few issues, short of a natural disaster, can cause more damage to a house than a serious plumbing fault. Fortunately, homeowners can take a lot of steps to prevent plumbing nightmares and to minimize their effects when they occur.
If you have noisy pipes that sound like hammering or squeaking, this is something that is easy to fix. You will need to anchor any exposed pipes. If the pipes are in the walls, floors or ceiling, you may want to call a professional to come and help complete the project.
If one of your water pipes freezes, turn on the tap to the faucet nearest the pipe so that the water has somewhere to exit as the pipe thaws. This helps to relieve the pressure in the pipe and may prevent bursting, which can cause further damage to your home.
To keep your septic tank in good working order, it is advisable to have it pumped out every five years. This prevents sediment from building up in the tank and causing a backup into your home or causing the failure of the septic system itself. While it may cost a bit to have your septic tank pumped out, it will cost you much more to clean up any sewage backup or to repair or replace your septic tank.
Never pay a plumber until the job is complete. It may be required to put some money down before a job is started, but never pay the total cost until you know the job has been completed correctly. It is good to know that the plumber did everything as promised before he gets his money.
Knowing your tools and how to use them can help greatly in your plumbing experience. Make sure to read all of your manuals and use things such as the library and the internet to read up on do it yourself projects. Make sure you plan before you try any kind of repair, as it can be costly to fix a mistake.
Good education and preparation are the key to avoiding plumbing woes. The homeowner who learns a little bit about plumbing is more likely to make wise decisions and avoid dangerous plumbing situations. By the same token, the homeowner who researches and prepares for tackling a plumbing problem beforehand, will be able to fix the problem quicker and easier.