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Proper plumbing is essential to maintaining your home. You may need to call a plumber for some of your issues, but it might not be possible because of money. This article lays out some effective plumbing advice for repairing and maintaining your plumbing.

Know where the main water valve is on your property. There should be a nearby water meter. Individual fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, may also have shut-off valves just for that fixture. Make sure every family member knows where the values are located, and mark them so they are easy to turn off in case the need arises.

TIP! If the flapper is worn out, or if the seat for the flapper has mineral deposits building up, the water in the bowl is allowed to run constantly. Your water bill will show a significant increase at these times.

Investigate loose tiles for signs of water damage. Loose tiles can be an early sign that a leak exists and needs to be addressed, so press against the floor or wall around the tiles to determine if there is any “give”. Using your discernment when viewing the tiles, you can handle the problem more effectively.

Don’t pour chemicals down your drain to unclog it. No matter how effective they are at unclogging drains, the contents of such products can be very dangerous, especially if your skin is inadvertently exposed to them. If you insist on using them, wear gloves and long-sleeved shirts.

Most people don’t know much about plumbing, so they pay ghastly prices for plumbing services. Learn some plumbing basics to understand what the plumber needs to do to resolve problems in your home. By learning a little about the topic, you can rest assured that you won’t be robbed blind by a plumber.

TIP! The dryer has a lint trap that must be kept clean. This can prevent a lot of problems, including a fire.

Sometimes you might find that your drainage pipe for the washing machine might overflow. This can be caused by things that go through your wash and eventually build up in your pipes. You should regularly check for water damage to your bathroom floor caused by your toilet to save money and further complications.

Feel the floor around the toilet and check to see if the floor is soft, molded, chipped, etc. Sit reversed on the toilet (facing the tank) with your feet on the floor. Rock your weight onto each foot and see if you can feel any weakness or “give” in the floor. When you have a problem like this, the earlier you detect it, the less expensive it will be to take care of. With the right plumbing advice, earlier detection is possible.

Copper pipes can sometimes expand a little as hot water passes through them. This expansion can cause the pipe to grind against its hanger, which can cause damage. Wrap tape around loose pipes before putting them back in their hangers to prevent potential damage.

TIP! Remember that your toilet is not intended to dispose of trash. Don’t flush anything unlikely to dissolve and wind up clogging pipes, such as diapers, tissues, paper towels, and cotton balls.

The flapper valve is one of the most critical components of a toilet. Flappers do deteriorate over periods of time, and the majority of toilet leaks start with flapper issues. If the chain has come loose, replace it and tighten its hold. If the chain is not the issue, it is likely the time to replace the flapper.

As you now know, there are many plumbing advice that can be used to repair plumbing in your house. By utilizing these tips in your home, you can not only fix your plumbing in an emergency but also cut costs by reducing the need for a professional plumber.

However, if you need a plumber, Flamingo Plumbing & Backflow Services is the best choice. Contact us today.