Knowing the basic ins and outs of your plumbing system is important for any home owner. Not only will this help you to avoid plumbing disasters, it will also help your to be more prepared should you ever experience a plumbing emergency. Here are just a few DIY plumbing hacks that will make sure your plumbing system is well-maintained and help you be prepared in case of emergency.
Know Your Shut Off Valves
The most crucial aspect about your plumbing system that you should know is where all the shut off valves are located. The shut off valves disconnect your plumbing system from a main water source to stop water from running through your house. Before starting any maintenance or repair project, make sure to turn off these valves so you don’t accidentally cause a flood while working. Knowing where your shut off valves are located is also useful in case of emergency leaking or flooding.
Keep Plumbing Clean
The best way to prevent clogs and other internal breakdowns in your plumbing system is to flush out your pipelines every few weeks or so. Flush a bucket of warm water down your toilet once a week to break up small clogs and loosen any chunks of debris that may have become stuck along the wall of the bowl or in the toilet pipes. The same treatment can be applied to your sink as well. Flushing out your sink is especially important if you have a garbage disposal installed because food scraps can more easily becoming trapped in your pipes if you use a disposal.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
The explosive reaction created when baking soda meets vinegar can be used as an effective drain cleaner in your home. If you’re experiencing minor drain clogs, pour a 1/3 cup of vinegar with 1/3 cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for a few hours before flushing it down with warm water. This mixture will clear out small clogs and keep your drains clean and clear.
These small plumbing hacks, tips and tricks will keep your pipes well-maintained for a long time to come.