It's normal to have questions about plumbing as a homeowner. Some plumbing issues can be quite complex and require professional expertise, but many problems can be resolved with some elbow grease and a little bit of time. Homeowners who are familiar with the complexities of plumbing will be better equipped to make informed decisions and possibly fix the problem on their own.
Q: Which are the most important tools for plumbing at home?
A: The plunger is the most popular tool. It's a useful and effective tool that should be in every household. It can be used to unclog toilets, sinks and bathtubs. The hand auger is next on the list, and should be used to clear difficult clogs. The hand auger can handle clogs that a plunger cannot, and has a length of over 25 feet of steel cable. A wet-dry vacuum can also be used to save lives in case of flooding. A vacuum can make the difference between saving your floor or having to replace it completely if water has pooled in a room from a broken appliance or pipe.
Q: What can I do to increase my water pressure?
A: Most water pressure problems can be attributed either to volume or flow issues. Problems could arise from a restriction in the line or a line that is too long or too small. You can test the pressure by yourself if a pressure gauge has been installed. The water pressure in most homes should be between 50 and 60 PSI. Take the gauge off and turn the water on again. If the pressure remains stable until the water is turned on, it could be a flow problem. It is possible to fix the problem by cleaning the faucet and installing a new aerator at the faucet's end. Faucets can become clogged over time and cause a reduction in inflow.
Q: How do I prevent frozen pipes?
A: Pipes that are exposed to unheated areas (garage, basement, or outside) should be wrapped in foam or other insulation material and bound using electrical tape. You can wrap the pipes with electrical wire heating wrap to keep them from freezing in cold temperatures. You can make small holes in the wall to expose the pipes and then cover them with insulation foam. You can leave the water running if the pipes are difficult to access. This will warm the pipe and slow down the freezing process.
Q: What is the difference between soft and hard water?
A: Yes. And the difference can cause damage to your home as well as your body. Hard water is water with a significant number of dissolved substances, such as calcium and magnesium. Soft water is water that has been treated to remove sodium. Water problems can be identified if you have damaged clothes after washing, excessive soap consumption or pipe scaling. A water softener will not only improve soap lather but also remove soap scum. Water softeners can reduce energy costs and make appliances last longer.
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