Plumbing is a job that most people do not look forward to doing in their own homes. There are a number of things that you can do on your own, however, to keep your plumbing working nicely. The following 101 tips can help to point you in the right direction for success.
1. Fix a leaky toilet quickly. It could fill an Olympic size swimming pool every year.
2. Your leaky toilet may cost you up to 40% more to maintain than to fix.
3. Use 1/2 cup of white vinegar to clean the dishwasher.
4. Keep the water heater setting at 115° maximum.
5. Attach a spring-loaded timer to your outdoor faucet.
6. If you are trying to seal pipe threads, you can use either tape or plumbers dope.
7. A clogged toilet may correct itself if you allow it to sit overnight.
8. The pedestal sump pump works with the motor on the shaft but it cannot be operated underwater.
9. A pedestal sump pump is the best option for small-diameter basins
10. Never flush disposable diapers or feminine hygiene products down the toilet.
11. Be sure you purchase your hot water heater to match your utilities.
12. Left is hot, right is cold.
13. Don't expect your water heater to last 15 years. You may have to replace it at seven years, more or less.
14. You can often remove a clog from a drain with a wet-dry vac.
15. If you have a difficult clog, try some dish soap.
16. Turn your water heater off at night with a timer.
17. Don't put too much food in the garbage disposal at once.
18. You can use vinegar to remove hard water stains from the showerhead.
19. Your water heater should match your family's usage.
20. Plumbers putty can damage pipes and it may leave stains.
21. Check your water meter eight hours apart to see if you have an undetermined leak.
22. Always consider safety when purchasing a new water heater.
23. Tie string around your faucet to keep the drip from being too loud.
24. If you try to flush the toilet and nothing happens, make sure the chain didn't come disconnected inside of the tank.
25. Using too many commercial cleaners can kill the natural bacteria in a septic tank.
26. A leaking faucet is easier to repair when it first starts.
27. A switch on the sump pump is usually a float switch.
28. You should use a dedicated circuit for the sump pump because they require a lot of power when starting.
29. A solar water heater can save money and the environment.
30. If you have a higher horsepower sump pump in a smaller basin, it will cycle too frequently.
31. Always turn off the power before repairing your sump pump.
32. You can remove a clog with a zip it or another type of flexible tool.
33. Enlist the help of a buddy when doing plumbing work.
34. Check the water supply going to the refrigerator for leaks every six months.
35. Purchase an alarm to let you know if you have a water leak in your hot water heater.
36. By an on-demand hot water heater to save money.
38. Turn your hot water heater off when going on vacation.
39. Turn the water supply to your toilets off when going on vacation.
40. A high-efficiency toilet is better for your plumbing system.
41. Long showers waste water. Try to minimize how much water you are using.
42. Clean the drain in your bathroom sink every month, even if it isn't clogged.
43. Hire a plumber for complex plumbing issues.
44. Never work with your hands where you can't see them when doing any plumbing work.
45. Wear eye protection when working on plumbing.
46. Wear gloves appropriate to the job you are doing to protect your hands.
47. Lift with your knees when removing or replacing the toilet.
48. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove most of the water from a toilet before moving it.
49. Replace a valve if it is no longer working properly, even if it does not leak.
50. Don't use an auger on your pipes unless you know what you are doing.
51. Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain.
52. Remove a grease clog in the drain with 1/4 cup of dish soap and water
53. Turn the water off at the main supply before repairing a leak.
54. Test the septic system every six months.
55. Save money on your water utility bill by installing low-flow faucets.
56. Use insulation on your hot water pipes.
57. Don't allow a leaky faucet to continue to leak. It wastes a lot of water.
58. High water pressure can damage your pipes and faucets.
59. Use insulation on your hot water tank.
60. A hot water heater should not be installed in an unheated basement.
61. Do not allow your sump pump flow to become obstructed.
62. Always use water when running your garbage disposal.
63. Coca-Cola in the toilet can clean the bowl overnight.
64. Commercial drain openers will often damage the pipes.
65. A low-flow toilet will work just as well as a regular toilet.
66. Check the thermostat on your water heater and lower it if it is too high.
67. If you hear something strange when you operate your sump pump, something is likely wrong
68. Opt for plastic pipe when doing installations.
69. Catch water from a dripping faucet with a bucket and wash your vehicle with it.
70. A small amount of water should be drained from your hot water tank every three months.
71. Periodically check your pipes for leaks. A leaking pipe can cause damage and wastes a lot of water.
72. Educate your family how to turn off the water in an event of an emergency.
73. Use a corner toilet in the small bathroom.
74. You'll use less water taking a five-minute shower than you will when you take a bath.
75. If a sump pump needs to be underwater, choose a submersible unit.
76. Valves do not need to be attached directly to the sump pump.
77. Submersible sump pumps are quieter and better for large water basins.
78. Worn washers and seals are common reasons for a dripping faucet.
79. Right is tight and left is loose.
80. Replacing your old showerhead can save a lot of water.
81. The newer drain clog removers may actually be worse for your drain than the older options.
82. Periodically inspect the sump pump and run it while you are standing in the area.
83. Use a wet dry vac to retrieve something from the toilet.
84. Keep plenty of towels on hand when working on the plumbing in your home.
85. Keep your tools nearby when working under the sink.
86. Hard water stains can be removed with lemon.
87. Shop around before purchasing a high-efficiency toilet. There are a lot of options.
88. Add boiling water to a toilet that is clogged.
89. Try not to go with the minimum standard. Always go above and beyond.
90. Use some egg shells to clean your garbage disposal.
91. Watch DIY shows to learn more about how to fix your plumbing.
92. Always make sure you have a check valve installed on your sump pump.
93. Don't use too much pipe when running plumbing under the kitchen or bathroom sink.
94. Biodegradable soaps save water.
95. Salt rubbed with a piece of grapefruit can remove a bathtub ring.
96. Quickly turn the valve off behind the toilet if it is overflowing.
97. Put food coloring in the tank to see if you have a leaky toilet.
98. Always listen for plumbing problems as well as looking for plumbing problems. You often hear them before you see them.
99. There are different plungers to be used on sinks and toilets.
100. Research the horsepower of the sump pump before buying.
101. Plug your sump pump directly into the outlet. Never use an extension cord.
