This blog was posted by Your San Antonio Plumber – Chambliss Plumbing Services

Helpful Plumbing Tips

TIP! As most people don’t have a clue about plumbing, they will tend to pay whatever the plumber charges, no matter how large. If you own your own home, you should at least learn enough about plumbing to understand how plumbing problems should be handled by a professional Plumbing Company.

Don’t put fat, leftover frying fat, or any oils down your sink drain. This is especially damaging to garbage disposal; the fat can make the blades turn more slowly and less freely. Make sure you dispose of oils in places other than the sink.

Consider drain cleaning products and their active ingredients carefully. Many of these cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes. Choose a drain cleaner that is well-known and whose label says it will not harm pipes. Not all chemical cleaners are good for your pipes–or for you. Some chemicals are toxic to humans. In addition, if a cleaner attacks bacteria indiscriminately, it may destroy helpful bacteria that keep the plumbing system running smoothly.

TIP! When trying to unclog drains, never use any chemical drain openers. They may open the drain.

Pour baking soda and vinegar down your bathtub drain once a month. Plug up the opening or cover it with a cloth while the chemical reaction occurs. After letting it sit for a few moments, flush the drain with boiling water. This should help clear your pipes of hair and soap scum.

Next time you need bathroom or kitchen fixtures, brass is a great choice. Brass fixtures tend to last longer with fewer problems. Also, the appearance of the brass fixtures is a lot prettier than similar counterparts. You can find these in home stores.

TIP! There are a lot of amateurs in the plumbing world, so consider taking an apprentice under your wing if you are one of the professionals. This is a beneficial way to get inexpensive help, as well as a fulfilling way to teach a younger person your skills.

Always use cold water running when you are using your garbage disposal. Cold water keeps blades and encourages smoother disposal.

If your work is outdoors, pace yourself and don’t get overexposed to the sun. Being exposed to the sun for too long could damage your skin or make you dehydrated and you might be too busy to notice it.

TIP! If you have copper pipes, they might expand slightly as you run hot water through them. Your pipes may no longer fit inside pipe hangers, they may grind against it, and it could damage them.