10 tips for home plumbing

One of the most common problems in the home is the dreaded blocked drain and we don’t all need plumbing courses to fix the problem. This is a popular issue with consumers who have been known to pay through the roof to fix basic plumbing problems which can be easily avoided.

Quick tips for plumbing in the home

Keeping your drains clear can be quite difficult with people leading busy lives and there is always a tendency to pour problematic materials down the drain. To keep your drains clear it is best to avoid putting any food waste down the sink as this can cause a blockage with cooking fat and large pieces of food being the main culprits. The regular use of unblocking agents to clean washing basins and sinks is the ideal method to prevent such issues. Another problem especially during the winter months is the issue of frozen pipes which can cause pipes to crack and leak. By insulating the top of the pipes and water storage tank rather than underneath them we can prevent the pipes from cracking under the pressure of the water as the air rises. By repairing dripping taps and setting your central heating to come on regularly during the winter months you can help prevent the pipes from freezing which will block your pipes. If unfortunately the worst happens and pipes do leak, we can aim to prevent the amount of damage that can be caused. Regularly checking your washing machine, kitchen and bathroom for leaks is essential with bulging and cracking common sources of concern. The key to minimising the damage is getting new pipes fitted when problems arise preventing further damage. If you are thinking of getting that extension that you have always wanted remember to check for hidden pipes with a detection device before starting work in order to avoid accidentally drilling or hammering into pipes. One of the most popular plumbing issues around the home is the leaking toilet. Nobody likes a leaking toilet and it can lead to the bathroom becoming damp and create a nasty odour. To prevent a leak between the tank and the bowl of a bowl-mounted toilet it is best to remove the bolts and replace the gasket which can tend to become clogged over time. If the toilet bowl leaks around the base then it is best to lift the bowl up and reseal it along the base. If you are fed up of the banging, hammering and squeaking of piping in your home then anchoring exposed pipes is the simple solution. If your pipes are banging when the water is turned on, cushion the pipes with a rubber blanket or another suitable insulator. It is best to anchor the piping with straps every 7 to 9 feet. Although if the issue is the squeaking of the pipes, this is down to the heat in the pipe causing the pipe to expand, making the pipe rub against the strap creating a squeaking noise. Along with the hammering this can be easily rectified by anchoring the pipes down to floors and walls.

Calling a Plumber? Check for Plumbing courses

If any of these issues require professional help it is best to call a plumber. If this is the case then it is best to ensure that the plumber has undertaken the required plumbing courses and qualifications.

 Looking to take expert plumbing courses to help improve your trade skills knowledge and expertise? Tradequalified provides the relevant expertise to help with everyday plumbing issues in and around the home.