Understanding Basic Plumbing
The plumbing in your home is an important system that gives you basic comfort. We tend to only think about this network of pipes and drains when there is problem. Normal maintenance can prevent such issues. While any major problems should be handled by a professional, its good to know the basics of your home's plumbing system. This knowledge will make it easier to evaluate a situation if one arises.
The first thing one should know is that water travels downhill. This is a basic principle that all plumbing networks work on. Every pipe in the house sends water down to a main drainage pipe that will lead either to a sewer or the home's own septic tank. These pipes also have vents that will release gases out of the top of the house to dissipate in the air. This process allows for easier water flow without causing a siphon or vacuum effect that can cause back up.
When a sink is draining slowly, the first thing we look for is a clog in the drain. This basic exam usually starts at the top, and if nothing is viewable, will continue down the pipe to the trap.The trap is the curved piping located under a sink. Sometimes, it may be necessary to unscrew this piping to clear debris. This should be done only after the water flow to the sink has been stopped.
A kitchen sink is more likely to be clogged by objects such as food or grease. If you notice the kitchen sink draining slowly, you can try pouring hot water to try to break up any grease that may have accumulated. If that doesn't work, a basic bathroom plunger can be used to try and force out a clog. Make sure the plunger covers the entire opening and cover any other water outlets in the sink to create a vacuum. Then simply plunge the drain with 10-15 pumps to clear debris. If the clog is still evident, a pipe snake can be pushed into the drain until you can feel it. Once found, simply move the snake back and forth to break it up and run cold water to clear it entirely.
Toilets can be another source for plumbing headaches. Understanding how a toilet functions can help diagnosing a problem easier. When a toilet is flushed, the flush ball inside the tank rises. This allows water to flow out through the ball seat and into the bowl. The tank then fills back up with fresh water and resets for the next use. If a toilet continues to run after the tank is full, simply replacing the flush ball can fix it. If the tank is not filling it may be necessary to replace the guide arm that leads the ball. If the toilet is not flushing or filling properly, bending the guide arm to prevent scraping can solve that problem.
Plumbing maintenance can prevent costly repairs. Knowing just the basics for your plumbing system can also save time and money. Understanding how this system works can be beneficial for your comfort and your wallet.
Identifying Austin Plumbers is easily done through various listings. Keep in mind the best source of information for identifying a quality plumber is asking those who know the area. Neighbors, Real Estate Agents, Home Owners Association Representatives each of these have unique interactions with local plumbers and will be able to tell you who will best fit your needs.
The first thing one should know is that water travels downhill. This is a basic principle that all plumbing networks work on. Every pipe in the house sends water down to a main drainage pipe that will lead either to a sewer or the home's own septic tank. These pipes also have vents that will release gases out of the top of the house to dissipate in the air. This process allows for easier water flow without causing a siphon or vacuum effect that can cause back up.
When a sink is draining slowly, the first thing we look for is a clog in the drain. This basic exam usually starts at the top, and if nothing is viewable, will continue down the pipe to the trap.The trap is the curved piping located under a sink. Sometimes, it may be necessary to unscrew this piping to clear debris. This should be done only after the water flow to the sink has been stopped.
A kitchen sink is more likely to be clogged by objects such as food or grease. If you notice the kitchen sink draining slowly, you can try pouring hot water to try to break up any grease that may have accumulated. If that doesn't work, a basic bathroom plunger can be used to try and force out a clog. Make sure the plunger covers the entire opening and cover any other water outlets in the sink to create a vacuum. Then simply plunge the drain with 10-15 pumps to clear debris. If the clog is still evident, a pipe snake can be pushed into the drain until you can feel it. Once found, simply move the snake back and forth to break it up and run cold water to clear it entirely.
Toilets can be another source for plumbing headaches. Understanding how a toilet functions can help diagnosing a problem easier. When a toilet is flushed, the flush ball inside the tank rises. This allows water to flow out through the ball seat and into the bowl. The tank then fills back up with fresh water and resets for the next use. If a toilet continues to run after the tank is full, simply replacing the flush ball can fix it. If the tank is not filling it may be necessary to replace the guide arm that leads the ball. If the toilet is not flushing or filling properly, bending the guide arm to prevent scraping can solve that problem.
Plumbing maintenance can prevent costly repairs. Knowing just the basics for your plumbing system can also save time and money. Understanding how this system works can be beneficial for your comfort and your wallet.
Identifying Austin Plumbers is easily done through various listings. Keep in mind the best source of information for identifying a quality plumber is asking those who know the area. Neighbors, Real Estate Agents, Home Owners Association Representatives each of these have unique interactions with local plumbers and will be able to tell you who will best fit your needs.