SPRING PLUMBING TIPS: TOP 5 TIPS FOR CLEANING YOUR PLUMBING THIS SPRING
With spring just around the corner, it is important that you brush up on general plumbing maintenance. Here are 5 tips that will help you handle plumbing issues.
LEAKY DRAINS
Unless you have a garbage disposal installed in your kitchen sink, there is a good chance that you will have to deal with clogged drains on a regular basis.
You can make drain un-clogger mixture using baking soda and vinegar. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the clogged drain.
Then dump 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and wait for 5 minutes. Next, combine vinegar and hot water (at a 1 to 1 ratio) down the drain. Wait for 10 minutes and rinse it down with another pot of boiling water. This should be able to unclog most medium to lightly clogged drains in your home saving you time and money.
CLOGGED TOILETS
You should always be prepared for a clogged toilet because you never know when it is going to happen. The mistake most people make is thinking that a cheap plunger will be able to undo most clogs.
This is not a smart idea. In fact, it is almost better not to use a cheap plunger at all. You should have a plunger that has a rubber flange that can be pulled out. This will create a better seal and will allow you to push the water through with more force and unclog your toilet.
SHOWER-HEADS
Over time, your shower head will begin to accumulate mineral deposits. You can clean your shower-head and return it to new using vinegar, an old toothbrush and some toothpicks.
Use the toothbrush to rub the vinegar around the shower head and loosen the mineral deposits. Likewise, use the toothpicks to clean inside the water holes. You should be left with a shower head that is as good as new when you are done.
FAUCETS
With extended use, calcium will begin to form on your faucets creating an unpleasant appearance. To remove the calcium, you can mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwasher with 1 cup of warm water and use a sponge to rub away the debris.
It is usually helpful to use the rough side of the sponge to really get all of the grime off of it. You should be left with a faucet that looks as good as new when you are finished.
CLOG PREVENTION
Always make sure that you are not putting anything in your drain that shouldn’t go down there. Although it is convenient to simply toss your leftover food in the sink or wet towels down the toilet, it could lead to clogs and serious repairs.