9 Plumbing Tips Everyone Should Know

by Alexey | Cleaning Tools | Friday, September 03, 2021

Follow Make-Self.net on Facebook and be the first to read our articles.

Are you dealing with a dripping faucet, low water pressure, or a clogged pipe? You may be tempted to call a professional plumber, and for good reason.

Homeowners usually do not have the necessary skills to do DIY plumbing work. In the end, they may even make the situation worse by causing serious property damage. But don't put your plumber on speed dial just yet! Here are 9 essential plumbing secrets every homeowner should know. Perhaps one of them will help you save on an expensive visit to a local specialist.

Make friends with the plumber's tape

Plumber's tape (also called Teflon tape) is used to seal pipe threads to prevent leaks around joints and fittings. As a general rule, you should wrap plumber's tape three times around the pipe threads before sealing. Also note that the white tape is for regular household plumbing, while the yellow tape is for gas pipe connections.

Not knowledgeable about plumbing? These tips may help you!

Plumber tips

If you're trying to do your own plumbing repairs, you need to know where to start.
There are a lot of things to think about here, including what tools you need to buy and what rules you need to follow when doing plumbing repairs. These tips will help you become more competent in plumbing matters.

1. If you want the plumbing in a private home or country house to freeze, make sure that any pipes that do not have protection and insulation (we are talking about pipes on the street) are thoroughly insulated.
   If the ambient temperature around the pipes is below freezing, the pipes may freeze. It will take time for the pipes to freeze, meaning you won't be able to run water through the pipes for quite some time. Pipes can also burst and rupture, costing you a lot of time and money to repair.
2. If you can't clear your drain clog
   with a plunger, try adding water to the toilet bowl if the water level in the bowl is low. Do this every time the water level gets too low.
3. Check for damage to the floor around your toilet. If you feel like the floor around your toilet is softer
   than the rest of your bathroom floor, that's where some damage is located. Shake your toilet and then sway on each foot to see if you feel any softness or looseness on the floor underneath you. You can save your money by simply noticing the problem early.
4. You need to clean out all the drains and collect any solids that could clog your pipes. When large particles remain in the filter, remove them. Clean the filter in the bathtub once every 2-3 days, without waiting for a clog to appear.

Schedule plumbing work at the same time. You can call a plumber every time you have a small problem, but you can call a plumber and solve several problems at once. This will allow you to save money on plumbing repairs.

• To keep your bath and kitchen drains clean, you should use a packet of baking soda and a cup of table vinegar down the drain every month as a preventative measure to remove accumulated grease and small particles. This will cause a chemical reaction and the small clog will be cleared. Leave the water on for a while and then pour boiling hot water down the drain. This will clear your pipes of any soap or hair that has accumulated in your sink drain.
• Installing more efficient shower heads will help save not only time, but also your money on additional water consumption. Most hot water is consumed during a shower or bath. Invest in energy-efficient showerheads and showerheads and you can save over RUR 10,000 a year on your water bills.

Now you know, although plumbing may seem complicated and intimidating, it is actually not that difficult. You just need to learn the basic fundamentals. You just need to do a little research, use common sense, and work to find the most efficient method to complete your job.

If you need advice or have any questions, call for a FREE consultation and visit of a specialist: 8 (499) 390-71-40,

Then your plumbing will work efficiently!

Want to learn a little more about plumbing? As you know, there are many plumbing fixtures, appliances, and other plumbing fixtures out there. Therefore, we decided to write this short article for you. This will help you navigate the wonderful world of plumbing.

Understanding how tools work can give you a huge boost when working with plumbing. So be sure to read all your guides and instructions, and research as much as you can online where you can get information to help you with your projects. Make sure you know exactly what you plan to do before attempting any type of repair, as it will be much more difficult and expensive to correct the mistake.

You can clear most drain clogs yourself.

• Try a plunger first. Read more about the types of plunger in our article
  : how to remove a blockage with your own hands? If you are unable to break through the toilet with a plunger, check the water level in the toilet. If the water level is too low, try filling a bucket with warm water. Open the toilet tank and fill the water from inside. This procedure can be repeated if the water level returns to too low again.
• Place a strainer on top of the drains to prevent large food or objects from flowing down and causing clogs. Once the filter is clogged, you must clean it. Clean the filter in the bathtub once every 2-3 days, without waiting for a clog to appear.
• Do not pour oil or grease down the drain. They may be in liquid form, but once they cool, they will harden and can cause a clog. This is especially true if you have a food scraper disposer installed in your sink, as grease will cause the blades to work slower and less efficiently. Pour oil anywhere but down the sink.
• If your home or cottage has good tap water, but you notice orange or pink stains in your bathtub
  and other fixtures that use water, your water may have too much iron. Special water softeners will take care of this problem. You can install it yourself or hire the services of a professional plumber to take care of the installation.
• You also shouldn't skimp on quality when it comes to replacing your shower head. Choosing the cheapest shower head in the store

  may end up costing you more in the long run. The problem is that these shower heads are not very strong and break much faster.

There are many more ways to make your plumbing work better and more efficiently.

What works well for one home may not work well for another home. But in the world of plumbing there is always something common to every home and apartment. We hope the tips you read in this article will help you get started taking care of your home's plumbing!

For any questions or consultation, call us:

8

Sinks

When choosing a sink, special attention should be paid to the cutout for the faucet. The variety of types of sinks is similar to the variety of faucet sets: they need to match each other.

When renovating a small bathroom, you should choose a corner or built-in sink model. Based on the type of fastening, sinks are divided into:

1. Wall-mounted – mounted on the wall with screws. Convenient because there is space under the sink that can be used for other purposes.
2. Overheads – attached to the countertop, which allows you to create an additional surface for various purposes.
3. Curly - usually used to create original interiors.
4. Cascade - a modern design that implies the complete absence of a crane.
5. A tulip is a structure consisting of a bowl and a stand that hides the unsightly appearance of water pipes.

Washbasins and sink cabinets are made from different materials:

• acrylic products of elegant shape that do not require complex care;
• glass sinks are distinguished by their original shapes. An additional set of glass items for the bathroom is purchased;
• marble products are the most expensive of those presented and are usually installed in bathrooms with luxury interiors;
• ceramic sinks are very popular due to their versatility;
• steel ones are strong and durable and have a special coating. Typically used in the kitchen;

Often, special cabinets for sinks are purchased, which are used to store household chemicals.

Choosing a heated towel rail

You need to choose a heated towel rail not after installing a bathtub or cabin, but before that. It is important that the entire structure does not look bulky, and at the same time be as functional as possible. The shape of heated towel rails can be in the form of a coil, ladder or a mixed design. The coil is used more often because it is cheaper in cost, but its usable area is smaller.

The ladder is a more modern model, but its cost is much higher. As for the size, the height of the heated towel rail can be up to 1.5 meters.

The distance between the tubes is 300-800 mm. Heated towel rails are made from copper, black steel or stainless steel. The last option is the most optimal, since it optimally combines the price and quality of the product, as well as service life. By type, heated towel rails are divided into water ones , which use hot water for heating. Such a device will not function in the absence of hot water supply. The electric heated towel rail is connected to the network and does not depend on the water supply. But it will cost more. There are also combined heated towel rails that can operate both from hot water and using electricity.

Shower cabins

They appeared on the market relatively recently, compared to conventional baths. They save water well and take up little space, making them popular among people with small bathrooms.

Shower cabins come in two types:

1. Prefabricated. Separate elements are used to assemble such models.
2. Monoblocks. In this case, all the elements are already adjusted and connected to each other. This design is very easy to install.

A shower tray is required for a shower cabin, but if one is missing, a specially prepared floor can perfectly replace it.

Furniture

In a small room there are only three places where you can install or hang furniture modules.

1. Under the sink, if there is no washing machine there.
2. Above the washbasin, where you can fit a mirror with a shelf, but a mirror cabinet would be a more rational solution.
3. The wall is closer to the door. A narrow closet will fit here.

All surfaces must be waterproof, smooth, so that they can be easily wiped and washed.

Photo: Cersanit

Photo: Aquaton

Photo: Keramag

• Bathroom, toilet

  14 useful tips for ergonomics in a small bathroom

Pipes

Pipes are required in any plumbing premises, as they are necessary for communication systems. They are made from the following materials:

1. Metal. Stainless steel pipes are very rarely used in bathrooms: their installation requires professional skills and the use of certain tools. Due to the properties of the material, hiding such pipes in walls is prohibited.
2. Metal-plastic pipes are connected with special nuts that require frequent checking. It is not recommended to hide it in walls.
3. Polypropylene. The best option for the bathroom. Such pipes are hidden in the walls. The advantages include their durability and wear resistance.

How to choose a toilet?

If the bathroom is combined, then you will have to think about choosing a toilet. We have already talked about materials, now we will talk about the installation method:

• floor-standing toilets are a classic; their legs rest on the floor. The tank of such a toilet can hang separately, can be attached to the toilet, or even disguised in the wall. For small bathtubs they came up with corner models;
• wall-hung toilets are an excellent option for small bathrooms; they take up minimal space and are visually “lighter.” All pipes are hidden in the wall, so proper installation requires professionals.

Relevant for small bathrooms! There are toilets with a bidet function and toilets with a hygienic shower.

Baths

Bathtubs are usually made from four materials:

• Bathtubs made of cast iron . Not the most modern option, but they have their advantages.

Such bathtubs are very stable, retain heat well, and also have a long service life.

Disadvantage: heavy weight. To install a bathtub made of such material, you will need to call an assistant.

• Made from acrylic . Newly introduced to the plumbing market, they are gaining more and more popularity every year. What is their feature? The properties of acrylic allow you to create a product of a unique shape. Acrylic bathtubs look very impressive and retain heat well, and, unlike cast iron bathtubs, they are light in weight. In such bathtubs it is easy to wash with taste.

However, such bathtubs also have disadvantages - they are easily deformed, and the acrylic coating is not resistant to impacts: some damage is very difficult to repair.

However, with careful handling, these troubles can be avoided. The disadvantages also include the high price.

• Become . Just like bathtubs made of cast iron, they are durable and wear-resistant. At the same time, just like acrylic bathtubs, they are light in weight. Undoubtedly, such bathtubs are convenient, but during installation they will require additional fixation on the wall, otherwise the bathtub can easily tip over under the weight of a person.

The disadvantage of such baths is low thermal conductivity and sound insulation. But this can be easily eliminated - before installation, you need to apply a layer of polyurethane foam to the bowl.

• Plastic . The cheapest option, but the most fragile. A strong blow can cause a crack and then replacement of the font cannot be avoided.

We recommend reading: Installing a sink in the bathroom
But such bathtubs have enough advantages - they retain heat well, are non-slippery and antistatic. At the same time, plastic bathtubs differ in shape and color - there is a color for almost any interior.

Popular manufacturers

Roca plumbing

The most popular models from well-known plumbing manufacturers.

ROCA

The well-known Spanish brand produces sanitary ware for the bathroom and toilet; prices for products vary depending on the model. The designs are distinguished by their stylish design, ergonomics, convenience, variety of shapes and models, styles and trends. Toilets retain their excellent appearance and quality for a long time.

JACOB DELAFON

The French manufacturer of sanitary ware produces luxury products. The products are distinguished by sophistication and sophistication. Unusual shapes of structures create a unique style. A special coating protects products from scratches and damage. Does not require careful care. The service life is 25 years.

CERSANIT

Popular sanitary ware from Poland, a leader in the middle price segment. It is distinguished by a variety of shapes, models, and designs. Popular materials are used for production: sanitaryware and ceramics. The surface is covered with high-quality glaze. Thanks to this, it is resistant to mechanical stress and cleaning agents. Compact models are available for small bathrooms.

RAVAK

The Czech company produces original sanitary ware of excellent quality. The products are distinguished by their stylish design and long service life. All products are developed in the same line with equipment and accessories. The models are made of cast marble: a strong and reliable material.

A wide variety of shapes are offered: classic, teardrop-shaped, corner products. For rooms of any size. Various installation options are used.

Repair features

To carry out competent bathroom plumbing repairs, you need to choose the right building materials, from bolts to sealants.

Qualified repairs also imply the peculiarities of the bathroom - high humidity, small area, as well as the material of plumbing products.

To carry out repair work related to plumbing, it is best to use the services of professionals who know all the nuances of work in this area.

High-quality plumbing fixtures for a cast-iron bathtub or made from any other material will last a very long time and will not require frequent repairs.

Mixers and taps

What is the difference between a mixer and a tap? Everything is very simple - the tap supplies only cold water, the mixer, in turn, supplies both hot and cold water, mixing them together if necessary.

In modern bathrooms, faucets are installed, less often - ordinary taps. Faucets are usually made from durable brass, as well as inexpensive stainless steel.

Brass products are ideal for permanent use in the bathroom.

According to the type of design, mixers are divided into:

1. Mixers with two separate valves are a popular option, but not the most convenient. The inconvenience is due to the need to independently turn the valves one by one to adjust the temperature of the supplied water.
2. Mixers with one lever and cartridge. Such products allow you to quickly select the appropriate temperature and water flow pressure. At the same time, they are quite durable and wear-resistant. This mixer is easy to install yourself.
3. Electronic mixers. Modern devices that automatically regulate and supply water pressure at the desired temperature.

Recommended reading: Sink with bathroom cabinet