Two Common Plumbing Problems To Be Ready For

Home ownership can be rewarding on many levels. However, when you've got problems with your plumbing, you might be unprepared to handle various problems because you may not have had to in the past. Now that you own the floors, pipes, and appliances that could be damaged, you have a vested interest in knowing more about the plumbing system in the house and how to cope with situations that could arise. Here are two common problems that could occur and some ideas about how you might solve them.

Burst Pipe

One of the scariest things that could happen with regards to your plumbing is to walk into your bathroom in the middle of a cold winter night to find water all over the floor; this usually means a pipe has burst. Your first instinct may be an attempt to find the source of the water, but a smarter idea is to put on some sturdy shoes and shut off the house's main water valve to interrupt the water flow. The main valve is usually in the same area as the home's water heater or well pump. After water is no longer gushing into the space, you can start cleaning up the water with towels and other linens, or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. You'll then need to contact a plumber to replace the pipe.

Bursting pipes often happen in the colder months when the temperature has dropped so low that water inside your pipes freeze. If that happens, the pressure inside of the pipes increases to the point where one might burst. To decrease this pressure so pipes stay intact, leave a small water stream running from all faucets; you can also insulate pipes so they remain warm and ice doesn't form.

Clogged Drain

Clogs are so common that many people keep commercial cleaning products beneath their sinks or in hall closets so that they can pour some down a drain when a clog forms. However, those liquid products may damage pipe interiors. That could mean you'll have to get new pipes sooner, rather than later.

Instead, try a few less caustic measures first. You might, for instance, spend a few dollars on an auger, or "snake", that you slowly work down the drain to attempt to jostle whatever is causing the problem. You may opt to combine baking soda and vinegar to move the clog, as vinegar, also known as acetic acid, can break down some organic matter and when it reacts with baking soda, the fizzling may provide some force so the clog to become dislodged.

These are just some plumbing issues you might encounter while living in your very first home. Keep a plumber's contact information handy so you can ask for help when you need it.

For more information, you will want to contact a company such as Power Pro Plumbing.