Wally’s Workshop

At some stage in your life you’ll be faced with plumbing problems clogged up drains, broken pipes to name but a few. Most minor plumbing problems can be very easy to fix once you understand the basics. And if you do understand the basics it can also save you money as you can pay anything between $80 and $100 per hour for a professional plumber, so if you can do your own repairs you can save a hell of a lot of money.

Okay so we know that some repairs are much easier to do than others, some simply take time and can be a major hassle particularly if pipes are sealed behind walls possibly on the floors and all in all just difficult to access.

The Basics Of Plumbing

Home plumbing actually involves a couple of different types of systems most. To get water to your home is delivered under pressure through the water supply system, most of the time this is supplied through copper pipes and carry forward to your kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, showing pictures, sprinklers etc. etc.

Water from the main supply is immediately ready for your cold water needs. Hot water requires an additional step, a pipe carries from the cold water system to your water heater. Once to work it is heated in a separate line carries this work or into all require outlets.

Drains and waste plumbing is not actually under pressure like your household water supply, instead it uses gravity to move water and waste into your septic tank or sewer. It uses what’s called pressure equalization to allow you drains to drain.

What To Watch Out For

If you need to call a plumber make sure it’s possible you know exactly what the issue you’re having is, if its an simple issue like a stopped up drain you may be better calling a drain cleaning company as they usually charge a lot less than a professional plumber.

Before you embark on any plumbing repairs, always turn off the water supply to the fixture or the main shutoff.

If you have gas piping for this although totally separate to your water system can look very similar to your supply pipes. If you are unsure please consult a professional.

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice on your a number of topics like Windows and Deck Maintenance if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.