General Article

Plumbing Maintenance Tips You Can Adopt At Home

Pipes at home are of great help in supplying water to bathrooms, kitchens, and other water supply areas. Water pipes are also used in draining used water and sewer away. A single plumbing problem may result in sanitation-related illness and a threat. Also, blocked sewer pipes may result in an uncomfortable odor in the house. Therefore, the pipes in the house must be maintained. Here are some tips you can use to ensure that your pipes and drains work alright.

Inspect Your Pipes

Save twenty minutes in a week to check if there are leaks around the house. Hints of leaks are dumpy walls where pipes pass or if you note that the water is flowing with less pressure than average. Reduced water pressure may mean a hole in the pipes or one of the joints is loose, resulting in leakage. Also, visit the sewer pipes and check if they are intact. The best thing about sewer pipes is that they are hard plastic and rarely cause leaks. However, during winter, they may burst. It is easy to know when sewer pipes have burst because the whole compound will reek.

Have A Plumber Snake

The snake is used in unclogging pipes, especially in the sink. The snake is made of flexible wires that can easily bend through corners. However, it is not long enough to unclog pipe blockages further than a meter. If you try using it and there is still no change, you will have to call a plumber to help you out.

Using Baking Soda

Rusting pipes at times cause blockage in pipes. When added with vinegar, baking soda can help dissolve the rust, paving the water down the pipe. It would be best to mix the vinegar, water, and baking soda and then let it stay in the pipes for a while before flushing it off.

Looking For A Professional Drain Cleaner

Sometimes cleaning drains may be hectic, primarily if you work all week. In cases where you can’t find time to clean, you can hire an expert to do it for you. The cleaners have the necessary equipment to ensure that your draining pipes are clean and unclogged. They also give essential advice on maintaining the pipes before their next visit.

Install A Drain Cover

A meshed cover will help prevent unwanted particles from draining through the pipes. You can put the meshed drain cover in the bathroom drainage pipe or sink. They act like sieves.

Clean The Sewer Pipes

Opening the sewer and cleaning the pipe may seem complicated and smelly. However, you can wear a face mask and clean the pipes. Use a solution of baking soda and soap to clean the pipes. It would help to pour the solution down the pipes until they are clean, not unless you have clogged pipes.

Call The Plumber

When the nature of your pipe is beyond home maintenance procedures, it’s time to call the plumber. In instances where your pipe has burst, ask for San Diego

General Article

Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Garage doors need seasonal inspection and maintenance to remain in tip-top condition. While the average garage door can last between 15 to 20 years, it’s still necessary to conduct routine maintenance just as you would on any other home appliance. You can hire a garage door maintenance professional to inspect the door before the beginning of the winter and summer seasons. Regular maintenance is valuable for improving durability and eliminating chances of a garage door repair or replacement. If you’re looking to learn a few garage door maintenance tips, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses garage door maintenance tips to keep your garage door in good condition.

Watch and Listen to Your Door When it is in Operation

Most problems with your garage door don’t happen suddenly. They begin manifesting in jerky movement with scraping grating sounds. Pay attention to how your garage door feels and sounds when opening. If it doesn’t open smoothly all the way or starts making sounds that were not there before, it’s time to address the issue before it becomes a problem. Sometimes all your door needs is lubrication.

Inspect and Replace Rollers

Inspect the rollers along the edge of your garage door at least twice every year.  They can be replaced every five to seven years. During your inspection, be sure to replace any rollers that are worn out, cracked, or chipped. You can remove the rollers and replace them by simply removing the brackets holding them to the door.

Tighten the Hardware

Every time you open and close your garage door, the movement causes it to loosen the hardware. Regularly check the brackets and bolts to see if they are in place. If there are rattling sounds when the door is in motion, the hardware might need tightening. You can use a socket wrench to tighten components as required. However, be careful not to tighten them too much as this could strip the bolts and damage the door.

Lubricate all Moving Parts

The best way to ensure that your garage door remains intact for the longest time is by lubricating moving parts more often. Apply silicon-based or lithium-based grease to the hinges, rollers, armbar, and bearing plates at least twice every year to help keep your garage door opening and closing smoothly and quietly. Avoid using multi-use products as they tend to remove grease. Take a small piece of cloth and tarp to wipe away stains and protect the floor.

Check Pulleys and Cables

Inspect the lift cable and pulleys that connect to the bottom roller brackets. They connect the springs and the door to help lift and lower the door safely. Garage doors come in one of two different types of springs. Extension springs are the skinny springs that run alongside the horizontal portion of each door, while the torsion springs are mounted to a metal rod above the door opening. The two types of cables help lift the door. Garage door experts recommend hiring a professional to