Tips and
Tricks
Book Service
Tips & Tricks For Common Problems
Encounter common household plumbing issues? Equip yourself with basic tools and knowledge to tackle problems like clogged drains, leaky faucets, and running toilets. Discover simple fixes, from using a plunger to adjusting a flapper valve, and maintain your home’s plumbing system efficiently.
Navigate through common electrical challenges safely with our guidance. Learn to reset tripped circuit breakers, replace blown fuses, and safely install light fixtures. Empower yourself to address minor issues while understanding when it’s time to call a professional electrician.
Frozen pipes can be a homeowner’s nightmare, potentially causing extensive water damage. Learn preventive measures and immediate steps to safely thaw frozen pipes, check for leaks, and insulate your plumbing against the cold. Quick action and proper insulation are key.
Call Anytime...
Day or Night
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Plumbing Tips & Tricks
Many common plumbing issues can be addressed by homeowners with basic tools and a bit of know-how. Here are some you might encounter and can usually fix yourself.
Use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear clogs in sinks, showers, and toilets. For minor clogs, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be effective.
Often caused by worn-out washers or gaskets. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, and replace the faulty components.
This can usually be fixed by adjusting or replacing the flapper valve, the float apparatus, or the fill tube.
This is often due to a clogged aerator. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet or showerhead and clean out any debris.
Small leaks in accessible pipes can often be temporarily fixed with plumbing tape or epoxy. However, for a more permanent fix, the section of pipe may need to be replaced.
Often caused by hair and soap buildup. A plumber’s snake or a specialized tool like a Zip-It can be used to clear the blockage.
Before attempting any fix, always ensure the disposal is turned off. You can usually clear a jam with an Allen wrench by manually turning the blades.
Unscrew the old showerhead and replace it with a new one. Teflon tape should be used on the threads to prevent leaks.
If the toilet leaks at the base, the wax ring seal might need replacing. This involves removing the toilet and replacing the wax ring.
Components like the flush valve, toilet handle, or the float can often be replaced without professional help.
For storage tank water heaters, connect a hose to the drain at the bottom, run the other end into the floor drain, a bathtub/shower, or outside. Turn the valve and let it run for 3 minutes. This will flush rust from the bottom of the tank and help with heating efficiency and may also extend the life of your water heater.
Electrical Tips & Tricks
As a homeowner, you can safely address several common electrical issues without needing to call a professional electrician. However, always prioritize safety: turn off the power at the breaker before working on any electrical issue and use a voltage tester to ensure power is off. If you’re not confident or the problem seems complex, it’s best to give us a call.
A circuit breaker that frequently trips may indicate an overloaded circuit. Unplug some devices and reset the breaker. If it continues to trip, there might be a more serious issue.
Replace blown fuses in your electrical panel. Ensure the replacement fuse has the correct amperage rating for the circuit.
If a light switch isn’t working properly, it may need to be replaced. This is a relatively straightforward task involving removing the faceplate, unscrewing the switch, and replacing it with a new one, ensuring the wires are connected correctly.
Updating or replacing light fixtures is a common task. Always ensure the power is off before removing the old fixture and connecting the new one according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Non-working outlets can sometimes be resolved by resetting any associated GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets. These are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas. If an outlet is loose or has burn marks, it should be replaced.
Outlets that no longer hold plugs snugly can often be replaced by homeowners. Turn off the power, remove the faceplate and old outlet, and install a new one.
Replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer is a simple task, provided you follow the instructions and ensure the dimmer is compatible with the lighting.
If an extension cord is damaged near the plug, you can cut off the damaged part and install a new plug.
Simple doorbell systems can often be fixed by replacing the button, the internal chime unit, or troubleshooting the transformer.
Frozen Pipes Tips & Tricks
If you discover a frozen pipe in your home, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the pipe from bursting, which can lead to significant water damage. Here’s what you can do.
Before you begin any thawing process, it’s essential to turn off the main water supply to your house. This will reduce water pressure and minimize flooding if the pipe bursts.
Open the faucets that are supplied by the frozen pipe. This allows water to flow through the pipe and relieves built-up pressure in the system.
Look for the section of the pipe that is frozen. It will likely have frost on it and be colder to the touch than other parts.
Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, electric heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water to gradually thaw the pipe. Start from the faucet end and work your way toward the frozen section. Do not use an open flame, such as a propane torch, as this poses a significant fire hazard and can damage the pipes.
Once the pipe begins to thaw, check for any leaks. A frozen pipe can often crack or burst, and even a small leak can cause significant damage over time.
After addressing the immediate issue, take steps to insulate pipes in vulnerable areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and near exterior walls to prevent future freezing.
Keeping your house warm can help prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing, especially if pipes are under a sink on an exterior wall.
If you can’t locate the frozen section, if the area is not accessible, or if you’re not comfortable doing the thawing yourself, call a professional plumber.
For future prevention, consider adding insulation to your home, keeping the heat on at a consistent temperature during cold snaps, and disconnecting hoses and shutting off outdoor water sources before winter.
Happy Customers
