Plumbing Tips and Tricks

Clogged Drains: 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.

Leaky Faucets: Often caused by worn-out washers or gaskets. Turn off the water supply, disassemble the faucet, and replace the faulty components.

Running Toilet: This can usually be fixed by adjusting or replacing the flapper valve, the float apparatus, or the fill tube.

Low Water Pressure in Shower or Sink: This is often due to a clogged aerator. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet or showerhead and clean out any debris.

Leaky Pipes: 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.

Slow Draining Tub: 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.

Jammed Garbage Disposal: 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.

Replacing Showerheads: Unscrew the old showerhead and replace it with a new one. Teflon tape should be used on the threads to prevent leaks.

Fixing a Leaky Toilet Base: If the toilet leaks at the base, the wax ring seal might need replacing. This involves removing the toilet and replacing the wax ring.

Replacing Toilet Parts: Components like the flush valve, toilet handle, or the float can often be replaced without professional help.

Flushing Water Heater: 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.