Plumbing problems aren't fun. It seems like there are more problems involved with your plumbing since you have your own home.
It can be a timely and costly problem for many homeowners. Some of the common problems that homeowners face include leaky faucets, clogged drains, low-water pressure, and toilet issues. You may be able to address and fix some of these problems on your own. However, there are times when you'll need a second opinion. Don't let some of these problems become a major problem that will end up costing you more money. Thankfully, some of these problems can be corrected if you handle them properly. Each of these suggestions in this handy guide can make you become a do-it-yourself plumber. If you're still confused; however, you shouldn't do it on your own. Here are some ways that homeowners can save money on hiring a professional when the time is necessary.
The Ten Questions
1. How do I save money without buying a low-flush toilet?
A: A low-flush toilet is one of the best investments that homeowners can make, but not everyone has the money for one. Instead, you should add a 20-ounce of bottled water or rocks to the toilet tank to save money and water. This helps reduce the amount of water the toilet uses per flush.
2. How do I recover an object that has fallen into the toilet?
A: You should remove the object immediately. But you shouldn't use a wire hanger or plunger to remove the object. Instead, you need to remove the filter from the toilet and clean any dirt or debris. Then, you should remove the object by sucking it up with a vacuum cleaner. You will then hear the sound of the object being removed from the toilet.
3. How do I get rid of that annoying leaky faucet?
A: A leaky faucet is enough to drive anyone nuts. There's no need to call a professional to fix this problem. Most leaky faucets are caused by a worn-out washer or a broken seal, which is easy to replace. Or, you can just wrap some duct tape around the faucet and call it a day for the cheapest temporary fix.
4. How do I safely unclog drains?
A: You should dump two to four tablespoons of vinegar or dish soap down your drain. Then, you will sit for 15 minutes. Follow-up with one to two cups of hot water. If that doesn't work, you should dig out the clog with a plastic bag. You should be careful to remove it from the drain and ensure not to further jam the drain.
5. How do I fix a low-pressure faucet?
A: In this case, you will need to clean or replace your aerator. Aerators get clogged with food, mineral buildup, hair, or other debris inside the pipes. It's often better to replace their aerator if cleaning it doesn't help the pressure flow. In this case, you can take it to their local hardware store to get the right replacement.
6. What do I do if I have no hot water?
A: This isn't a time to freak out. Instead, you need to check their water heater pilot light to see if it's still lit. If you don't see a flame, you should follow the instructions for relighting the pilot light. If you don't have instructions or feel uncomfortable about doing it themselves, you should contact a professional to fix the problem.
7. How can I fix my refrigerator that's no longer cool?
A: You will need to check the temperature and set it to the highest temperature. Next, you should check the controls. Someone may have messed with the controls and temperature when putting items away in the refrigerator. Cooling oils that are covered with hair, dust, and grime can also cause the refrigerator to not cool properly. You should remove the grill and vacuum out the coils.
8. How do I recover my clogged drains?
A: Something as simple as hair can cause a clogged drain. Homeowners can save money on hiring a professional by covering their drains with mesh screens called strainers. Strainers prevent hair from slipping into their drains. You should clean out the strainers regularly to prevent hair build up, causing an even uglier problem.
9. How do I effectively get rid of grease?
A: Homeowners should never dump anything down their sink if they don't want a problem. Dumping hot grease down the sink can clog the plumbing and sewage system. It's advised to dump the grease into a small garbage bag or into a plastic container.
10. What shouldn't I pour down my sink?
A: Grease isn't the only thing that shouldn't be poured down the sink. Pasta, rice, cooking oil, egg shells, butter and margarine, and flour are just some of the things that shouldn't be dumped down the drain. Homeowners should handle this manner the same way they should handle grease. It's best to dump the material in a separate container or to place it in a small garbage bag.