While some types of plumbing problems should be fixed by a licensed plumber, there are some repairs you can do on your own. To help you save money, we’re compiled a list of 5 types of plumbing issues and how to fix them.
Typical Plumbing Issues: Tips & Tricks
Clogged Toilet
If you find yourself with a clogged toilet, there are a variety of troubleshooting methods that can be used to fix this plumbing problem if you don’t have a plunger. Before trying to clear a clog, make sure to turn off the water supply to your toilet.
To eliminate clogs from organic materials such as toilet paper, we recommend pouring hot water down the toilet. This trick works best when you use the hottest water you can because the heat helps to break up the clog in the drain pipe. If the hot water is not working, add a little bit of liquid soap that will aid in breaking down the clog.
There are times when using a plunger is not the best idea. For example, if your child has flushed a toy or toothbrush down the toilet, using a plunger may force the clog further down. Instead of utilizing a plunger to eliminate the plumbing issue, a trick we recommend is using a wet and dry shop vacuum to attempt to suck up the object.
Low Water Pressure in the Shower
If your shower head seems to be giving you less and less water, it’s probably clogged with limescale. This is a minor plumbing issue that can be easily fixed by most people. After making sure the water to your shower is turned off, simply unscrew your shower head. If possible, remove its spray plate or just place the head face down to soak it in white vinegar for several hours. The vinegar will break down the limescale and will fix the low water pressure. The last step to fixing this plumbing problem is to screw the shower head back in place and you should see an improvement in water flow.
Annoying Leaky Faucets
Not only is a leaky faucet annoying, it wastes water. It’s not always necessary to replace your faucet, just some of its inner components like a worn washer, seal or O-ring. Depending on your particular faucet, inexpensive kits are available to help you eliminate this inconvenient plumbing problem.
Clogged Kitchen Sink
With grease and other food materials, clogged kitchen sinks are a frequent plumbing problem. This issue can be easily solved without using dangerous chemicals. Grab a box of baking soda and pour it down your kitchen drain. Next, pour a moderate amount of vinegar into the kitchen sink to create a chemical reaction. This will help loosen food particles and debris in the drain line. After you release vinegar into the drain, cover it with a stopper or dish to keep the foam that is produced down in the drain. Once the foaming stops, pour hot water down the drain to resolve the plumbing problem and rinse away excess grease, hair, or food.
Smelly Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal might stink because of the residue left by food debris. Use half a lemon and a handful of baking soda to eliminate unpleasant odors caused by this plumbing problem. Turn your disposal on and let it grind away for about 30 seconds, then rinse with water.
Furthermore, to keep a garbage disposal clear, we recommend cleaning it regularly with salt and ice. Get more details about cleaning your garbage disposal in this helpful video. Reminder: never use warm or hot water to clean or clear a garbage disposal. Using hot water loosens any grease or oil, causing it to congeal further down in the pipes, which will, in turn, lead to a clog.
These plumbing tricks can help you solve minor plumbing problems and save you money. However, certain plumbing issues, like slab leaks, broken pipes, malfunctioning water heaters, basement floods, and gas leaks are best left to a certified emergency plumber in your area. Fenwick Home Services provides trusted and safe plumbing services in areas of Florida such as Fleming Island, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville, Orange Park, and Atlantic Beach. Give us a call by phone at (904) 217-5694 to receive assistance with an emergency plumbing accident in your house.