ARTICLES
PLUMBING TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
DEC 13, 2016
We’ve compiled a list of tried and true plumbing tips that every homeowner should know. We wish we could list everything we know, but we had to select just a few. We hope you find these tips insightful and well as cost effective. Enjoy.
PLUMBING TIPS, #1 : HOW TO FIX A SHOWER DRAIN CLOG
Clogged shower drains are one of the most common plumbing issues in many households. One of the best and cheapest ways to unclog the drain is by removing the drain plate and pulling out the debris. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the drain in place. If no screws are present, use a flat head screwdriver to pry the drain up. Use a flashlight to locate the clog and pull it out with your hands. For other tips on how to unclog the drain, click here.
PLUMBING TIP #2 : BUY A DRAIN CATCHER
We might have placed this as tip number one because it’s easy and important, but it made sense to come second. We can’t overstress the benefit of purchasing a drain catcher. This cheap and handy device sits in your bath drain and catches hair before it filters down the pipes. For a few dollars, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars and a big headache.
PLUMBING TIP #3 : BUY A LOW FLOW SHOWER HEAD
Whether you have two, four, six, or more people living in your home, you probably wouldn’t be opposed to saving some money. Low-flow showerheads use less water without compromising on the water pressure. You still get a power shower, but your cut back on your water bill and your electric or gas bill to heat the water. Here a list of our top low flow showerheads.
PLUMBING TIP #4 : WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL SULFUR
Nobody likes the smell of rotten eggs, but this can be a common problem in quest baths that go unused. Drains are built with traps that hold water, which is used to vent out the gas and keep your home from smelling. But if they are not commonly used, or the water evaporates in between uses, then the gas will find it’s way into your home. You can often get rid of the smell quickly by turning on the water for a minute or two and filling the p-trap. If the problem persists, you may have a bigger issue on your hands; in this case, call a plumber.
PLUMBING TIP #5 : SHARPEN YOUR GARBAGE DISPOSAL BLADES
Did you know that you can sharpen your garbage disposal blades? Yep! And it’s easy too. Simply toss a cup full of ice down the disposal and let her rip. Once you hear that the ice is just about gone, turn the disposal off.
PLUMBING TIP #6: GET RID OF HARD WATER STAINS
Hard water can wreak havoc on everything in your house. It can impede water flow, damage appliances, and more. If you’ve got hard water, make sure you’re cleaning it off every once in awhile. Soak stained items in a mixture of half water/half white vinegar. For showers, spray the mixture on using a spray bottle. Scrub until clean. Also, consider getting rid of your hard water with a whole house water filtration system.
PLUMBING TIP #7: NO HOT WATER
If you keep running out of hot water you could have one of these issues. First, your unit may not be big enough to service your family. Homes typically come with a standard 49-gallon water heater, but this may not be enough if you have family members that take long showers or use the dishwasher and washing machine more than twice a day. Consider bumping up to a larger unit. Review your needs with a plumber for advice on the right unit for your home.
We hope you’ve found this helpful. We couldn’t cover everything there is to know about plumbing, but this sampling should get you started. If you have additional questions call us or visit our blog for weekly articles on the latest plumbing topics, including helpful how-tos, buying guides, and more.