Quick Plumbing Repairs You Should Learn

Stop a Running Toilet

A running toilet can be a nuisance as the sound of the trickling water is annoying. Worse, an average leaking toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water through the year. The good news is the repair is usually quite simple if the leak is internal.

The issue is usually with the flapper, a seal for the flush valve. The flapper can wear out or become misaligned, allowing water to flow down the flush valve and into the toilet bowl. Safely remove the toilet tanks lid and inspect the flapper. If it is damaged, then turn off the water to the toilet by rotating the shutoff valve clockwise. Remove the old flapper from the flush handle lever and unclip the flapper from its pegs. Finally, install the new flapper.

Unclog a Drain

Clogged drains can result in foul odors, slow drainage, water or sewage backups, and even leaks. The cause of a clogged drain can range from hair strands and soap scum to food scraps and grease. Unclogging the drain is not complicated but might call for some elbow grease.

The first method to unclog a drain is with a drain snake. You can purchase one from your local hardware store. Insert the head of the drain snake into the drain and send the auger down until you hit the blockage. Push through the blockage to get through and wiggle around to capture the gunk before pulling the auger back out.

You can also try a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Run hot water into the drain for about a minute. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the affected drain and let it sit for a minute. Follow this with a cup of vinegar. You will hear some intense fizzing. Let the mixture sit for ten minutes then rinse with hot water.

Fix a Leaking Pipe

Repairing leaking pipes is tricky and we recommend you leave it to a certified plumber, but there are some steps you can take before the plumber arrives. First, place a bucket under the leak to catch water. Then, turn off the water to the leaking pipe by turning the nearest shutoff valve clockwise. If you cannot find the shutoff valve then locate the water main and shut off the water supply there. The plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can be at your doorstep in as soon as within the hour.