Owning a home can be hard work. Especially when it comes to performing your own plumbing maintenance. These hacks will help you better understand your home’s plumbing system so the next time a problem arises, you can tackle it with ease.

Locating Your Water Main

The first step in most plumbing emergencies is to shut off the water main. All adults in the home should know where to locate this and how to shut it off. Doing so in a timely manner will keep items in your home from being destroyed due to flooding.

Unclogging a Toilet

It can be a nasty job, but unclogging a toilet is one of the most essential skills a homeowner can have. Most clogs can be broken up using a ball-shaped plunger. In addition, toilet cleaners can be used for less conventional clogs. If the problem still persists, an auger or plumbing snake can be used as a brute-force tactic to break-up the clog with high-efficiency.

Fix a Running Toilet

A running toilet can cost you hundreds of dollars a month on your water bill. It’s also a problem that can easily go undetected. There are a handful of reasons your toilet may be running. To easily diagnose the issue, put a couple drops of dark food coloring into the tank. Let it sit for a half hour. If the food coloring has leaked into the toilet bowl, then the flush valve needs to be replaced. Most of the tank parts are cost effective and relatively easy to install.

Rust-Colored Water

Properly maintained water softener and water heater pair will preserve your water quality. Otherwise smelly or rust-colored water could occur. This is usually the result of hard mineral build up, but it could also reflect degraded water lines (especially in older homes). The easiest solution is to flush out your water heater by removing power and attaching a garden hose to the bottom valve. This will drain the mineral buildup. If nothing comes out, it could be due to extensive mineral buildup.

Cleaning a Shower Head

Low water pressure can be terribly frustrating to a homeowner. Thankfully the answer can be quite simple. Low water pressure might mean it’s time to clean your shower head. The first step in the process is to soak the shower head in vinegar. Let it soak for 10 to 12 hours. Preferably overnight. In the morning, unscrew it and scrub it with a small toothbrush. Let it sit in vinegar for a few more hours. Then reassemble and enjoy a hot shower!

HAVE A GENERAL PLUMBING QUESTION?

Not sure where to find your water main? Thinking of buying a home but have concerns about its old plumbing system? Your local licensed plumbers are ready at the phone to help answer any of your plumbing questions. You can also send us your questions via email at elliott@trustyourplumber.com.