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Welcome to another episode of Plumbing Ambulance, where we bring you expert tips, advice, and solutions for all your plumbing needs! Whether you're a first-time homeowner or just trying to save money on plumbing repairs, today’s episode is just for you. We’ll dive into some common plumbing issues and give you practical, DIY tips to help keep your home’s plumbing in top shape. Let’s get started!
1: Leaky Faucets
First up on our list is the infamous leaky faucet. We’ve all heard that annoying drip, drip, drip, right? Well, not only is it irritating, but it can also waste up to 3,000 gallons of water a year if left unchecked.
Leaky faucets are usually caused by worn-out washers, O-rings, or valve seats. Here’s a quick DIY tip to fix this:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. You don’t want water shooting everywhere!
2. Unscrew the handle and expose the stem, where you’ll find the washer or O-ring.
3. Replace the washer or O-ring with a new one. Make sure you match the size!
4. Reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on. No more dripping!
If it continues, there might be deeper issues like corrosion or poor installation, and in that case, you may want to call in a professional.
2: Clogged Drains
Next on the list – clogged drains. Whether it’s the kitchen sink or the bathroom shower, clogs happen. Most often, these are caused by grease, food particles, or hair buildup.
Here’s a simple DIY trick using items you probably already have:
1. Pour boiling water down the drain to loosen up the gunk.
2. Mix baking soda and vinegar (half a cup each) and pour it in. This creates a chemical reaction that breaks up clogs. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Flush the drain with more boiling water.
For more stubborn clogs, you might need a plumbing snake plunger or a drain snake. If you find yourself unclogging the same drain frequently, that could be a sign of a bigger problem in the pipes, and it might be time to call a plumber for an inspection.
3: Running Toilets
A running toilet is another common issue that can drive up your water bill. This problem is often due to a faulty flapper or a problem with the float mechanism in the tank.
Here’s how to fix it:
1. Check the flapper at the bottom of the tank. If it’s not sealing properly, it may be worn out and needs replacing.
2. If the flapper is fine, adjust the float so the water stops filling before it reaches the overflow pipe.
3. Still running? You might need to replace the fill valve.
The great thing about this fix is that replacement parts are inexpensive, and the process only takes a few minutes.
4: Low Water Pressure
Ever step into the shower, only to be greeted by a trickle of water? That’s low water pressure, and it’s a common issue in many homes. Often, the problem is due to mineral buildup in your faucet or showerhead.
Here’s a quick fix:
1. Remove the showerhead or faucet aerator.
2. Soak it in vinegar for a couple of hours to break down mineral deposits.
3. Scrub off any remaining residue with a brush and reinstall it.
If the problem persists throughout your home, it could be a sign of a leak in your plumbing or issues with your main water line.
5: Water Heater Troubles
Finally, let’s talk about water heaters. If you’re getting cold showers when you expect hot water, there might be a simple solution:
1. Check the thermostat on your water heater. Sometimes it’s set too low.
2. If your water heater is over 10 years old, sediment may have built up in the tank. Flushing the tank can help improve efficiency and restore hot water flow.
3. For safety, always turn off the power or gas supply before working on your water heater.
If these quick fixes don’t work, it could be a sign that your heater needs professional servicing or even replacement.
If you’re ever unsure or dealing with a major plumbing concern, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber near you.
Useful Links:
https://plumbingambulance.com/toronto-plumbers/
https://medium.com/@businesspad/how-to-clean-kitchen-faucet-head-step-by-step-guide-461b497269c8
https://livepositively.com/diy-guide-on-how-to-fix-leaky-bathtub-faucet/
https://contractors.home.blog/2024/08/22/why-is-there-no-water-in-my-toilet-bowl-quick-fixes/