Showing posts with label drain cleaner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drain cleaner. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Simple Plumbing Repairs You Can Handle!
Do-it-yourself plumbing generally falls into three basic categories: drips, clogs and leaks. Even if the only tools you own are a flimsy plunger and a rusty wrench there are a few easy bathroom repairs you can handle on your own.A dripping faucet is one of the easiest plumbing problems to recognize because it can drive you crazy. The simplest fix for a drip is to first make sure the faucet has been turned off completely. It sounds obvious, but over time the washer that seals off the water that flows through the pipes and out of the faucet can wear and will become less effective. Start small by replacing the washer, a small, round piece of rubber located just inside the faucet. You can find replacement washers at any hardware or home improvement store in the plumbing section. If a new washer doesn’t stop the drip the problem may be a broken seat, the piece of brass that rests directly behind the washer. In this case, you’d be wise to have a professional plumber to take a look. The worst thing you can do for a dripping faucet is try to pull the fixture handle tighter. You could end up causing more damage or breaking the fixture itself.
Simple clogs make standing water in sinks, tubs or showers drain more slowly or prevent drainage altogether. First, try running hot water from the tap for five to ten minutes. This can clear small bits of debris that have collected in the pipes. If the drain is still clogged, fill the sink or tub with a couple inches of hot water and use a plunger to dislodge the blockage. Be sure the plunger is covering the drain completely and push straight down and pull straight up several times.
If a plunger doesn’t work, try a liquid or powder drain cleaner. You can purchase these at any supermarket, hardware, discount, or home improvement retailer; there are even “green” options that contain natural substances and fewer harsh chemicals. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely and flush pipes with scalding water following treatment. For really stubborn clogs, you may need to take apart a section of the pipe assembly to get at the blockage. If you don’t have the right equipment to do this, if the problem area is not easily accessible, or if water is backing up or won’t drain at all, call a pro.
Leaks are the most potentially dangerous kind of plumbing problem because they can indicate much more serious trouble. Signs that you have a water leak include staining on walls or ceilings, pooling water under sinks or around fixtures, and suddenly poor water pressure. For visible leaks, try tightening plumbing fittings or replacing washers. If you notice water damage on your walls or ceilings, you should probably consult a plumber. Whatever you do, address leaks as soon as you notice them; leaving a leak too long can cause severe water damage, staining, mold and mildew build-up that may require extensive repairs or renovation.
Related Information...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Simple Clog Removal to Keep Your Pipes Flowing Freely
Clogged and slow running drains are most definitely a nuisance and can cause serious damage to pipes, fixtures or appliances if left too long. Grease, hair, food, soap waste and other materials can easily accumulate in pipes and drains. If detected and addressed early, removing these common clogs can be an easy fix for even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. And regular cleaning and maintainance of your drain systems is a simple, effective way to prevent costly problems amd repair work down the road.The most popular tool for removing blockages is a common plunger, which you can purchase at just about any home improvement, hardware or discount store for less than $10. Put the plunger over the drain and press down firmly. Pull straight up with gentle force. Repeat the pushing and pulling a couple of times. Adding a little water to the sink, toilet or tub can help to create suction around the drain, making the plunger work more effectively.
Chemical drain solutions are widely available at hardware and grocery stores. These affordable cleaners are easy to use—just pour, wait and flush—and are great for removing small clogs or stubborn build-up. Always read the product label carefully, though, as some of these chemicals can be corrosive to plastic plumbing or are not recommended for use in kitchen sinks.
If you’ve tried a plunger and a chemical drain opener with little success, it may be time to use a pipe cleaner or snake. These specialty devices are easy to find or rent from home improvement or plumbing supply retailers and are perfect for getting rid of clogs close to the drain. The tool is inserted into the drain and maneuvered until the clog is pushed away and out.
Here are a few simple recipes for dissolving clogs caused by grease or debris buildup:
- Combine a pound of powder detergent with three gallons of boiling water. Hold the container close to the drain and pour slowly to prevent scalding. Flush the drain by running water from the tap a few minutes afterward.
- Baking soda and vinegar is also an effective drain opener. Pour ½ cup of regular household baking soda into the drain, then add ½ cup white vinegar; cover the drain if you can. Let the mixture stand in the drain for several minutes before adding boiling water, at least five or six cups. Never try this method immediately after using a commercial drain opener, as the baking soda and vinegar can cause a harmful reaction when they come in contact with the chemicals.
- You can also use salt and baking soda to dissolve a grease clog. Pour ½ cup coarse salt and ½ cup baking soda into the drain, followed by about six cups of boiling hot water. Let the mixture sit for at least eight hours and then flush with water from the tap.
More Information on Clogs and Drains...
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