Common plumbing problems with sinks and toilets can result in plumber house calls that incur expensive service charges. There are surefire at-home plumbing repair tips that work to fix clogged drains and even leaks. Before taking on the task of fixing common household problems, be sure you have the necessary tools, such as a drain snake or toilet plunger. Also, always turn off the main water supply if fixing under-sink links; the shut-off valve is typically located near the hot-water heater or in the utility closet.
Common plumbing problems with sinks and toilets can result in plumber house calls that incur expensive service charges. There are surefire at-home plumbing repair tips that work to fix clogged drains and even leaks. Before taking on the task of fixing common household problems, be sure you have the necessary tools, such as a drain snake or toilet plunger. Also, always turn off the main water supply if fixing under-sink links; the shut-off valve is typically located near the hot-water heater or in the utility closet.
Toilet Fixes
The toilet poses several problems for homeowners and is frequently the cause of frustration. The most frequent toilet problem is a clogged drain. To fix a clogged toilet, use a force-cup plunger instead of a regular plunger; insert the plunger and pump forcefully to unclog the drain. An alternative to using a plunger is to use a drain snake or closet auger; push these into the toilet drain to clear the clog.
Another common toilet problem is the phantom flush--when you hear water running and the toilet spontaneously refills. This is most often due to a leak from the tank into the toilet bowl. It can be fixed by replacing the toilet "flapper" or flush handle.
Water Pressure Fixes
Homeowners often call in professionals to fix lost water pressure, although this repair can usually be done by the homeowner. Water pressure tends to decrease over time in kitchen faucets and shower heads, but many people tend not to realize it until the pressure has significantly decreased. Water pressure problems are usually due to dirty screens and/or aerators in the faucet itself, which may get clogged with dirt and sediment over time. To fix this problem, unscrew the shower head or sink faucet; clean the clogged screen by running it under water and poking straight pins through the tiny holes to clear the debris. Consider leaving the screen or faucet aerator soaked in a mild dish detergent or vinegar solution overnight if there are hard water deposits present.
Kitchen Sink Drains
A common problem with kitchen sinks is slow water drainage. This may be caused by grease buildup at the bottom of the drain, which occurs when even small amounts of grease are poured into the kitchen sink. One way to fix this problem and clear the drains to improve water draining is to use soap and hot water. Pour a generous amount of dish-washing detergent down the drain; follow the detergent with scalding water so that the combination breaks the grease buildup. To prevent future grease buildups in your kitchen sink, never pour the grease directly down the drain. Instead, pour detergent and hot water on the grease while it is in a kitchen pan; let it stand for one minute and then pour it down the kitchen sink.
