The most commonly asked question in Plumbing
The number one question people ask about plumbing is: How do I fix a clogged drain?
Having clogged drains is one of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face, ranging from minor to severe problems. Fortunately, several ways exist to identify and resolve the issue without calling a professional.
First, it’s essential to determine if the clog is in your main line or a branch line. This can be done by pouring water slowly into both lines (if possible). If the water takes a long time to flow down the pipe, you likely have a clog in that line. Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action!
The traditional plunger is one of the most common methods to unclog a drain. To use it, you’ll need to plug the adjacent sink or tub so that air pressure can build up in the pipe and push out the clog. However, if this doesn’t work after several attempts, it’s time to move on to other solutions.
A drill (a snake) is another great option for clearing clogs from any drain pipe. The drill has a long wire-like attachment that can be fed through narrow pipes and bends to remove debris blocking the water flow. This should help eliminate your clogged pipes correctly without calling a professional plumber.
Lastly, consider using a chemical drain cleaner if all else fails. Chemical drain cleaners are sold in most hardware stores and can quickly dissolve clogs with corrosive chemicals. However, it’s essential to use caution when handling these products since they can cause irritation or even burns to the skin. Furthermore, chemical cleaners should not be combined with other solutions such as plungers or augers – use one method at a time!
Clogged drains are an unfortunately common plumbing issue that homeowners have to deal with occasionally. So with the proper knowledge and tools, you can care for almost any clog without calling a professional plumber. Understanding what causes clogging and how to address it correctly can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
Another common plumbing issue that many homeowners face and ask about is a running toilet.
How do I stop my toilet from running?
So, a running toilet can be caused by a few issues, such as an improperly configured flapper, an old or worn float ball, or a broken fill valve. In most cases, the problem can be resolved with basic troubleshooting and DIY repair:
- Inspect the flapper to ensure it is positioned correctly over the drain hole at the tank’s bottom. If not, adjust its position to seal off the tank’s water supply when appropriately flushed.
- Check for mineral deposits on the float ball or fill valve; these deposits can sometimes prevent them from sealing off the water supply correctly and cause your toilet to run continuously.
- Inspect the fill valve for any visible cracks or other damage and replace it if necessary.
With these steps in mind, you should be able to fix a running toilet successfully!
Good luck! And remember – when in doubt, call a professional plumber! They have all of the right equipment and knowledge needed to get your plumbing back up and running like new quickly.
