Plumbing Hacks
Plumbing hacks are a dime a dozen. But which ones are actually useful? And which ones are just plain old wives’ tales?
Let’s look at some of the most popular plumbing hacks and see if they stand up to scrutiny.
1. Use WD-40 to loosen a stuck faucet handle
If you’ve ever had a stuck faucet handle, you know how frustrating it can be. But before you call a plumber, try using WD-40.
Spray the WD-40 onto the handle and wait a few minutes. Then, try to turn the handle. It should come loose with ease.
2. Use a rubber band to fix a leaky faucet
If your faucet is dripping, you can often fix it with a simple rubber band. Just put the rubber band around the base of the handle and tighten it until the leak stops.
3. Use boiling water to dissolve hair clogs
If you have a clog made up of hair, boiling water can be a quick and easy way.
4. Use baking soda and vinegar to unclog a drain
This is a classic plumbing hack that works.
Use 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Wait a few minutes, then continue by flushing with hot water.
The clog should be gone in no time.
5. Use a wire hanger to fish out a clog
If the above method doesn’t work, you can try using a wire hanger for fishing out the clog. Straighten out the hanger and create a small hook at the end. Then, insert the hook into the drain and see if you can snag the clog. If you can, pull it out and dispose of it.
6. Use a plunger to unclog a toilet
If your toilet is clogged, a plunger is usually all you need to get it flowing again. Always allow for and be sure you have a good seal around the rim of the toilet before you start plunging. Otherwise, there will not be able to generate enough force to break through the clog.
7. Use a wire brush to clean out a shower head
If your shower head is clogged with mineral deposits, a wire brush can be used to clean it. Remove the shower head and start by soaking it in a bowl of vinegar for an hour or so. Then, use the wire brush to scrub away any remaining deposits.
8. Use lemon juice to clean a dishwasher
If your dishwasher is starting to smell, lemon juice can help freshen it up. Just pour a cup of lemon juice into the empty dishwasher and run it through a cycle. The lemon juice will help break down any build-up and leave your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
9. Use a toothbrush to clean a drain
If your drain is starting to get gunky, a toothbrush can be used to clean it. Remove the drain cover and use the toothbrush to scrub away any build-up. If the build-up is nasty, you may need to use a plumber’s snake to get rid of it.
10. Use a coat hanger to snake a drain
A coat hanger can be used if you don’t have a plumber’s snake. Just straighten out the hanger and insert it into the drain. Then, twist it around until you feel resistance. This will help to break up any clogs.
If you have rust stains on your plumbing fixtures, there are a few ways to remove them. You can use a commercial rust remover, white vinegar, or lemon juice.
To use a commercial rust remover, follow the instructions on the product label. Be sure to always wear protective wear like gloves and eyewear when using these products.
White vinegar is a natural rust remover. Soak a cloth in vinegar and scrub the rust stain to use it. Rinse with water afterward.
Lemon juice is another natural rust remover. To use it:
- Mix equal parts lemon juice and water.
- Soak a cloth in the mixture and scrub the rust stain.
- Rinse with water afterward.
There you have it! With just a few of the most popular plumbing hacks. So the next time you have a plumbing problem, give one of these hacks a try, and you may undoubtedly be surprised at how they work.
