How To Fix Your Heater

Simple Plumbing Fixes to Try at Home

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Calling a plumber can be expensive, both in terms of the bill and hours missed from work. However, many plumbing issues are less severe than they seem and can be fixed fairly easily, even without experience. The next time you have a plumbing problem, consider trying one of these fixes first.

Install a New Shower Head

Looking to upgrade your bathroom? Installing a new shower head is actually easy to do yourself. First, remove the old showerhead. This may be as simple as twisting it off counterclockwise. If it doesn't budge, however, you may need to wrap the pipe that connects the head to the wall in a towel (to prevent damage) and then grip it with slip-joint pliers. By clamping an adjustable wrench around the head's base, you should be able to twist it off. Afterward, clean off any rust with a rag. You can also tightly wrap and press Teflon tape along the grooves at the end of the shower arm for a tighter fit.

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You should follow any special instructions that came with the showerhead you purchased. Generally speaking, however, fixed-mount models can be screwed in clockwise by hand, while handheld models require attaching to the arm first before adding the head. In both scenarios, run the water to test for leaks. If any of the components are loose and letting out water, disassemble the head and use more Teflon tape.

Caulking a Shower or Bathtub

While a clogged drain can be a problem, it's not always as bad as it looks. The first thing you should do is remove any standing water by using a mug or other vessel. After that, a common trick is to pour a pot of boiling water down the sink. You may need to wait for the water to sink and pour in more several times, but this trick solves many clogs.

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There are a few ways you can enhance this trick, too, with the easiest being to add a cup of salty before the boiling water. Another method is to add first a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white or apple vinegar; once it stops bubbling, put the stopper in the drain for fifteen minutes before adding the boiling water. Finally, you can try adding a cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar, letting it sit for several hours and then again adding boiling water.

If these tricks don't work, you may need a plumber's snake, also known as an augur. This device is commonly sold at hardware stores and even Walmart, and you can insert it into the drain or pipe to break up the clog. If you don't have one, an unwound clothing hanger may work in some scenarios as well.

Fix a Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can literally keep you up at night, but it doesn't have to be a hassle. First, turn off water to the faucet using the switch under the sink; if there isn't one, shut off the water supply for the house. Turn the faucet on and leave it open to allow any remaining water to drain. Next, remove the handle. To do this, you'll need either a flathead screwdriver to pry off the screw cover or a hex key or Allen wrench if there's a nail behind the handle.

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Once that's done, you're ready to change the cartridge. To remove the old cartridge, you can usually use a crescent wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut in the handle assembly, although some models may require a specialized tool — the manufacturer's instructions should specify if that's the case. Either way, gently pull the cartridge straight up and out of the assembly. Clean and dry the area around the handle and all the parts disassembled so far. Insert the new cartridge, taking care to make sure it's aligned correctly. (Note: You can find the correct cartridge to replace your old one by identifying the faucet's model number and manufacturer or by taking the old cartridge to the store and matching it to the correct replacement.)

Reattach the packing nut and handle, taking care not to overtighten the former. Run hot and cold water to make sure the aerator isn't clogged. That should solve the problem, and likely in well under an hour. If not however, you may need to call a professional.

Unclogging a Drain

While a clogged drain can be a problem, it's not always as bad as it looks. The first thing you should do is remove any standing water by using a mug or other vessel. After that, a common trick is to pour a pot of boiling water down the sink. You may need to wait for the water to sink before pouring in more several times, but this method can solve many clogs.

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There are a few ways you can enhance this approach, too, with the easiest being to add a cup of salt before the boiling water. Another is to add first a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white or apple vinegar; once it stops bubbling, put the stopper in the drain for fifteen minutes before adding the boiling water. Finally, you can try adding a cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar, letting it sit for several hours and then again adding boiling water.

If these solutions don't work, you may need a plumber's snake, also known as an augur. This device is commonly sold at hardware stores and even Walmart, and you can insert it into the drain or pipe to break up the clog. If you don't have one, an unwound clothes hanger may work in some scenarios as well.