Common Plumbing Issues that Anyone Can Fix

1. Leaky or Clogged Faucets

Many sink faucets are equipped with aerators, which limit the flow of water to reduce consumption. They are a great way to conserve one of our most precious resources and cut back on bill costs. However, the screen can also act as a sieve that traps debris and sediment carried by the water. You can clean the aerator by unscrewing it from the faucet and brushing it with a tough sponge or brush. Fixing a leaking faucet is a bit more challenging, but is still within the scope of most homeowners. It’s a good idea to look up instructions online or from the manufacturer beforehand, to learn about the unit’s specifications. Most of these leaks can be remedied by adding a washer or simply tightening some of the joint connections.

2. Removing Minor Clogs

Stepping into a warm shower only to dip your foot into a pool of cold water is rarely a pleasant experience. This is a classic symptom of a drain clog, which can happen in any of your sink or bathroom fixtures. Hair, dirt and other debris can build up into a blockage that restricts water flow and eventually blocks it completely. Rather than dumping expensive toxic and corrosive chemicals into your system, you can try to dissolve the clogs with a safe solution of baking soda and vinegar. While this won’t melt solid material, it can help clear away some of the buildup inside the lines. You can also bend a coat hanger into a hook to pull out wads of hair or garbage that are obstructing water flow.

3. Aligning Toilet Components

The constant trickle of a running toilet can get on your nerves after a few days, and jiggling the handle will only get you so far. Replacing the balloon and stopper in the toilet tank, or even just bending the mechanism back into place, is an easy fix to this issue. You can also stop your toilet from wobbling when you sit by tightening the screws that fasten the base to the floor. The connectors are usually covered by tiny caps located below the toilet bowl. Did you know that Rooter Hero Plumbing has self-help videos on its YouTube channel? Many of these videos are used for training purposes, but we welcome homeowners to view them too!