Money Saving Plumbing Tips

Do you usually call a plumber right away when you have a clogged drain or toilet that won't stop running? You can save time and money by learning how to do some simple plumbing repairs yourself. Consider some of the common issues that can plague an everyday plumbing system and review our DIY video guides and quick tips for solutions that could save you money.

Here are some easy DIY repairs to try before enlisting professional help.

How To Clear A Clogged Drain

Required Tools: Plunger, Auger

Clogged Sink:

First, place the plunger over the sink drain creating a seal. Then pump up and down several times before lifting the plunger. Often, this is all you need to do to clear the drain. If this doesn't work, you may need to remove the trap piper under the sink (use bucket to catch water). Then use an auger to clear the pipes. 

Clogged Toilet:

Try clearing the clog with a toilet plunger first. If this doesn't work, try using an auger. If the water is still not draining, you may need to call a plumber. 

Clogged Bathtub: 

A clogged bathtub occurs slowly over time. Usually, the culprit is a build-up of hair and soap scrum. You can use a bent wire to try to get out hair. If that doesn't clear the drain, cover the overflow hole and try a plunger. If the clog is still there, you may need a plumber to remove the overflow plate and brake up the clog.

How To Stop A Continuously Running Toilet

If you have a toilet that runs continuously, you may be able to save money by repairing it yourself. You will want to do this as soon as possible to save money on your water bill.

Required Tools: Screwdriver, Pliers

Remove the top from the toilet tank. Don't worry - the water in the tank is clean. Sometimes the chain is simply caught and not allowing the flapper to seal. If that is the case, just straighten out the chain so the flapper moves freely.

In some cases, the flapper is no longer sealing and needs to be replaced. Flappers can be purchased at any hardware store. They should come with replacement instructions, and the only tools you should need are a screwdriver and pliers.

If the toilet continues to run, contact a local plumber to further research what may be causing the problem.

How To Fix A Jammed Garbage Disposal 

Have you ever called a plumber because your garbage disposal was jammed and started making terrible noises? Before you make that call next time, try to get it working again on your own. 

Required Tools: Hex Wrench (Allen wrench)

For safety, be sure the garbage disposal is turned off before you begin working. Go under your sink and look at the garbage disposal. There should be a red reset button. Try that first to see if the garbage disposal starts working again. If not, you may need to fix a jam or clear the drain.

With the power still off, loosen the garbage disposal blades by carefully turning the hex wrench counterclockwise. You may need to turn the hex back and forth until the jam comes free. Do this until the disposal blades are spinning freely. Then re-tighten the hex nut. Test the garbage disposal by pressing the red reset button and running the disposal with water running in the sink.

If the disposal still isn’t working, it might be time to call the experts at Catons.

If you find yourself facing a plumbing situation that you can’t solve yourself, the experts at Catons Plumbing are trained to solve any plumbing related issue in the Baltimore area. Call us us at (410) 267-6141.