Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Homeownership comes with many joys, as well as headaches, especially when it comes to unforeseen maintenance, like plumbing. Mr. Rooter Plumbing recently commissioned a national survey asking homeowners about the most common plumbing issues they face."Being a homeowner is a fulfilling and rewarding accomplishment, but it can also bring new responsibilities and tasks that many aren't prepared for," says Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing. "This survey gave us tremendous insight as to the most common plumbing problems that homeowners deal with, along with their go-to methods for fixes. We learned that when faced with a plumbing issue, nearly 4 6percent of homeowners research DIY tips and attempt to fix the problem themselves. That's why it's vital to educate consumers about the do's and don'ts of plumbing, so they can hopefully avoid back-ups, bursts or other potential catastrophes down the line."
To help prep homeowners for any unforeseen plumbing disasters, Mr. Rooter offers the following tips on how to handle some of the most common plumbing issues.
Clogged toilet. Do not try to flush the toilet, as this will only lead to an overflow. Find a plunger and make sure to have a good and consistent connection with the plunger and the toilet. Being quick and repetitive with the plunging motion and keeping an eye out for movement in the toilet is key to unclogging it.
Backed-up drain. Use a regular wire coat hanger and straighten it out as much as possible. Bend one end to create a hook, push it through the drain and start fishing. Hair and all the buildup, aka gunk, should pull out. Once it's all pulled out, run the hot water and it should clear up.
Clogged sink. Mix 1/3 of a cup of baking soda and 1/3 of a cup of vinegar until it starts to fizz. Pour it immediately down the drain to help break down the gunk, hair and grime. Let it sit for about an hour (overnight is even better) and then flush it with hot water.
Low water pressure. Screw off the aerator, clean off the gunky residue and screw it back onto the faucet. This should help the water pressure get back to normal.
Garbage disposal. Never use chemical cleaners to clear a backed-up garbage disposal. To check for clogs, remove the unit and visually inspect the pipe for obstructions.
Source: Mr. Rooter
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