Dealing with plumbing issues at home can be a real nightmare. From leaking pipes to clogged drains, these problems can quickly get out of control and cause serious damage to your house if not addressed immediately.
However, the good news is not all plumbing problems require a professional plumber. And you can do it all by yourself. Just need to know the exact method to do it. Don’t worry; we have got your back!
Here, we will explore the top ten simple yet clever hacks that every homemaker should know to tackle common plumbing problems – saving both your time and money!
Table of Contents
Tip #1: Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater
Did you know that lowering the temperature on your water heater can save you some hefty charges and prevent potential plumbing disasters?
Many water heaters come set at a default temperature of 140°F, but you can easily lower it to 120°F without sacrificing comfort. This simple hack can reduce the risk of scalding, prevent mineral buildup in your tank, and save you up to 5% on your energy bill for every 10°F you lower the temperature.
Additionally, regularly replacing your water heater is important to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely. So, if your water heater is over ten years old, consider the importance of water heater replacement.
Investing in a new water heater may seem like an expensive upfront cost, but it can ultimately save you loads of money on your energy bills and prevent costly repairs down the line.
Tip# 2 Leaky Spouts & Faucets
A dripping faucet or spout may seem like a minor annoyance, but it can actually waste a lot of water and cost you money on your water bill. Plus, it can also cause great damage to your sink or countertop over time.
But don’t worry – you don’t need to replace the entire fixture to fix the issue.
Turn off the water supply to the affected fixture to fix a leaky faucet or spout. Then, remove the handle of the faucet or spout by unscrewing it or prying off the decorative cap.
Next, use a wrench or pliers to remove the nut that holds the cartridge or valve stem in place.
Inspect the cartridge or valve stem for any damage or wear and tear. If it looks damaged, you may need to replace the rubber O-ring or washer inside the faucet.
On the other hand, if it looks fine, clean it thoroughly with a washcloth or brush. Then, reassemble the faucet or spout in reverse order and turn the water supply back on to test for leaks.
Tip #3: The Garbage Disposal
If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know how convenient it can be for cleaning up after meals. However, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid clogs and other damage.
First and foremost, ensure you run cold water while using the disposal to help flush debris through the pipes.
Next up, avoid putting things like bones, grease, oil, fibrous vegetables (sprouts, asparagus, celery), eggshells, starchy foods (pasta, rice, peels, beans), coffee grounds, non-food items, etc.
They are extremely dangerous for the garbage disposal, and letting them enter the disposal will directly mean harming them – as these can cause some serious clogs or damage to the blades.
Tip #4: Clear the Clogs!
Clogged drains are a common plumbing issue that can be a real hassle. However, before you call a plumber, there are a few things you can try to clear the clog yourself:
- Use a plunger to create suction and push the clog through the pipes. If that doesn’t work, you can use a drain snake to remove the clog.
- Another effective method is to pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain, followed by hot water. The chemical reaction will help break down the clog and clear the drain.
- Finally, preventative measures such as using a drain strainer to catch hair and other debris can help prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
N.B: Always wear gloves and follow safety precautions when using tools.
Tip #5: Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Does your garbage disposal have a funky odor that just won’t go away? Don’t worry; there’s an easy fix for that.
All you need is some ice, vinegar, and lemons. Fill an ice cube tray with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, and add a slice of lemon to each compartment.
Once the ice cubes are frozen, run them through your garbage disposal while running cold water. The ice will help sharpen the blades, while the vinegar and lemon will kill any bacteria causing the smell – leaving your kitchen smelling fresh.
Tip #6: DIY Drain Cleaner
If your drains are clogged, don’t reach for the harsh chemical drain cleaners just yet. Instead, try this DIY drain cleaner. All you need is some baking soda, vinegar, and hot water.
Here’s how to do it:
- Mix together 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar. The mixture will bubble and fizz, which is normal and nothing to worry about.
- Afterward, pour the mixture down the clogged drain.
- Let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then pour boiling water down the drain to flush out the clog.
The baking soda and vinegar will create a chemical reaction that helps break up the clog, while the boiling water will wash it away all the way down.
This hack is not only affordable and effective, but it’s also eco-friendly and won’t harm your pipes.
Tip #7: Find The Invisible Leak!
Have you noticed an unexplained increase in your water bill but can’t seem to find any visible leaks in your home?
Well, you may have an invisible leak!
These types of leaks can be pretty difficult to detect. So, if you get the slightest suspicion that there may be a leak, try using this master hack:
First, turn off all the water sources in your home and record the number on your water meter. Wait a few hours without using any water, and then check the meter again. If the number has increased, that means you have a leak somewhere in your system
To find the exact location of the leak, turn off the main water supply to your home and then turn on each appliance one by one, checking the meter after each one.
When the meter starts to increase, it will ultimately mean that you have finally found the source of the leak. Once you have located the leak, you can call a plumber to fix it and save yourself from paying a high water bill. And not to mention the other severe damages that come up from invisible leaks.
Tip #8: Clogged Toilet? Not a Problem.
A clogged toilet can be a real headache!
However, with the right plumbing hacks, you are sure to pull off the day quite effectively:
- First, turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning the valve behind the toilet clockwise. Next, pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl. The soap will act as a lubricant and help break up the clog.
Wait a few minutes, then pour a bucket of hot water (not boiling, as that can crack the porcelain) into the toilet bowl from waist height. The force of the water should help push the clog through. Repeat if necessary.
- Another hack is to use a wire hanger to clear out the clog. Straighten out a wire hanger, then bend the end into a small hook. Insert the hook into the toilet bowl to dislodge the clog. Wear gloves and dispose of the hanger properly when you are done.
Tip #9: Shower Pressure Problems?
Have you ever experienced a weak shower spray, which feels more like a gentle trickle than a powerful jet? Low water pressure in the shower can be quite frustrating, especially when you are in a rush.
Fortunately, there’s a simple plumbing hack that you can use to boost your shower pressure quickly!
The first thing you should check is the showerhead itself, as mineral deposits can clog up the small holes in the showerhead – ultimately reducing the water flow.
If that’s the case, remove the showerhead and soak it in a bowl of equal parts of white vinegar and water mixture for maybe a few hours or overnight. You will be all good to go, as the white vinegar is quite effective in dissolving the mineral buildup and restoring the water flow.
If the showerhead isn’t the problem, you can also remove the flow restrictor. A flow restrictor is a small plastic disc installed inside the showerhead to limit the water flow. While it helps to conserve water, it can also reduce water pressure.
To remove it, unscrew the showerhead and look for a small plastic disc inside. Gently pry it out with a screwdriver and reattach the showerhead.
If neither of these tricks works, you might need to clean or replace the shower valve.
Tip #10: Tighten the Pipes
Loose pipes can cause all sorts of plumbing problems, from leaks to noisy pipes, or can even burst in the worst-case scenario. So, if you hear banging, rattling, or clanking sounds coming from your pipes, it’s likely that they are loose and need to be tightened.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the affected area. Then, with the help of a wrench or pliers, tighten the nuts that connect the loose pipes to the wall or ceiling. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the pipes. Test the pipes by turning the water supply back on and checking for any leaks or unusual sounds.
If the pipes are still loose after tightening, you may need additional support brackets or hangers to keep them in place. This will not only prevent further damage but also help reduce the amount of noise produced by the pipes.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues can be a great hassle, but with these ten little-known plumbing hacks, you can easily become a DIY plumbing pro and prevent disasters before they happen.
Whether it’s unclogging a drain, fixing a leaky faucet, or detecting a leakage early – these hacks are simple to implement and can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Just remember to prioritize safety, and in case you are unsure about a plumbing issue, it is always best to seek professional help immediately!
