1. Continually Running Toilets
Running toilets can do a lot of damage if they are left unrepaired. Over time, toilets can develop a faulty flapper seal or handle causing the toilet to run continually. If you notice your toilet is running all the time, simply replace the flapper or the handle immediately to avoid a high water bill and the potential for other water damage.
2. Slow Drains
Slow drains are a sign of a clog somewhere down the line. Some drains can be easily unclogged by pouring a mixture of 1/2 cup of baking soda followed by 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar into your drain. Then seal the drain with the drain stopper. Allow this mixture to sit for 30 minutes. Next, remove the stopper and agitate the clog with a plunger. Then run the hot water for a couple of minutes to flush the drain. That’s it. If the clog remains, repeat the entire process again.
Also, never put anything down your toilets other than toilet paper and human waste. And never pour commercial drain cleaners down your clogged drains. Using a drain cleaner could result in causing a negative reaction which could damage your plumbing system.
3. Faucet Leaks
Dripping faucets if left unrepaired will significantly increase your water bill. Fixing a dripping faucet is fairly easy for most people. The parts you need will depend on which type of faucet you have—a compression, ceramic-disk, cartridge, or ball faucet. Once you know which type of faucet you have, just follow the instructions for replacing the defective part causing the leak for that type of faucet.
4. Tools Necessary for Basic Plumbing Repairs
Wrenches are one of the most effective tools used for plumbing repairs. An adjustable wrench and slip joint pliers can be used for most plumbing jobs that require something to be fastened, tightened, or loosened. Having a variety of different sized wrenches is most helpful. Allen wrenches, also called hex keys or Allen keys, are another great plumbing tool to have around. An Allen wrench can help unjam a garbage disposal so you don’t have to call the plumber and so much more. Also, duct tape and sealing tape can help with plumbing emergencies and Teflon tape can seal a leak from around threaded connectors.
5. Locate Your Main Water Cut-Off Valve
It’s important for each member of your family to know where the main water cut-off valve to your home is located. If you unexpectedly have a water disaster, immediately turning off the water at the main to stop the gushing water could help keep your home from flooding. However, if you have to spend precious time searching for the main and figuring out how to turn off the water, the more time your home has to flood and the more you will have to pay for water damage repairs.
What’s Next?
If you need a reputable Gainesville, FL plumber, please Contact J.W. Freeman Plumbing today. At J.W. Freeman, we don’t believe in performing unnecessary repairs. Therefore, if you don’t need a repair, we don’t try to sell you a repair. You will always receive a fair and honest assessment of what you do or don’t need. We look forward to serving you.
J.W. Freeman Plumbing – Gainesville Shower and Bath Installers | 4637 NW 6th St | Gainesville, FL 32609 | (352) 316-3229
