Taking care of your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. There are simple, quick fixes you can do yourself to avoid big problems down the road. In this guide, I’m sharing 10 plumbing hacks that every homeowner should know. They’ll save you time, money, and headaches. If things get too tricky, you can always count on myboiseplumbers.com for help!
1. Fix a Leaky Faucet in Minutes
A leaky faucet can drive you crazy and waste water. Luckily, fixing it is simple. Turn off the water supply, remove the faucet handle, and replace the washer inside. The washer is often what causes the leak. Once you put the new one in, tighten everything back together. Turn on the water, and you’re done!
2. Clear Slow Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Slow drains are a common problem. Instead of using harsh chemicals, try a natural solution. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with 1 cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes as it fizzes and breaks down grease and gunk. Then, rinse the drain with hot water. It’s a simple way to clear up small blockages.
3. Prevent Hair Clogs with a Drain Guard
Hair is one of the main causes of clogged drains in bathrooms. To prevent this, get a drain guard. These small screens sit over your drain and catch hair before it goes down. They’re easy to use and cheap, and they can save you from a major clog.
4. Unclog a Toilet with Dish Soap
A clogged toilet can be a real hassle. If you don’t have a plunger, try dish soap! Pour a few squirts of dish soap into the toilet bowl, followed by a few cups of hot water. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. The soap softens the blockage, and the hot water loosens it up. Try flushing, and your toilet should be clear.
5. Protect Pipes from Freezing with Insulation
In winter, frozen pipes are a serious risk. If pipes freeze, they can burst and cause major damage. To protect them, wrap exposed pipes in foam insulation or heating tape. This is an easy and cheap way to keep your pipes safe when it gets cold.
6. Never Pour Grease Down the Sink
Pouring grease down the sink seems easy, but it can lead to clogs. When grease cools, it sticks to the inside of pipes and causes build-up. Instead of pouring it down the drain, let the grease harden in a container, then throw it away. This simple step will keep your pipes clear.
If you’ve already poured grease down the sink, MyBoisePlumbers can help clean the pipes before the grease causes a major clog.
7. Check for Hidden Leaks with Food Coloring
Leaks can be sneaky, and sometimes they’re not obvious. Here’s an easy trick to spot them: add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. Wait 30 minutes without flushing. If the water in the bowl changes color, you’ve got a leak. This quick test can help you catch problems before they cause big damage.
8. Master Plunging to Unclog Drains
When your toilet or sink is clogged, try plunging it yourself before calling a plumber. To use a plunger, make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push down hard, then pull up quickly. Do this a few times, and you should clear most clogs.
9. Tighten Loose Pipes with a Pipe Wrench
If you notice a small leak under your sink, it could be because a pipe is loose. You can easily tighten it with a pipe wrench. Just use the wrench to turn the pipe until it’s snug. Be careful not to over-tighten, though, as this can cause damage.
10. Know When to Call a Professional
Some plumbing issues are too big to fix on your own. If you notice low water pressure, a major leak, or your toilet isn’t flushing properly, it’s time to call a professional. Trying to fix complex problems without the right tools can make things worse. Don’t hesitate to contact MyBoisePlumbers if you need expert help.
Final Thoughts
These 10 plumbing hacks are simple, fast, and can save you a lot of money. By fixing small problems before they get big, you’ll keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. From fixing leaky faucets to clearing drains, you’ve got the power to take care of many common issues yourself.
But if you ever need help, myboiseplumbers.com is just a call away. We’re always ready to assist with any plumbing problem, big or small!
