Quick Tips from a Roseville Plumber for DIY activities to keep your plumbing working fine.
How to Bucket Flush
Use a bucket of water to flush the toilet. You don't have to run to the neighbor's bathroom during a plumbing project. Before you turn off the water supply, fill 2- gallon buckets with water. Flush the toilet by dumping the water in the bowl. You'll get one flush per bucket. Works just as well as the usual method, although it won't refill the bowl.
How to Silence creaking pipesWrap pipes in adhesive-backed feltRunning hot water can cause copper pipes to expand and grind against pipe hangers and joists. So pick up some adhesive-backed felt at the hardware store and cut it into strips. Then remove each hanger and wrap the pipe before refastening the hanger.
How to Empty the trapPlunge water first before removing the trapBefore you remove a sink trap, give the drain a few plunges with a toilet plunger. This will push most of the water out of the trap, lessening the mess when you pull the trap. If you have a double sink, be sure to plug the other drain to contain the air pressure. If the strainer isn't a screw-down style, you'll have to hold it down while you plunge the drain
How to Stop a Running Toilet
Get a stronger flush—and a lower water bill. Find out how to fix things if your toilet keeps running.
How to Bucket Flush
Use a bucket of water to flush the toilet. You don't have to run to the neighbor's bathroom during a plumbing project. Before you turn off the water supply, fill 2- gallon buckets with water. Flush the toilet by dumping the water in the bowl. You'll get one flush per bucket. Works just as well as the usual method, although it won't refill the bowl.
How to Silence creaking pipesWrap pipes in adhesive-backed feltRunning hot water can cause copper pipes to expand and grind against pipe hangers and joists. So pick up some adhesive-backed felt at the hardware store and cut it into strips. Then remove each hanger and wrap the pipe before refastening the hanger.
How to Empty the trapPlunge water first before removing the trapBefore you remove a sink trap, give the drain a few plunges with a toilet plunger. This will push most of the water out of the trap, lessening the mess when you pull the trap. If you have a double sink, be sure to plug the other drain to contain the air pressure. If the strainer isn't a screw-down style, you'll have to hold it down while you plunge the drain
How to Stop a Running Toilet
Get a stronger flush—and a lower water bill. Find out how to fix things if your toilet keeps running.