December 18th, 2008 — Bathroom, Bathtub, Fix, Handy Man, Sink, pipes, plumbing
Plumbing problems can be costly, but most of the time, they are relatively easy to fix, especially if you know what you’re doing. You can save thousands of dollars every year by learning how to be your own plumber and you’ll be gaining knowledge that can help you, especially in an emergency. Here are some tips on how to tackle the most common plumbing problems that homeowners experience.
First, you will need to get some solid plumbing books or DVDs that will walk you through the most common jobs. You can refer to these if you get stuck during a project. Having these books on hand can really make a difference, especially when you are under the wire. If you already know how to do basic plumbing, you’re just one step ahead. Try to get a variety of different books that cover not only basic pipe and drain issues, but also how to fix toilets and fixtures to make sure you have a well rounded library.
Next, you will need to make sure that you have the right tools on hand for the job. Here’s what we recommend: a variety of different pipe wrenches, appropriately sized for your house’s plumbing. It sounds simple, but many people find out too late that they don’t have the right wrench on hand during an emergency. It is also a good idea to purchase what is called a plumber’s snake. These are tools that can be used to quickly unclog a drain and they are very helpful.
It is also a good idea to have a variety of caulks, sealants and silicone on hand. These are very helpful when it comes to fixing a leak, or putting in new tile. Make sure that they are all properly closed so that you don’t end up with a bunch of dried out tubes when you really need them. Next, you should have a good supply of pipe fittings for your different pipes throughout the house. The hardware store will have a variety of elbow joints, end caps and other things that you will need. Measure your pipes and get everything that you need.
You should also keep a supply of drain cleaner, empty buckets, gloves and other small items that are usually required during a repair session. Make sure your tool box contains a propane blow torch, a variety of pliers and wrenches and anything else that your house may require. Keep all of your tools in a safe, dry place where they can be easily accessed. That way, when something does happen, you’ll be able to grab your stuff and get right to work.
Finally, it is a good idea to practice your skills from time to time, so that they don’t get rusty. If you have an extra bathroom, you can use this to try fixing a leak, cleaning out a drain or replacing the workings of your toilet. You’ll stay fresh and you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way.
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Originally posted 2008-08-19 05:06:02. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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December 17th, 2008 — Handy Man, pipes
When winter comes around, the temperature drops and it gets to be time to bundle yourself up. Not all of your water pipes will get to enjoy the warmth of your home, so steps should be taken to ensure that the pipes do not get damaged by freezing water.
If your house will be occupied during the winter, then you only need to ensure that exposed piping gets drained and protected. The first thing that should be located is the main shut off valve for the water. This valve should be marked and tested during warm days, before it will be needed. You should also locate, mark and test the shut off valves for outdoor hookups for watering hoses.
At this point, when winter starts to come around, you should remove all hoses and make sure that they are fully drained. Nicely coil them and put them away. Then locate the outdoor hookup shut off valve and turn off the water for all outside hookups. Once all of the hookups have been shut off, then open up all of the outdoor spigots to let the water drain. Make sure that the water drains completely, and leave the valves open all winter. To make extra sure that the pipes are dry, using a air compressor and charge the system to force out all of the water.
For water pipes that cannot be discharged, then the faucets and pipes that are exposed to unheated areas should be wrapped with an insulating wrap. If your hot water heater is also in an unheated area, it too should get wrapped up to insulate the water reservoir and conserve energy and prevent water freezing. If you encounter a pipe that has been frozen, there are electric heating tapes that can be used to heat the pipes and hopefully prevent any damage from occurring. Above all else, have a trusted and well-reviewed plumber on speed dial.
There are further steps to take if you should leave the home unheated, or if the weather gets especially cold. In the latter case, you should find a faucet farthest from the water main, and turn it on to just a trickle. This will keep the water flowing in all of your indoor pipes and prevent them from freezing.
If you plan on not keeping the home heated for an extended period of time, such as for a winter home, then the entire water system should be drained. First, switch off the main water valve and ensure that no water is entering the system. Then open all faucets and drain the system. Do not forget to drain the reservoirs on all toilets and that any other system with a reservoir of water is drained. Then use an air compressor to make sure all of the water is discharged. To make sure that nothing freezes, you should put antifreeze in the drains, spigots and reservoirs for the various systems, sinks and tub/showers. This will help to ensure nothing will freeze.
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November 27th, 2008 — Bathroom, Drain, Fix, Handy Man, Shower
If your showers are starting to feel more like a bath, thanks to the amount of standing water you have in your tub, it’s definitely time to address some clogs. Bathtubs and showers have to deal with a lot of hair on a daily basis and it doesn’t take much for a clog to appear. Even with the best maintenance, chances are you’ll have to fight one or two every year.
There are a lot of different methods for cleaning a clogged drain, and we’ll cover the ones that are most effective. However, since using drain cleaners is not only bad for the environment, but also for your health, we won’t be covering that method. It is possible to end up with drain cleaner coming back up into your shower and the health risks from breathing the fumes are injurious to the health of your whole family. There are plenty of other easy ways to clean a clog that don’t involve harmful chemicals.
Now, before we get started, you’re going to need a few tools. We recommend:
- a screwdriver
- a pair of pliers
- a coat hanger
- a plumber’s snake (for serious leaks - they’re available at most hardware stores)
- some gloves (if you don’t want to get slimy)
First, you’re going to have to remove the top part of your shower drain. Most are screwed in, so gently loosen that screw with the appropriate type of screwdriver. You’re not going to want to crank on this since you can damage your tub. If it won’t budge, try a little WD40 if necessary.
Once this top part is off you should be able to get a better idea of the kind of clog you’re dealing with. Most clogs will be in this part of the drain, so you can simply pick the hair out until the area is cleaned up. If you don’t see much hair or anything else clogging this area, you’re going to have to go a little bit further. Most modern drains have a pattern inside that is made of hard plastic, so you can’t exactly go sticking your hand down there. We don’t recommend prying this part out since you can permanently damage your tub.
Unwrap that coat hanger and try feeding it gently down the drain. Probe around until you feel like you’ve hit the clog. You can try to pull it back up towards you or push it down further until it reaches a larger area of the pipe where it can be flushed away. For serious clogs we really recommend a plumber’s snake since they are easier to use than a coat hanger. Get rid of the clog and then put the drain back together again and you’re set.
If you have frequent clogs there’s an easy little recipe that you can use to make safe drain cleaner. Get some baking soda and put it down the drain. Then, grab some white vinegar and pour it in. The chemical reaction will clean out the pipe and keep it clean for you. You can do this once a month as a preventative. After you use the mixture, run some hot water down the drain to flush away any excess power.
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November 20th, 2008 — Heating, Windows, pipes
Whether you have a vacation home that will not be in use for the winter, or you will be gone from your home for an extended period of time this season, it is a good idea to properly close up your home for the winter. This is not difficult and the steps you take here can save you thousands of dollars by preventing burst pipes, water damage and other damage. Here is a quick checklist to help you get prepared.
1. Drain the water heater and the pipes.
This is something that many homeowners forget, but it is the most important step to take and should be done before anything else. If you don’t get rid of excess water in your pipes, plumbing and water heater, there is a chance that they could freeze. Since you won’t be at the home, you may never know what happened until it is too late. If you are not used to flushing your home’s plumbing system, you can easily hire a plumber to help with this job. Once everything has been flushed, double check to make sure that the main water line to the house has been shut off.
Some people recommend adding antifreeze to toilet water, but this is a hazard, particularly if you have pets and small children. It is best simply to flush the house system and close down the water line for the winter.
2. Seal all the windows.
In order to keep the temperature at a constant level, it’s a good idea to seal up and winterize all of your windows and doors. This can save you money on heating an extra home throughout the winter and will help keep the interior less dusty. You can purchase window and door sealing kits at your local hardware store and do this on your own.
3. Set your furnace to the desired level.
If you don’t mind heating the house all winter long, or if you haven’t completely flushed the house water system, you will need to make sure that you leave the heat on. Most people prefer to set the heat at about 50 to 60 degrees to keep it above freezing. This should reduce the cost for heating the house throughout the winter. If you prefer to just turn everything off, double check and make sure that no water is left in the pipes before you do.
4. Turn off the electricity.
If you will not be using the heating system, you can simply turn off the electricity for this portion of the year. Many people feel more comfortable doing this, since they won’t have to worry about electrical fires if something happens when they are not at the house. Talk with your power company about shutting down for the winter. If you have propane or natural gas lines in the home, you should also have those shut down for the winter.
These easy steps will help you make sure that your house is safe and sound for the winter and will be ready for you next spring.
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November 16th, 2008 — Book Review, Handy Man, Maintain
The Carey brothers achieved great fame with their first Dummies title that focused on home renovation so hopes were pretty high with this latest book on how to maintain your home. This is an area that many people fail to understand how important it can be, which is why we decided to focus on this title first. No matter how much effort you put into renovating your home, if you don’t maintain it, there simply is no point.
The audience for the book is definitely beginners, or those that really don’t have a lot of time to familiarize themselves with a lot of DIY work. Weekend warriors might be a little disappointed in some of the tips, but overall, this is a great read. There are a few tips that everyone can use, regardless of their experience level and this is a book that deserves at least some space on your shelf.
We appreciated the fact that the book covered a lot of home maintenance ideas that are simply overlooked or never carried out. We all know that we need to keep our eaves clean, but how many of us know how to spot potential safety hazards in our home? This book covers pretty much everything you could ever need to do to keep your home running in tip top shape and chances are, if you follow this advice, you’ll find that you have a lot less repair and renovation work to do over the long term.
The section on how to prepare for freezing weather was particularly useful. It is all too easy to assume that everything is going to be alright, only to end knee deep in water. You’ll learn exactly how to winterize your home to make sure that this doesn’t happen. This one tip can save you hundreds in plumber fees and thousands in damages. They also cover some great winter tips for the rest of your house to make sure that the elements don’t over stress it.
The book takes you room by room, showing you what you need to look out for and how to take care of little problems before they become big problems. If you’re mystified by a lot of what goes on behind the scenes in your home, the systems section will make it completely easy to understand. This really is a perfect title for those that are getting into home ownership for the first time, especially if they are used to living in an apartment where all of this stuff is taken care of by the landlord.
The best part by far is the fact that the book includes calendars to help you schedule regular maintenance on your home. Everything from cleaning a fireplace to fixing cracks is covered and will end up saving you time and money on your home. We would have liked it if they had gone into gas fireplace tips as well, but overall, this is a terrific book that should be purchased by all homeowners.
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November 14th, 2008 — Bathroom, Handy Man, Install, Replace, Toilet
Installing a toilet is a lot easier than you might think and just about anyone can do it. Whether your old toilet is past its usefulness or you want to add a new one to match your décor, the process is pretty easy and should only take a few hours. Before you get started, you’re going to need a few basic tools. They include:
- plumber’s putty
- pipe wrenches to fit your pipes
- screwdrivers
- regular wrenches
- putty knife
- silicone
- an old rag
Let’s get started!
IMPORTANT: Not all new toilets come with the necessary parts. BEFORE you get started make sure that your new toilet has everything you need for installation. You can ask the store clerks where you got the toilet for more information.
First, you’re going to need to remove your old toilet. Turn the shutoff valve (it’s located right near the toilet) to the off position. Flush the toilet a few times and then mop up any excess water. Now, disconnect the water supply tube from the toilet. You may have some additional water here, but it shouldn’t be much. If necessary, place a sponge underneath it before you loosen the bolts. You may need to use your wrench if the area is corroded.
Once this is complete, you will then need to loosen the bolts on the toilet. Remove the little caps on either side of the base and undo these bolts. Again, you may need to use that wrench or a pair of pliers to get it going. In severe cases, you may need to hacksaw them off or use WD40 to loosen the bolts.
Now, you’re going to have to separate the old tank from the old bowl. Get your screwdriver and use it to hold the end of the bolt on the inside of the tank. Use your wrench to move the nut on the other side. Slowly remove the bolt and then rock the bowl from side to side. You’re going to want to do this pretty gently so you don’t damage the bowl. Once it’s loose, lift it out and place it in a safe place. Move the tank as well.
You’ll most likely notice a big hole in the floor and there may be a nasty smell coming out of it. This is the line to the sewer. Grab that old rag and stuff it into the hole (not too far or you’ll end up losing the rag and you’ll have to call a plumber to get it back.) You need to block this hole immediately or you will have dangerous sewer gases floating around your home and trust us, no one wants that.
Use that putty knife around this hole to scrape off any excess wax from the old gasket. Upend the new toilet and take your new gasket. Place it around the hole on the toilet and caulk it. Remove the rag from the sewer line and place the new toilet over it. Gently rock the new bowl into place until the seal is firm. Add on the new tank, attach the fittings inside and then bolt the new toilet down to the floor. Don’t overtighten those bolts or you will crack the bowl. Use your plumbers putty to attach the caps over the bolts. Reattach the water line and give her a flush!
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November 10th, 2008 — Handy Man, Install, Kitchen, Sink
If you’re sick and tired of your old kitchen sink, replacing it with a new one is not all that difficult. If you’re working with an entirely new surface, the steps for installation will be the same as provided below, but you will need to add the steps of measuring the sink and cutting in a new hole in your countertop. Most sinks now come with a template to make this easier. For the purpose of this review however, we’re going to stick with working on a replacement sink that is the exact size and shape of the old sink. If you do find that there is a size difference, you can use a saw to cut the countertop to fit.
Before we get started, you’re going to need some basic tools:
- saw (as mentioned above)
- pipe wrenches (appropriately sized for your pipes)
- screwdriver
- crowbar
- power sander or sandpaper
- pliers
- empty bucket
- silicone caulk
- plumber’s putty
- caulk
- clamps
- gloves
Turn off the water supply to the sink before proceeding any further.
Once you’ve got all of your tools organized, you’re ready to get started. Before you begin however, re-measure everything to make sure that the new sink will fit. If you still need to remove the old sink, first you will need to use your wrench to loosen the p-trap. That’s the U shaped pipe under the sink that connects the plumbing to the drain. It’s a good idea to completely remove everything under the sink to ensure that you have enough space to work and that nothing gets ruined. Place your empty bucket under the p-trap to catch any excess water.
Your old sink was most likely installed with putty or adhesive of some sort. Use your crowbar to carefully remove the sink from the counter. Lift it out and place it aside. You may need to get some help since sinks are a bit heavy. Sand any rough areas that are around the hole where the sink used to be. If you are keeping your old faucet and it’s not attached directly to the sink, re-silicone it to make sure you won’t have any leaks. If you’re replacing it, remove the old one by loosening the fittings under the counter with your pipe wrench.
You’re now ready to move to the next step. Unpack your new sink. Place plumber’s putty around the edges of the hole where the sink will go. Lift up the new sink and carefully place it into the hole. Make sure it is completely lined up and fits well before proceeding. Now, clamp it down and give it enough time to dry. If any putty squeezes out, use a damp cloth to wipe it away. Attach your new faucet, or re-attach the old one and caulk around the area. It is also a good idea to caulk around the outside edges of the sink. When it’s dry, you can sand it down to make it look better. Reconnect the p-trap and you’re all done!
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October 21st, 2008 — Handy Man, Maintain, pipes, plumbing
If your home, apartment or some other building is suddenly experiencing a water leak, then repairing the fixtures, the faucets and the pipes can become extremely urgent in no time at all. You may be able to do some of the repair work yourself, but in most cases it is much more wise a decision simply to bring in Joe the Plumber. Joe the Plumber is your average home plumber, willing to come right to your home or business to tackle a plumbing problem that is deemed to be beyond your capabilities as a home handyman or woman.
If you discover that there is a leak, the first thing that you should do is to shut your water off while you wait for Joe the plumber to arrive. This will prevent any further water damage from occurring just in case hiring a plumber takes a little bit longer than you initially anticipated. The quickest way that you can stop water from leaking from your pipes is to go to the main valve and shut the water supply off there. Then you can go to one of the lowest points in the home or office building and open up a faucet, allowing the remaining water to drain out of the faucet based on gravity, which will significantly minimize the water escaping through the leak until Joe the plumber can arrive.
When Joe the Plumber does arrive, ask him or her how recurring problems can be prevented or avoided in the future. Most plumbers will charge an hourly rate for their service, along with any and all necessary parts costs. You can expect to pay somewhat more money for calls at night or during the weekend. Even at these rates, it is smart to consult with your plumber about repairs and parts options, as well as how future problems can be kept from reoccurring. The more you can learn about the intricacies of your home or office plumbing, the more likely you will be able to solve the problem your own self the next time.
When you decide that you need to hire a plumber, it is definitely going to be most reasonable to hire someone who is reputable and licensed. You should also try to appraise hourly rates beforehand, choosing a plumber that has an hourly rate that agrees with your budget. For example, some plumbers have lower rates on an hourly basis but charge for things like driving time, and others have a higher rate for hourly work, but the clock only starts when they arrive at the scene of the crime. Make your decision based on the rate you feel most comfortable paying, and do not be afraid to have a Joe the plumber on hand so that you can get the help that you need when you need it. Make sure that your plumber is validly licensed in your state if it is required, and keep their phone number of hand so that if a plumbing emergency occurs, you can do something about it.
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