Clogged drains are not only a real annoyance, they can also have adverse effects on your maintenance expenses. The truth is that whether a drain is mildly or severely clogged, it is preventable and the first step to prevent it is by knowing its cause. Below are some of the common causes of clogged drains and the steps you can take to prevent them.
If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't think much about your sump pump – until something goes wrong. The worst time to discover your sump pump needs work is when your basement or home is filling with water. Learning more about how your sump pump works will allow you to spot the signs of trouble early and ensure this important device gets the attention it needs.
Pipe fittings may seem like a very insignificant part of the plumbing system, but they play a rather huge role. Fittings are used to join pipes together to regulate or measure water flow. Finding the right fitting is important, but it is equally important that you install them properly. Fittings that are improperly installed can lead to costly repairs.
Attached to the handle by a chain, the toilet flapper is the rubber piece that lifts when the toilet is flushed, allowing water to flow into the bowl. If you hear the water continuously running in your toilet tank or if it seems to take too long to fill, most likely you need the flapper, or the flush valve seal replaced. If the toilet occasionally flushes on its own, that too, can be a result of a worn-out flapper.
"Plumber's tape... isn't that how you guys hold your pants up?" While this is good for a chuckle, improper use of plumber's tape is no joke. Plumber's tape is a stretchy, smooth polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane that seals water and gas pipe fittings. It's packaged on spools that resemble rolls of surgical tape, and this is entirely appropriate given that both materials have the same purpose: to securely and precisely join two surfaces.
