20 Easy Plumbing Hacks Anyone Can Try

Learning some plumbing basics is vital whether you’re new to home ownership or want to brush up on your knowledge. Here are 20 plumbing hacks to get you through a plumbing emergency, like unclogging a shower drain or gas water heater repair, until a professional can help.

20 Easy Austin Plumbing Hacks

Stop a leak by locating your water supply valves and shutting off the water. This also helps prevent extensive water damage until a plumbing professional can assist you. The main valve is typically in your home’s basement or crawl space.
Confirm a leak by turning off all the fixtures that use water. Find your water meter and make a note of the water usage. After a few hours, check the meter. You likely have a leak if the usage increases while not using water.
Use dish soap to cut through grease and prevent buildup in your kitchen sink’s drain.
Unclog a toilet with a quarter cup of dish soap and plenty of hot water. Make sure the water is not boiling because it could crack the porcelain.
Stop a leaky sink with a faucet repair kit purchased from your local hardware store.
Get rid of drain flies with enzyme drain cleaner, designed to break down the organic material that attracts them.
Improve your showerhead flow by removing it and soaking it in a plastic bag with white vinegar.
Clear a blocked sink drain with baking soda and vinegar. Flush with hot water.
Detect a leaky toilet flapper using food coloring in the reservoir. If it shows up in the bowl after a few hours, the flapper needs replacing.
Pour canola oil down floor drains to temporarily get rid of unwanted odors.
Correct a weak flush by adjusting the water level in the tank.
Flush your water heater every six to 12 months to ensure you won’t need a premature water heater replacement.
Quickly stop an overflowing toilet by lifting the float valve. Then, shut off the supply valve beside the toilet.
Tighten a loose toilet seat with a wrench or screwdriver.
Erase stubborn stains using 2,000-grit sandpaper or a pumice stone.
Remove hair clogging a drain by making notches in a zip tie and using it as a snake.
Avoid putting flushable or diaper wipes down your toilet because they do not break down.
Stuff a piece of white bread in a pipe you need to solder to stop the leak while you work.
Clean a faucet’s aerator by removing it with a pair of adjustable pliers, soaking it in vinegar, and then scrubbing it with a toothbrush.
Maintain your water heater at its ideal temperature – 120 °F for optimal performance.

Please note that we always recommend you contact a professional for more severe issues, like a gas water heater replacement or a leaking pipe. If you need help with any plumbing emergency, contact the Plumbing Outfitters online or call (512) 269-1382. You can be confident knowing we can solve your plumbing issue because our licensed technicians have more than five decades of combined experience.