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Showing posts from October, 2022

8 Ways to Get a Clogged Sink or Tub Drain Moving Again

What you'll need: TOOLS Plunger  Plastic drain cleaning tool Drain snake Screwdriver 1-gallon bucket Cloth rag Large tongue and groove pliers Pliers  SUPPLIES Water Dish soap Baking soda Distilled vinegar or lemon juice Drain cleaner  Sink and tub drains are rarely at the forefront of our thoughts—until they stop working. Most of the time, these systems work flawlessly, and they don’t require much attention. However, when drains become clogged with hair, fats, oils, starch, or foreign objects—not only does it keep water from draining—but it can plug up your day as well. Fortunately, not every stopped drain means you’ll have to shell out big bucks to cover the cost of drain cleaning. You can clear a drain using a few things you may already have around the house. Here are some time and money-saving tips to try before you call the plumber.  Steps to Unclog a Sink or Tub Drain Sink and tub drains look different because a tub drain usually has most of its parts hidden und...

How to Clear a Clogged Drain in 7 Easy Ways

Is your kitchen or bathroom sink draining slowly? Are you standing in water up to your ankles in the shower? If so, it may be time to address the clog that has been festering in your pipes. There are several things you can try to clear a clogged drain before calling the plumber. Take a look! 1. Baking Soda, Vinegar, & Other Kitchen Ingredients for Clogged Drains A lot of folks know the baking soda and vinegar trick. Simply pour some hot water down your clogged drain and follow it up with equal parts baking soda and vinegar (baking soda first), cover the drain with a plug if you have one, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then follow it up with more hot water to clear the clog. The idea is that the chemical reaction will apply pressure and corrosive action to the obstruction, breaking it down and clearing the pipe. Some experts, however, say that the pressure created does not affect the obstruction because it is allowed to escape through the open drain. They believe the hot water is the...

How to remove concrete from drain pipes

When I first read the brief for this article I thought the editor was having a lend of me. Clearing concrete from drain pipes? Who’d be stupid enough to put concrete down a drain, I wondered. But turns out the practice is not as unusual as one would think. Getting concrete down drains is not only very simple but remarkably common. Regularly washing cement or other building compounds from tools, clothes and bodies into household plumbing fixtures is obviously a convenient way to go. But when you find yourself standing in a puddle of murky water because the buildup of concrete in the shower drain has blocked the pipe, you’ll wish you’d made the effort to wash off outside. We talked to some long-time plumbers about their experiences of drains blocked with concrete and some methods of removal they’ve seen tried. This article also touches on some of the ways concrete finds its way into household drains in the first place and what you can do to get it out and keep it out. Is it OK to have co...

Plumbing Problems for Concrete Slab Foundation Homes

Concrete slab foundation homes became popular in the early 1900s and increased with time. They went mainstream for a reason, but they tend to complicate the maintenance and functionality of other home systems, including plumbing. Today, 54% of new single-family homes are built on slabs, which means these plumbing and foundation problems are still relevant today. Understanding the causes and signs of damage can help contractors know how to guide homeowners should these problems arise. Keep reading to learn more about plumbing problems common in concrete slab foundation homes and how to solve them. Why Concrete Slabs Make Plumbing Problems Complicated Undoubtedly, concrete slabs have advantages over other foundations — that’s why developers still use them today. Specifically, these slabs are cost-effective, protect against pests, and reduce the risk of flooding and leaking gasses. However, they also have some disadvantages, especially when it comes to plumbing. Here are three examples. I...

The Best Way to Clean Bathroom Tile

Make your tile and grout shine again. Here's how. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Introduction Here are some tips, tools, products and homemade remedies to restore your stained tile and grout lines. Tools Required Grout cleaning brush Rubber gloves Soft-bristle brush Spray Bottle Materials Required Baking soda  Hydrogen peroxide Tile & grout cleaner White vinegar  Project step-by-step (3) Step 1: Before You Start Clear the area of anything in the way of your tile. Gather all the products and tools you need to do the job.  Step 2: Home Remedies If you happen to be hypersensitive to cleaning product chemicals and fumes, you may have just what you need under your sink or in the pantry. White vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are great alternatives to harsh clea...

How to Install a New Bathroom Faucet in 8 Steps

Learn how to upgrade your bathroom faucet the DIY way. You can do this. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Introduction Changing out your faucet may be just what your bathroom needs. Here we walk you through the easy steps to install a new bathroom faucet.  Tools Required Adjustable wrench Bucket and towels Phillips-head screwdriver  Materials Required New faucet  Project step-by-step (8)   Step 1: Turn Off Water  First, shut off either the hot- and cold-water supply valves at the sink or the main water valve for the whole house.  Step 2: Remove Supply Lines Open the faucet and let any water drain out. Remove both hot- and cold-supply lines at the shut-off valves or the faucet using an adjustable wrench. Have a bucket or container nearby to catch any wat...

How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink

A fresh new look for your bathroom. Introduction Sometimes a room needs to be refreshed. A coat of paint or a new sink and vanity in the bathroom might be just what is needed. But if you’re afraid to tackle the project yourself, no worries — it's easier than you think. Tools Required     Adjustable wrench     Bubble level     Bucket and towels     Impact driver     Utility knife Materials Required Clear silicone Drain assembly New faucet New sink New vanity Supply lines Teflon plumber's tape  Project step-by-step (7)  Step 1: Planning Your Project Before purchasing a new vanity and sink, take measurements of your room and the plumbing to be sure the fixtures you are considering will fit in the space. All bathroom vanities and sinks are not the same. In some circumstances, you will install the vanity first and then install the sink on the vanity. Some vanity and sink combos come from the manufacturer wit...

How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer

Introduction Quick and easy fix for a leaky kitchen sink basket strainer. Replace the basket strainer yourself in just an hour and save the cost of a visit from the plumber. Tools Required 4-in-1 screwdriver Adjustable wrench (2) Hammer Locking pliers Rotary tool Slip joint pliers Materials Required Plumber's putty Project step-by-step (6) Step 1: Replace a leaky kitchen sink drain strainer   Test for the kitchen sink drain leak Fill up the sink with water and touch a facial tissue between the bottom of the kitchen sink drain and the sink. If the tissue picks up any water, you’ve got a leaky basket strainer and it's time to learn how to remove a sink drain. Step 2: Loosen the coupling nut Loosen the coupling nut at the base of the kitchen sink strainer basket with a slip-joint pliers and slide the nut completely off the threads. If the basket spins, hold it tight as in this photo.  Step 3: Unscrew the locknut Use 16-in. slip-joint pliers or spud wrench to unscrew the kitchen s...

How to Connect Gas Pipe Lines

Introduction Make gas line connections from steel or copper pipes to ranges and clothes dryers safe and secure by using the proper fittings and connections. Tools Required Adjustable wrench Pipe wrench Materials Required Fittings Pipe joint compound Gas connections for your oven or dryer are really pretty simple — it’s mostly a matter of screwing stuff together. But knowing which fittings to use where can be tricky, and using the wrong ones can lead to a dangerous leak. This article will show you how to safely connect a gas dryer hookup or gas range. Kits containing a flexible stainless steel gas line and fittings are available at home centers and hardware stores. The kits usually have everything you’ll need, but in some cases, you may have to buy a few more fittings. But before you start, check with your local building inspections department to see if you’re allowed to do your own gas dryer hookup. We’ll show you three common gas piping scenarios. We’ll show you one way to make each c...

How to Fix Cloudy Hot Water

Are you scrambling for ways to fix cloudy hot water in your home? When discovering cloudiness in water, you are not alone. But, if left untreated, you could end up with worse side effects. On the other hand, learning how to fix cloudy hot water doesn’t have to be complicated. What Causes Cloudy Hot Water? The most common cause of cloudy tap water is trapped air bubbles. Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen, making it a particularly soluble substance and thus easy for air to be trapped in your water lines.  High Water Pressure Because of the increased solubility, hot water is particularly susceptible to cloudiness. With heated water, the molecules will expand and invite in other gasses that will take the form of tiny air bubbles. The higher the water pressure is, the easier it is for air bubbles to form. High water pressure is another common cause of cloudy-looking water.  Hard Water Hard water can also be the cause of cloudy hot water. “Hard water” refers to water that is ...

Top Clogged Drain Solutions from Experts

A clogged drain can easily ruin your day. That’s why Goodbee Plumbing and Drains is here to offer you the top clogged drain solutions. Drains are the most important part of your plumbing system and when one gets backed up, it can be disastrous. Greasy water in your kitchen sink, or dirty water in your bathtub, is not pretty and can be really distressing to see in your home. Kitchen drains and bathroom drains are the most common drains that see clogs. These drains see soap scum, food, toothpaste, hair, and other drain clogging materials daily. When you get a clogged drain, it can be very frustrating and something you want to resolve quickly. 4 Top Clogged Drain Solutions When it comes to unclogging your drain, there are hundreds of different products claiming to be the best at unclogging your drain. Some of these products are helpful at unclogging drains, but others just cause damage to your pipes and make your clogs even worse. Here are the 4 top clogged drain solutions experts recomme...

Preventing clogged drains in your home

As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and the same applies when dealing with a clogged drain. Even if you’ve become a pro at using homemade drain cleaners, you’d much rather not have the problem at all. Luckily, there are several things you can do to avoid clogged drains: Properly dispose of grease and oil . Grease catches food particles and debris, which creates a blockage. That’s why it’s essential to take care when disposing of grease and oil in the sink. Find alternate methods when possible, and when you must dump small amounts of grease down the drain, always run hot water. Keep coffee grounds and leftover food out of your drains. Though a small scrap here and there may seem harmless, it’s best to keep all leftover food out of your drains. This is especially true for coffee grounds, since they clump together in water and can build up in your drains over time. Maintain your garbage disposal. Keep your garbage disposal clean and always run water when using ...

How to Unclog a Sink Drain in the Kitchen and Elsewhere

At some point, you’ll likely find yourself trying to figure out how to unclog a drain. Your first instinct might be to call a plumber. But the solution to clogged drains is often a quick and fairly simple process that most people can manage on their own. If you want to save some money on plumbing, handling your own drain cleaning is a great place to start. Here are some helpful tips to get your clogged sink drains working like new again.  6 easy ways to fix a clogged drain Add boiling water to your sink drains Use a plunger to unclog your sink Check your garbage disposal for any clogs  Unclog drains with baking soda and vinegar Remove clogs with a drain snake Clean out any clogs in your sink’s P-trap 6 easy ways to fix a clogged drain Clogged drains are usually the result of a foreign object or debris getting stuck in a drain pipe, or built-up residue that chokes off the flow. The cause of a clog and the fix for it may vary depending on what kind of sink it is. For example, a ...

Combine your kitchen and bathroom renovations

 Kitchen and bathroom renovations add significant value to your home, so why choose between the two? Instead of starting with just one, combine the two renovations and enjoy twice the value. With the correct planning, you’ll save more time and costs and save on the stress of two projects. Samrad Renovation in Vancouver is a professional home renovations company that offers a wide range of construction and remodelling services. They share the benefits of combining your bathroom and kitchen renovation projects: Boosts your home value Both the kitchen and bathroom add great value to your home, so why not enjoy the combined benefits? You don’t have to undergo a luxury splurge to get a great return on your investment. According to Remodel Magazine 2021, a mid-range bathroom remodel will recoup 60% of the cost, and a minor kitchen renovation can recoup 72.2%. Tackling two of the hot spots in your home will certainly make your home a market contender that buyers will notice. Even if you d...

Benefits of Custom Bathroom Renovations

 A custom bathroom remodel can make your bathroom more functional, enjoyable and add great value to your home. Having a custom bath company like ARMS Construction Inc. in Calgary do your bathroom remodel will give you a bathroom that is perfectly suited for your needs and style tastes. Here are some reasons why a custom bathroom renovation is a good idea: If you can dream it, a designer can create it.  Do you have your dream bathroom in mind? Perhaps it is an airy oasis, a personal retreat with a soaker tub and luxury shower. Maybe your dream bathroom is simple in design but has multiple functions to help a busy family get ready for their day more efficiently. From storage solutions, accessibility to all the finishing touches, ARMS Construction will ensure you get everything you need out of your new bathroom. When you go custom, you have more options. You will get quality.  Buying stock bathroom cabinets and DIY kits from the hardware store will not give you the same resu...