A clogged drain--it's gross, inconvenient and unsightly. Of course, when it comes to unclogging a drain, the process can be even more irritating than the drain itself. So we've compiled a few methods you might want to try before calling in a plumber.
Note: Before you proceed, you'll want to try and pinpoint the makeup of the clog so you can find a solution that best deals with it. If you're in a bathroom, it's likely to be hair and/or soap scum. In a kitchen, it could be a grease clog or built-up food.
Insta-Flo Drain Cleaner. If you don't want to use a chemical product, steer clear of Insta-Flo. While visiting a local hardware store in Kansas City to find a solution for a clogged bathroom sink, the store's owner steered us past the Drano and to Insta-Flo, saying that it would work on almost anything and this is the best buy.
Insta-Flo is made of non-acid crystals that are activated by hot water. You flush the drain for a minute with hot water, then dump a cup of crystals into the drain. Let sit for about 30 seconds, and then begin flushing the crystals with more hot water. They'll pop and fizz as they dissolve, and the solution will move down into the drain to dissolve the clog.
Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You're probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home's water system?
It's a good idea to flush out your water system once or twice a year to ensure any untreated water that may have built up in your pipes or faucets is removed, preventing possible contamination. An annual flushing may also prolong the life of your pipes and faucets. We've compiled some tips for different parts of your water system:
Hot water faucets: Turn on all hot water faucets and allow to run for 15 minutes, unless your hot water tank is larger than 80 gallons--then run for 30 minutes.
Cold water faucets: Turn on the tap and run the water until it feels cold; keep running for at least a minute or two.
Dishwasher: After you've flushed your hot water faucets, run one cycle with an empty dishwasher. (Bonus: Your dishwasher will be cleaner, too!)
We talk a lot about energy conservation, yet water conservation is just as important for both homeowners and commercial building owners.
Besides making good environmental sense, monitoring your water consumption is an easy way to reap savings on your monthly water bill. One of the biggest causes of high water costs is unidentified leaks, which can happen in a variety of places: faucets, toilets and sprinkler systems.
Set aside some time to examine each of these devices in your home. If you notice a leak, repair the damage or call in a plumbing professional for assistance.
Water on the outside of your pipes is always a bad sign. But before you dread a sizable plumbing bill or dig out your soldering kit, think about this - you may have sweating pipes instead of leaking pipes.
Sounds like a problem the local spa should have, doesn't it? But sweating pipes are actually a common occurrence and, depending on the humidity levels, may produce as much water in your walls, ceilings and cabinets as leaky pipes do.
