A “hack” is a clever trick or workaround to help you quickly solve something that should have been a difficult problem, says 1907 Management company. There are hacks for dealing with all kinds of situations, and today, we present a list of hacks for resolving the plumbing issues in your Chicago home.
Before we jump in, note that these hacks are not a replacement for the proper care of the plumbing by a licensed plumber. They are mostly steps that let you solve or diagnose your home’s plumbing issues using everyday items and simple methods.
Some of these hacks help you avoid an unnecessary visit by your plumber, letting you save time and money. Others only serve as a stopgap until you can get professional help. All of the hacks are effective, affordable, and easy to use.
10 essential plumbing hacks all homeowners should know
- Know the location of your main water shut-off valve
If you have a burst pipe emergency or major leak in your home, knowing where the main water shut-off valve is and how to use it can save your life. This valve controls the water supply to your entire home. Shutting it off will cut the water supply, helping you prevent excessive water damage during a plumbing emergency.
- Unclog your drains without using toxic drain cleaners
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners to unclog your drains; they harm your drainpipes and poison the soil. Instead, use baking soda and vinegar. Pour a half cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes before flushing with warm water.
- Detect hidden leaks in your plumbing
If your water bill is higher than normal and you suspect a hidden leak in your home, you can find it by following these steps. When no water is used in the house, check the reading on your water meter. Wait one hour and check again. If the reading has changed, you have a hidden leak.
- Toilet tank dye test
If you think your toilet is leaking but are unsure, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Do not flush the toilet. Wait 15-30 minutes. Check to see if the color has found its way into the toilet bowl. If it has, you have a leaky toilet.
- Fix a leaky faucet with rubber bands
If your faucet is leaking from the handle, you can fix it temporarily by using a rubber band. Tightly wrap a thick rubber band around the connection, where the water is coming from. You may have to remove the handle to do this. The tension should stop the leak.
- Use a nylon stocking as a drain screen
To stop hair, food scraps, and other debris from getting into the bathroom or sink drain, wrap a piece of old nylon stocking around the end of a drain plug. Remember to clean or replace the stockings every week. Install a proper drain screen as a permanent fix.
- Clear stubborn clogs with a wet/dry vacuum
If you tried to clear a clogged drain with a plunger and it didn’t work, you may want to use a wet/dry vacuum. Select the liquid setting, insert the hose on the drain opening, and ensure a tight seal before firing the vacuum. This method works for clogs that are deep inside your drainpipe.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum for minor floods
If you have a minor flood in your home, minimize its impact by removing the water with a wet/dry vacuum. Before trying this hack, make sure the water inside your home is not in contact with electricity. Ensure everyone’s safety, including your own, above all else.
- Clean faucet aerators to fix low water pressure
Low water pressure problems that affect only your faucets but not the other plumbing fixtures in your home may be due to clogged faucet aerators. Open the faucet, unscrew the aerator, and soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes. Scrub it to get rid of any debris and put it back into the faucet.
- Keep plumbing tools handy
Get yourself a plumbing toolkit; this should include a pipe wrench, plunger (one for each toilet and sink), plumber’s tape, and a set of screwdrivers. These tools make it easy to handle most of the common plumbing problems in homes. Learn how to use the tools and keep them within easy reach.
Finally, know when to call a plumber. One of the hallmarks of seasoned DIYers is they know the kind of problems they should and should not tackle. These homeowners understand that the reason they DIY some of their home’s plumbing problems is not to replace their plumber.
Sometimes, the safe and smart option is to have a plumber handle the problems. Do not hesitate to call a plumber when the plumbing issues in your home get out of hand. A good plumber in Chicago can help you save money.