Monday, August 18, 2014

How To Plumbing - Unclog My Shower Drain

Unclogging your shower drain can be an easy task if you have the right tools available for the job. Most people would usually hire a plumber to do this kind of work but for the sake of this Do It Yourself plumbing article, we are going to show you how to do this yourself. This same process can be used on any drain, not just your shower drain.

5 Steps to Unclogging Your Shower Drain


Step 1. See if you can identify the blockage

identify blockage in shower drain


Most of the time you will be able to notice what is blocking the drain. Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to drain blockage. So, the first step can be reaching your fingers into the drain to see if you can pull the hair out. More than likely, there is more hair in there than you can pull out yourself, so, the best thing you can do is to purchase a drain cleaning snake or rooter.

Step 1. Part 2



You don't have to purchase a big fancy one. Most drain cleaning products usually come with a small snake that you can use for at home applications. Draino's products come with a small drain cleaning snake when you buy some of their products. You can find these at places like Walgreens and Walmart.











Step 2. Use a plunger


plunging the shower drain - Diy Plumbing Tips


If the blockage is a bunch of gunk, its possible to clear it by using a plunger. Most people think it would be unsanitary to use a plunger on the shower drain but if your taking a shower than doesn't drain all the way, you are already standing in unsanitary water while you are taking a shower and trying to get clean. Plus, you can just clean up after. Use the plunger but make sure that you are getting enough suction to clear the blockage. Some showers or tubs are shapes oddly and doesn't create the proper suction you need. Make sure that the plunger is in a position that allows no outside air to creep its way in while you are pulling up.

Step 3. Snake or Rooter the Drain

snake or rooter my drain - diy plumbing tips


Put the drain cleaning snake into the drain and pull it back out to see what it catches. If you notice a lot of hair or other gunk coming back out, it is safe to say that you have found your clog. If nothing comes out or only a small amount, your clog might be farther back in the drain.












Step 4. Pour Draino Down the Drain

pouring draino down the drain - how to plumbing tips


You can try to use some of the Draino to pour into the drain. You will need to let it sit there for a while to take action. If you use the Draino and you still have a problem, then it might be time for a professional.













Step 5. Your drain is either good to go or still not working

unclogged shower drain

If nothing else works and you can't figure out how to fix the problem yourself, call a Plumbing Rooter Company or Service.

Sometimes the drain cleaning snake that comes with residential products doesn't work as well as a professional snake or rooter service. Their rooters can reach more than 100 feet and sometimes extend the full length of the underground pipe. They will most likely clear the blockage and get you running back at %100 percent. If you happen to need a reliable plumber to fix your drain clogs or other plumbing issue and happen to be in the Phoenix Valley, give Halo plumbing a call or visit their site at http://www.haloplumbingandrooterphoenix.com/.


Unclogging your Shower Drain Videos - Plumbing DIY Tips & Tricks


How to unclog bathtub drains THE BEST way!

How to clean a clogged shower drain using a hanger

Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda - Making Volcanoes Erupt in Your Sink

Draino Snake Plus Review 

 

Never Have Clogged Drain/Sink Again - Install PermaFLOW - The No Pain Drain P-Trap - No Voice

 

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Fixing a Slow Filling Toilet or a Toilet That Will Not Stop Running

By W. Wang

plumbing - fix slow leaking toilet


The toilet fill valve refills the toilet tank and bowl to the correct water levels after the flush. It is the engine that drives toilet flush performance. It replaces the ballcock and is more efficient and easy to install. Below are some simple solutions if your toilet keeps running non-stop or when it takes too long to fill up the toilet tank.
Question: Why does my toilet turn on and off when nobody is using it?

Answer: A toilet that turns on and off is "Ghost Flushing." Ghost Flushing happens when water from the tank is able to escape or leak out. The number one cause for a leak in the tank is a faulty flapper. Stop the leak by replacing the flapper in your toilet tank.

Question: How do I fix my toilet when it keeps running non-stop?

Answer: Debris may be lodged under the valve seal. Flush out the fill valve by shutting the water off and removing the valve top. Lift arm up and rotate the top 1/8 turn counterclockwise. Cover the opening with an inverted cup. Hold the cup over the opening and turn on the water supply. Turn water on and off a few times to clear debris. Replace top when done by engaging lugs and rotating 1/8 turn clockwise. Note: If the valve will not turn off after flushing it is possible that the seal is defective or cracked. If so, replace the seal.
Question: How come it takes a long time to fill my tank?

Answer: Debris is trapped inside the valve body restricting the water flow. Turn off water. Get a wire coat hanger and straighten it out, carefully insert it all the way down water inlet, pull wire back out and cover the opening with an inverted cup. Turn on the water supply full force to clear debris. Replace top when done by engaging lugs and rotating 1/8 turn clockwise.

Question: Why does my float stick? I have to tap on the float or jiggle the handle to get my valve running?
Answer: Remove the valve top from the body, lift arm up and rotate 1/8 turn counterclockwise. This will allow the float cup to drop down so that you can scrub off any mineral build-up on the gray valve body. Replace the valve top but rotate the top cap and arm anywhere on the valve other than where you took it off as long as the plastic arm does not hit the tank wall. This will move the black float cup away from any obstruction on the gray valve body that is causing it to stick.
How To Fix Slow Flushing Toilet Tips - Slow Draining Toilet Video
For the best toilet fill valve, choose a Fluidmaster Fill Valve. From the easy, adjustable 400A to the water-saving Leak Sentry 400LSR to the quietest and most powerful toilet fill valve - the 400ARHR PerforMax. The Fluidmaster 400A is the #1 selling toilet fill valve in the world. To learn more about these products, visit http://www.fluidmaster.com/our-products/toilet-fill-valves-toilet-parts.html
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