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Our Best List of Plumbing Tips

Before you pick up the phone to call us for a minor plumbing problem, we'd like to offer you a few ideas that may help you fix it yourself.*

Clogged Drains

If you're looking to fix slow drains, this solution may be for you. Moderately clogged drains can sometimes be fixed without the use of liquid plumbing products by using some household cooking staples. In fact we recommend you stay away from the liquid plumbers if possible. They tend to be very hard on the plastics and glues that make up pipes and pipe bands. If you have a moderately slow drain this can usually be a sign of hair, grease or soap scum. Try pouring a half-cup of baking soda down the clogged drain followed by a half-cup of vinegar. It's all right if you see foam start to come back up the drain. That simply means the solution is working as it should. Let the clogged drain and solution sit for about three hours. With a little luck, your water may be flowing freely once again. If not, it may be time to call Bellows Plumbing, Heating, & Sewer at 877-477-7151

Gas Leak Detection

Remember, plumbing isn't just water, it's gas piping too! Gas leaks are a dangerous and potentially deadly problem. This method will help you test any suspected leaking gas piping. First, mix a small solution of equal parts dishwashing liquid and water. Next, turn on gas and apply the solution to all parts of your gas piping system with a small paintbrush. If you see bubbles forming anywhere on the gas piping or connections, you have a leak. Always remember to shut off the gas before making repairs. If the leak appears to be around a connection you can try tightening the fitting, but do so carefully! Leaking gas piping can be a more serious problem and you need to have the pipe or hose replaced immediately. Regardless, it may be safer to call us at 877-477-7151 rather than trying to repair natural gas leaks yourself.

Dropped Something Down the Drain

Dropping something down the sink drain happens to the best of us. This problem can usually be easily fixed by using a small bucket and wrench. Locate the p-trap below your sink; it's usually located behind the paper towels and dish soap :). Place the bucket underneath the p-trap to catch any water that may spill out. Next loosen the two end nuts you see holding the p-trap in place and remove the trap. The nuts shouldn't require a lot of force to remove. If they are corroded in place you may want to get professional help rather than risk damage to the sink or basket strainer. Once the p-trap is removed your lost item should be inside. If it's not, check your ice cream bucket. When putting everything back together, make sure that you don't have a leaking pvc pea trap connection. Not only can it make a mess but if the water level is low enough it can allow sewer gases back into the house. For this reason it's a good idea to run water down the drain before you clean everything up.

Leaking Faucets

A small drip can sound like a big drip in the middle of the night. This solution is only temporary but it will a least stop the noise. Tie a string around your faucet so the water runs down the string silently rather than falling straight into the basin. For more information on faucet repair, visit our faucet repair page.

Water Heater Maintenance and Cleaning

Keeping sediment from accumulating in your water heater is a good way of ensuring proper function from the device. Sediment in the water heater causes the burner to run extra long, essentially the burner has to heat up a bunch of sediment before it starts to heat the water. This causes the bottom or the water heater to wear out and increases you gas bill. To flush the water heater, hook up a hose to the drain valve located near the bottom of the water heater. Open the valve and allow the water to drain. Since the water is still left on it should come out with some force so look out and don't get scolded.

The best way to prevent costly plumbing, heating, and air conditioning breakdowns is through the use of our Preventative Maintenance Plan. We have plans for plumbing, heating, tankless, and more. Click here to learn more...

*These remedies are posted at the request of our clients and do not represent the views of Bellows Plumbing, Heating, & Sewer. Use of these remedies is done so at your own risk. Bellows Plumbing, Heating, & Sewer accepts no responsibility or liability for the consequences of using these remedies.

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