4 Handy Plumbing Tips for Homeowners

Being a homeowner can be a great joy but also quite a headache. You never know when a problem will surface which is why it is a good idea to identify professionals before you need them. This way, you can have them on speed dial in case a problem was to arise. However, sometimes the problem is not that easy or there is not extra room in the budget to hire someone to come over and fix the issue. There are times that as a homeowner, you have to get your hands dirty and do the work yourself. This article will provide some handy plumbing tips for new homeowners.

Turn off the water. If you notice a leak and you want to explore the problem, be sure to turn the water off to the area. This can save you from adding to the problem with additional leakage. This will also allow you to look for the leak without worrying about getting soaking wet or wasting additional water.

Fix the running toilet. We have all been there, whether you have lived in an apartment or in your own home, it is inevitable that you will experience a running toilet at one time or another. Before trying to fix the toilet, make sure that it is not clogged with debris, toilet paper, or waste. Once you have confirmed that the toilet is clear, lift the lid off of the tank. Check the flapper to make sure that it is still intact and in good condition. Believe it or not, they do wear out from time to time and need to be replaced. Another thing to look for is if the water is very high in the tank. If the water is high, turn the valve off that is below the tank and take off the rubber flapper. Dry the area and install a new flapper.

De-clogging drains. A clogged drain can happen to anyone. Over time soap builds up in a drain along with hair, lint, or other debris. A clogged drain can be easily remedied by purchasing a plastic snake-like tool from your local hardware store. Simply place the snake in the drain and dig out the contents that are causing the clog. It may be tempting to dump drain-o or other plumbing solutions down the drain but try to avoid doing this as it can have a negative effect on your plumbing.

Take good care of your garbage disposal. It may sound strange but your garbage disposal can malfunction or quit working at any moment. Take care of your disposal by cleaning it often with garbage disposal cleaning solutions that can be found at your local hardware or grocery store. In addition, keep silverware, bottle caps, and other metal objects out of the drain as they can damage the blades or cause the disposal to not work at all.

If you have tried all of these tips are you are still having trouble, we recommend this plumber that can help you out.

 

April Showers Bring May Flowers… and a Ton of Home Damage!

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As the common adage goes, “April showers bring May flowers” but this year’s storm season is proving to bring much more than fresh blooms along with it. Families across the country were faced with heavy rain and snow this winter, and these harsh winter extremes show no signs of settling down. The National Weather Service has attributed the costs of U.S. property damages caused by rain to total approximately $2.85 million dollars every year, with more intensive flash flooding resulting in an additional $374.49 million dollars in property damages each year.

To see how important these weather patterns are to your household and to help you decide if preventative handyman services are needed for your home this season, let’s take a look at the National Climatic Data Center’s compilation of key areas affected by heavy rainfall:

Major US Cities With Over 45 inches of Precipitation Each Year:

1. New Orleans, Louisiana – 62.7 inches

2. Miami, Florida – 61.9 inches

3. Birmingham, Alabama – 53.7 inches

4. Memphis, Tennessee – 53.7 inches

5. Jacksonville, Florida – 52.4 inches

Major US Cities With Over 130 Days of Rain/Snow Each Year:

1. Rochester, New York – 167 days

2. Buffalo, New York – 167 days

3. Portland, Oregon – 164 days

4. Cleveland, Ohio – 155 days

5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 151

Areas like the Pacific Northwest, the Northern East Coast, and the South will receive the brunt of this year’s April showers. Families in these regions are the most susceptible to property damages caused by intense weather conditions, but households across the country can universally benefit from a few key handyman repair services and DIY projects to help protect homes from costly weather damages:

* Regardless of location, all families should be equipped with a household emergency supply kit as well as a communication and evacuation plan in case of emergency situations. This is the simplest and most cost-effective DIY way to prepare for the storm season.

* Local handyman services in your area can install ‘check valves’ on piping to prevent the backup of excess water and help keep your home’s drainage system running smoothly even under heavy rainfall.

* DIY homeowners can consider purchasing waterproof sealant from a local home improvement store, helping protect and seal sensitive walls in rooms like the basement or attic.

* Checking your roof for damaged shingles, broken seals, and clogged rain gutters can help prevent leaks and overflows that can lead to costly interior damage if not properly prevented. Consider using experienced handyman repair services to ensure safety when assessing risk-prone areas like high roofs.

* To avoid overflowing your garden and yard and to reduce the risk of potential damage to land and foundation, make sure to manually adjust your sprinkler systems to minimize watering times and days when not needed.

From Alabama to Oregon, homeowners across the country are gearing up for a cold and wet season of April showers this year. Use a mix of household DIY projects and professional handyman repair services to ensure that your home is just as prepared as you and your loved ones are for the upcoming spring weather. DIY projects can be completed with simple tools and supplies you can find at your local home improvement store, while professional handyman services from industry leaders like Handyman Connection are experienced in serving your regional area’s needs and can help tailor your home improvement goals to seasonal weather upkeep. A perfect balance that will ensure your home effortlessly survives the upcoming April showers, letting you and your loved ones enjoy the May flowers soon to come with safety, comfort, and peace-of-mind.