Roto-Rooter Blog

DIY Home Repairs: Your 'Goto' Source for All Things Do-It-Yourself

Welcome to the newest edition of Business Bytes, where we explore the essential elements of commercial plumbing and the superior solutions Roto-Rooter offers for your enterprise.

Do-It-Yourself Advice

Addressing plumbing and drainage problems independently can be rewarding and economical. Whether it's a sluggish drain, a small leak, or a blocked toilet, numerous routine issues can be resolved with some knowledge and appropriate tools. Here is an extensive guide to assist you in handling these problems on your own.

1. Understanding Basic Plumbing Tools

Before starting repairs, it's crucial to prepare a basic set of tools. Essential plumbing tools include:

- Plunger: Vital for unclogging toilets and sinks.

- Pipe Wrench: Utilized for gripping and turning pipes.

- Adjustable Wrench: Perfect for loosening and tightening fittings.

- Plumber’s Snake: Effective for removing tough clogs in pipes.

- Pipe Cutter: Designed for precise cutting of pipes.

- Teflon Tape: Helps seal pipe threads to avoid leaks.

2. Addressing Clogged Drains

a. Kitchen Sink Clogs

- Use a Plunger: Make sure the water covers the plunger cup. Plunge forcefully to remove the clog.

- Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. Wait for 15 minutes, then rinse with boiling water.

- Clean the Trap: Position a bucket beneath the sink, detach the trap, and eliminate any blockages.

b. Bathroom Sink and Shower Clogs

- Plunge the Drain: Employ a sink or shower plunger for clog removal.

- Use a Drain Snake: Navigate a plumber’s snake into the drain to disintegrate or extract the clog.

- Clear the Pop-Up Stopper: Extract the stopper and eradicate any accumulated hair or debris.

c. Toilet Clogs

- Plunge the Toilet: Use a flange plunger specifically for toilets. Create a tight seal and plunge vigorously.

- Employ a Toilet Auger: For persistent clogs, use a toilet auger to reach further into the drain.

3. Fixing Leaky Faucets

a. Identify the Faucet Type

- Compression Faucet: Employs a rubber washer.

- Ball Faucet: Features a single handle with a ball mechanism.

- Cartridge Faucet: Contains a cartridge to regulate the water flow.

- Ceramic Disk Faucet: Operates with ceramic discs for a seamless function.

b. Disassemble and Inspect

- Shut Off Water Supply: Find and turn off the sink's valves.

- Extract Handle and Cartridge: Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our services.

'How To Unclog A Toilet'

(video below)