Clogged Bathtub
To clear a clogged bathtub drain, hold your hand or a rag over the waste and overflow plate, cup the plunger over the drain and plunge it vigorously several times. If this does not work, the drain may require cabling to open it.
Clogged Shower Head
If your shower head is giving off an uneven spray it probably means it is clogged with mineral deposits. You can clean the holes with a coarse needle.
Frozen Pipes
The problem with frozen plumbing pipes is in the remedy. If the pipes are thawed with a blowtorch, and if the open flame or the torch is allowed to come too close to combustible material—such as insulation, wooden joists or flooring—you can start a fire. Another danger from the use of a torch arises when both ends of a pipe are clogged with ice and heat is applied in the center. This is likely to cause the water to flash into steam—which might result in an explosion. It is far better to adopt the slower and more conservative procedure of melting ice by the use of a blow dryer or heat gun.
Garbage Disposal Buildup
If you have a garbage disposal always let enough cold water run to carry the particles down and into the main line to prevent buildup in the smaller waste lines.
Preventing General Damage
Never use abrasives to clean fiberglass and acrylic shower and tub units.
Do not stand in your bathtub with shoes as nails and grit in the soles can scratch the surface.
Sink Stains
Do not allow fruit or vegetable juices or cleaning acids to stand on sink surfaces. Teas and coffee grounds will also stain enameled surfaces if allowed to remain very long.
Constant use of abrasive cleaner on a cast iron sink can eventually wear the finish down, making it more susceptible to staining.
“Sweating” Pipes
“Sweating” pipes and plumbing fixtures in summer time or during seasonal changes are not a sign of faulty plumbing. Due to condensation of water vapor in the air, beads of moisture will form in warm weather on any exposed pipes and fixtures containing cold water. When a toilet tank continues to “sweat” for hours after it has been used, it is a sign that cold water is continuing to flow through the toilet. This could be due to an improper adjustment of the tank valve or a leak.
Water Through Ceiling
There are several reasons for water to come through a ceiling and not all of them are connected with your plumbing system.
If water is pouring through your ceiling during a heavy rain storm the problem is generally with either your roof or a blocked gutter.
Ice dams (water freezing and getting under the roof) during winter can cause water spotting and leaks once the ice starts to melt.
Snow can blow in through a ridge vent during a heavy blowing snow storm. Once the snow melts it will cause water spots and leaks.
Water coming through a ceiling after a shower can be the result of a plumbing leak, but more frequently is the result of missing caulking - either in the tile or at the area where the tile meets the shower. Check the caulking carefully for open spaces and areas before calling a contractor.
