Home Plumbing Tips in Adamstown and Frederick County, MD

Unlike your car, television, and even most of your children’s toys, your home didn’t come with an instruction manual. It is just assumed that once you get ahold of the keys, you would automatically become an overall-wearing, tool carrying expert in this thing called home-ownership.

But the truth is, many homeowners end up calling in a professional for some of the most basic tasks around the house, thus wasting time and hard-earned money. While we believe that some things really should be left to the pros, even the least handy person out there can – and should – take on some of the most common home repairs.

So here are 5 plumbing chores and repairs every homeowner should know how to perform:

1. How to unclog a sink: Forget the chemical drain cleaners. They can actually do more harm than good. Fill the sink with enough hot water to cover the base of a cap plunger. If you have a double sink, stuff a wash cloth in the other opening. For a bathroom sink, cover the overflow hole with a piece of duct tape. Place the plunger over the drain, making sure you have a good seal against the surface. Use quick, forceful plunges to clear the drain.

2. How to locate and shut off your water supply: When you’re faced with a water pipe leak, time is of the essence. The faster you can stop the flow of water, the less damage you’ll do to your home. First, start at the source. For an overflowing toilet, look under the toilet against the wall. For a sink or refrigerator water line, check under the sink. Then shut off the water supply. You can also shut off the main water supply.  The shut off valve is usually located where the water supply enters the house or near the water meter. Check along your basement or foundation wall closest to the street.

3. How to use a caulk gun: Whether you need to seal gaps around windows and doors, or replace the seal around the tub or shower surround, knowing how to use a caulk gun is a good skill to have. First, choose the right caulk for the job. A waterproof, flexible, shrink and crack-proof silicone works best for most jobs inside the home. Remove old caulk and clean the area with a brush or cloth. Apply masking tape to either side of the edge to create a straight line. Cut the tube nozzle to the right bead size, and pierce the inner seal with a stiff wire. Insert the tube into the gun and squeeze with consistent pressure at about a 45 degree angle. Remove the tape and smooth the caulk out with your finger.

4. How to restart a garbage disposal: Unplug your garbage disposal and look underneath for a hole that an Allen wrench would fit into. Insert the wrench into the hole and work it back and forth to free the blades. Remove any debris from the disposal, press the reset button located at the bottom of the unit, usually near the electrical cord, and plug the cord back in.

5. How to clean grout: If your tile grout is looking a little tired, spray it with warm water and clean it with a hard-bristled brush. For especially stubborn stains, make a baking soda and water paste to cover the grout, then spray with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Once the foaming stops, scrub with a brush and rinse with clean water.

For bigger, more complicated home plumbing needs, Your 1 Plumber – still and always – is the only plumber you’ll ever need.