In the past we have written about items which should not be flushed down your toilet in order to prevent a clog. We mentioned items like paper towels, baby wipes and even skin care wipes. In this article we want to list some of the other items which should not be flushed. Your toilet is a picky device in that it wants only organic matter or matter which can be broken down easily. This is why toilet paper is so thin and flimsy. If it were any tougher it would cause clogs all of the time. The fact remains that ...
Read MorePeople often move into a home and are forced to deal with what the last tenant or owner left behind. Many times this boils down to lack of a certain item. In this case we are talking about having a tub that has no plug. How can you block the tub with no plug? This article is only a temporary fix and we suggest buying the proper plug for your drain. There are ways to block it off right now if need be. I. Plastic Bag or Film Plastic is a useful material in many ways. When it comes to ...
Read MoreDoes our toilet seem like it is filing slower and slower? There could be various reasons as to why this is happening. In this article we will review the reasons why. We will also suggest solutions. Water Valve Turned Too Low - The valve controlling the amount of water the toilet receives is the first place to check. Make sure the water valve which connects to the toilet is turned all the way to the open position. A Clogged Vent - There is an air vent which allows pressure to escape while the water is filling. The vent runs through ...
Read MoreThe modern plunger is a simple device which was invented sometime in the 1700's. It is unknown who invented the plunger but the device has worked the same since day one. It consists of using a pliable suction cup attached to a stick or pole. The cup creates a vacuum around the pipe and the pulling and pushing action helps knock loose whatever is causing the clog. Moreover, when the suction end is removed from the drain or clogged pipe, the restoration of pressure to it usually forces free what has been lodged. The science is simple and logic is ...
Read Moref you notice a foul smell in your house but can’t seem to find the source, you may want to check your drains. Dirty, clogged drains not only spread a strange smell through your home but bacteria as well. Among the most affected drains that face organic build-up, clogs, and foul smell are kitchen and bathroom drains since they transport the greatest amount of water flow and waste. Kitchen drains are clogged mainly by oil, fat, and grease, while bathroom drain clogs are formed from hair and scum from personal products. There are different methods to unclog your drains without ...
Read MoreAn example of a very badly damaged seal. This is mold eating away at the seal which allows sewage gas to enter the room. There are many possibilities as to what could be causing your home to smell like sewage. But the bottom line is that sewage or sewage bi-products are exposed to the air in your home in one fashion or another. In this article we will go over some of the ways in which this is possibly happening. Dried Out P-Trap Of all the possibilities this is the most common. The P-Trap uses a bend in the pipe ...
Read MoreMold is an every day part of life for people living in tropical climates like Florida. Even if you do not currently have a mold issue, you have probably run into one in the past. In an environment like ours which is humid, rainy and warm most of the year, you will encounter mold. Although there are many types of mold, the main concern for humans is Stachybotrys, aka, black mold. This mold loves to form on anything organic and wet. Those conditions are found perfectly inside a home. But even if the mold isn't black, it can effect us ...
Read MoreIt may sound innocuous enough, but a leaky faucet could spell bad news for the homeowner. For one, it could be a sign that there is a much bigger underlying plumbing problem. But even if that isn't the case, a single leaky faucet could increase your water bill by 10%. The constant flow of water could cause damage to sealants and cause long term buildup in the pipe. Not to mention, a leaky faucet is enough to drive a person trying to sleep mad. But what causes leaky faucets? What happens to a faucet to make it go from its ...
Read MoreCaulking is used in every home. It is usually used where water is used. The caulk creates a water-tight seal which prevents water from getting behind or between things. Without caulk there would be all types of mold and pest activity between your cabinets and and behind your walls. Caulk is also used on windows, cabinets and just about anywhere there is a seam which needs to be sealed. Caulk not only prevents water exposure but it keeps out bugs. Caulk, like all things, wears down over time. The passage of time sees the substance degrade on a molecular ...
Read MoreNobody likes funky smells which emanate from the rest room. This is why we have ventilation with fans pumping air out of them. But sometimes the smell is not from toilet use. Your bathtub drain may be producing a smell. This smell can be caused by one or multiple of several potential issues: Mold or Mildew Beneath Your Drain Cover. Malfunctioning p-trap which is allowing sewer gas to makes its way back into the bathroom. Grime, hair and other decomposing organic materials stuck in the drain. Smelly Drain Fixes If your strainer is clogged with organic material, simply remove ...
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