Do-It-Yourself Help

When dealing with a water leak, you will need to shut off the water supply. Located beneath each plumbing fixture are two valves (only one beneath the toilet). The tub and / or shower valves DO NOT have shut off valves. Turn the valve handle clockwise to shut it off. Some valves only require a ¼ turn to close. If it does not turn easily and you must use a tool, do so with caution. Damage caused by forcing the handle to turn can create a new problem.

Located outside of the house, where the main water enters the home, you will also find a shut off valve. This valve will shut water off to the entire house.

As a last option, look inside the water meter box, there you will find a shut off valve also.

When dealing with a clogged line, the number one rule is - MORE WATER WILL NOT HELP!

A clogged drain is a single fixture that will not drain. Maybe the toilet will not go down, a sink that is full, or a tub that will not drain

The best do-it-yourself drain opener is the plunger.

The concept is simple - force water against the clog to push it down the line. It may require more than a few plunges to unclog the drain.

The most common location for a clog at a sink is in the p-trap. This is the u-shaped piece located directly beneath the sink drain. P-traps can easily be removed and cleaned as they are connected with threaded nuts. Be sure to place a bucket under the p-trap BEFORE you loosen the nuts.

A clogged sewer will show itself first in the tub and shower drains, possibly seeping out from under the base of the toilet also. A plunger will not help in this situation.

Seldom can a homeowner clear a clogged sewer line, a plumber with the right equipment should be the first call you make.