Question:

What can I do myself?

How to save money on a plumber

One way to save money on plumbing is to reduce the need to call a plumber at all. The biggest plumbing issue for most folks have is drain-related. This usually does not require a plumber, though a plumber's friend can be useful. Drains get clogged because of grease build up. Soap residue and hair combine and accumulate to form a kind of plaque inside the pipes. Sort of like cholesterol in arteries. The best way to remove this gunk is with a plunger or a snake, which you can get at a hardware store or home center. Try to avoid putting chemicals down the drain. Use them only as a last resort. When and if you clear the drain, keep it clear by pouring boiling water with a little detergent once a month. Since hair is a major culprit in clogged drains, you can stop clogged drains before they get started by placing a hair catcher over your drain. Pick up the hair after showering and say good-bye to clogged bathtub and sink drains. If you live in the temperate zone, the water pipes can be in danger of freezing, which is not a good thing. You can keep this from happening and keep the plumber away by taking a few preventive measures. Make sure that all your pipes are in heated spaces. Any that are not should be well insulated. When the weather turns colder in the fall, disconnect and drain your garden hoses, turn-off the indoor shut-off valve near the faucet, and open the outdoor faucet. If you don't have a shut-off, valve, consider installing one. The water left in pipes exposed to below-zero temperatures will freeze, and cause your pipes to burst.

Fixtures Frequently Asked Questions

What types of finishes are available for american standard fixtures?

What's the story on brass fixtures?

How do manufacturer protect brass finishes?

What's the story on chrome finishes?

What's the story on nickel finishes?

What are distressed finishes?

What's the story on stainless steel finishes?

What's the story on Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes.

What's the story on Solid bronze

When should plumber's putty not be used.

How do new showerheads conserve water?

How many types of faucets are there?

Which size lavatory faucet do I need?

Why buy a Kohler faucet?

How can I clean my Moen LifeShine faucet?

How do I remove solid copper supply tubes?

How do I install flexible supply lines to my faucet?

How do I attach copper supply tubes?

How do I attach a spray hose?

How do I put in a new faucet?

How do I know when my aerator is kaput?

How do I take out and clean a faucet aerator.

How do I know if I have a washerless faucet?

How to identify stem type from cartridge type faucets?

What if my aerator is dead?

How do I make sure I get the right replacement piece for my faucet?

How do I replace a cartridge faucet

Do I always have to buy a new cartrdige when it leaks?

How do I repair a leaky stem-type faucet

After replacing the washers my faucet still leaks. What now?

How can a new sink reinvigorate my bathroom?

What is a lavatory?

What is a vessel sink?

What about sinks?

How do I keep towels off the floor?

How do I accessorize a guest bathroom?

What paper holder options are there?

How do I de-clutter my bath?

How do I hang towel bars?

Where does the Towel Ring go?

What additional tips do yu have for outfitting a guest bathroom?

How can I jazz up my bathroom's décor.

What tips on bathroom shower curtains?

How do I choose a shower curtain

What are the newestbathroom decorating trends?

Design trends in shower enclosures

What décor tips are there for showers?

What to look for in a showerhead?

What is the difference between a spa, hot tub Jacuzzi and whirlpool?

How do I shop for a Jacuzzi or hot tub?

What kind of faucet goes with a hot tub or spa?

What kinds of faucets are for Jacuzzis?

Besides the faucet what other accessories should I get?

Hot tub and spa? What's the difference?

Why buy Price Pfister?

Why use genuine Price Pfister replacement parts?

What causes faucet leaks?

What's new from Price Pfister kitchen faucets?

How do I choose a kitchen sink?

What are some common sink materails available?

What are the pros and cons of acrylic?

What shapes do kitchen sinks come in?

What kind of bowl depth and options are there?

What's a top-mounted sink?

What is an under mount sink?

What is a farmhouse or apron sink?

Can a porecelain bowl be customized?

What are the décor advantages of a glass sink?

What other materials are used in bath room sinks?

What about wooden sinks and tubs?

What are the advantages of a stainlsess steel sink?

Utility sinks

What's new in kitchen sink faucets?

How easy is it to install new bath fixtures

How do I hire a plumber?

What can I do myself?

How can I save money on a plumber?

What is a standard framed vanity cabinet?

What is a frameless bathroom vanity?

What do I look for in a quality bathroom vanity?

What's a vanity?

What mirrors are there for my bathroom?

Whick kitchen appliance finishes require less attention?

garbage disposal

Can I install a garbage disposal myself?

How do I install an automatic soap dispenser?

What advantages of a hot water dispenser?

What's a hot and cold water dispenser?

What is a rough in and why is it important?

What types of toilets are available?

What makes a toilet work?

How do I install a toilet?

What are the most common mistakes in installing a toilet?

Which type faucet works with a pedestal sink?

What's the latest decorating ideas in bathroom sinks?

How do I mount a pedestal sink?

What are the pros and cons of a pedestal sink?

What are the pros and cons of a porcelain sink?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Fixtures Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
PJ Campbell