Quick DIY Plumbing Tips
Simple fixes you can handle yourself — and when to call a pro.
How to Unclog a Drain
Before you call a plumber, try the basics. A clogged drain is often something you can handle yourself with tools you already have at home.
Start with a plunger — not the toilet kind, but a flat-bottomed cup plunger. Fill the sink or tub with a couple inches of water, place the plunger over the drain, and pump firmly 15-20 times. The pressure often breaks up soft clogs.
If that doesn't work, try removing the drain stopper and pulling out any hair or buildup with needle-nose pliers or a drain snake (a cheap plastic one from the hardware store works fine). A lot of the time, that's all it takes.
Skip the chemical drain cleaners — they can damage your pipes and rarely work on serious clogs.
When to Call a Pro
If multiple drains are slow at the same time, or if the clog keeps coming back, you likely have a deeper issue — possibly a main line blockage. That's when you need a camera inspection. Call us at (928) 289-5752.
How to Fix a Running Toilet
A running toilet wastes water and money. The good news is, it's usually one of three cheap parts — and you don't need a plumber to replace them.
Open the tank and check the flapper (the rubber piece at the bottom). If it's warped, cracked, or doesn't seat properly, water leaks into the bowl and the toilet keeps running. Flappers cost a few bucks at any hardware store — just take the old one with you to match the size.
If the flapper looks fine, check the fill valve. If water keeps running past the overflow tube, your fill valve may need adjustment or replacement. Most are universal and come with instructions.
Third possibility: the float is set too high. Adjust it down so water stops about an inch below the overflow tube.
When to Call a Pro
If you've replaced the flapper and fill valve and it's still running, or if there's water leaking at the base of the toilet, call a plumber. Base leaks can mean a bad wax ring, which requires pulling the toilet. Give us a call.
How to Shut Off Your Water Main
Every homeowner should know where their main water shutoff is. In an emergency — a burst pipe, a major leak — shutting off the water fast can save thousands in damage.
In most Winslow homes, the main shutoff is near where the water line enters the house, often in a utility closet, garage, or near the water heater. It's usually a gate valve (round handle, turn clockwise) or a ball valve (lever handle, turn perpendicular to the pipe).
Find it now, before you need it. Turn it off and on once to make sure it works — old gate valves can seize up if they haven't been used in years. If it's stuck, don't force it.
When to Call a Pro
If your shutoff valve is stuck, leaking, or you can't find it, we can locate it and replace it if needed. A working shutoff valve is essential. Call (928) 289-5752.
How to Fix Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is frustrating, but it's not always a big problem. Start with the simplest fix first.
Check if the low pressure is at one faucet or all of them. If it's just one, unscrew the aerator (the little screen on the tip of the faucet) and clean it out. Mineral buildup from hard water — common in Winslow — clogs aerators over time. Soak it in vinegar overnight, rinse, and reinstall.
If the low pressure is everywhere, check your main shutoff valve. If it's not fully open, water pressure drops. Same goes for the meter valve near the street.
When to Call a Pro
If all your valves are open and pressure is still low throughout the house, you may have corroded pipes, a failing pressure regulator, or a leak somewhere in your supply line. These need professional diagnosis. Give us a call.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Winslow gets cold in the winter. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage. A few simple steps can prevent the problem entirely.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before the first freeze. If you have exposed pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawlspace, exterior walls), insulate them with foam pipe sleeves from the hardware store. They're cheap and easy to install.
During extreme cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach the pipes. Let a thin stream of water drip from a faucet — moving water is harder to freeze.
If you're leaving town in winter, don't set the thermostat below 55°F. A frozen pipe while you're away is a disaster.
When to Call a Pro
If a pipe has already frozen, don't try to thaw it with a torch or heat gun — you can start a fire or crack the pipe. If you can't thaw it safely with a hair dryer or warm towels, or if you suspect a pipe has burst, call us immediately.
When to Replace vs. Repair Your Water Heater
Water heaters don't last forever. Knowing when to repair and when to replace can save you money and headaches.
If your water heater is less than 8 years old and the issue is a faulty thermostat, a bad heating element, or a leaky valve, repair usually makes sense. These are relatively inexpensive fixes.
If it's over 10 years old, making rumbling or banging noises, producing rusty water, or leaking from the tank itself, it's time to replace. A leaking tank can't be fixed — the steel is corroded from the inside.
Consider upgrading to a tankless water heater for endless hot water and lower energy bills. As Rinnai Pro certified installers, we can help you figure out what size and model is right for your home.
When to Call a Pro
Any water heater work involving gas lines, venting, or the T&P relief valve should be done by a licensed plumber. These aren't DIY jobs — safety comes first. Call (928) 289-5752.