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Anta Plumbing Pick of the Best Plumbing Tips

When it comes to DIY plumbing repairs, there are many uncertainties and you don't necessarily have all the tools needed to do a professional job. We sat our master plumber down to give you some time and money saving tips on how to solve some of the most common plumbing issues. Most of these tips can be performed with items you already have in the house, thus saving you on expensive service calls.

1. Remove Water Before You Remove the Trap
2. Use Your Own Toilet During Plumbing Projects
3. Remove Stubborn Clogs Using a Vacuum Cleaner
4. Silence Your Noisy Sink
5. Pipe Insulation Stops Creaking
6. Find Hidden Pipes Using Magnet
7. Prevent Sink-Sprayer Snarls
8. Photographic Memory
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1. Remove Water Before You Remove the Trap

If, for whatever reason, you have to remove the trap from your sink, first give it a few good plunges. Simply use a toilet plunger to push as much water as possible out of the trap, thus reducing the mess when you remove it.

For double sinks, you will have to plug the other drain before you plunge, in order to create enough air pressure in the drain. Hold down the strainer while you plunge, if it is not a screw-down type.
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2. Use Your Own Toilet During Plumbing Projects

Let's face it, nobody wants to call on the neighbors to use their toilet during plumbing renovations. Now you can avoid it with careful planning. Fill a few large buckets with water before you shut off the supply and keep it handy. When you need to use the toilet, simply dump water into the bowl.
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3. Remove Stubborn Clogs Using a Vacuum Cleaner

When the kids drop a toy or other solid object into the toilet, it can be hard to remove. Using a plunger will simply cause it to be pushed deeper into the pipes, making the blockage worse.

Instead, use an ordinary wet / dry vacuum cleaner to suck it right out.
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4. Silence Your Noisy Sink

Stainless steel sink basins can be rather noisy due to the vibration between the two units. However, spray foam insulation can help silence the vibrations and the gong sound. While it is best done during installation, it can be done afterwards too.

Simply use the spray to fill the cavities and allow it to dry before you cut away any excess using a knife.
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5. Pipe Insulation Stops Creaking

When you run hot water through copper lines, the pipes expand, grinding against the joists and hangers. An inexpensive, yet highly effective fix for this is adhesive-wrapped felt from the hardware store. Simply cut it into strips and wrap it around the pipe before fastening it to the hanger again.
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6. Find Hidden Pipes Using Magnet

Instead of guesswork when it comes to finding underfloor pipes, attach neodymium magnet to electrical fish tape before feeding it through the cleanout plug and into the drain lines. Use a compass above the floor to locate the magnet and pipe under the floor. You will note the compass moving vigorously when it locates the magnet.
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7. Prevent Sink-Sprayer Snarls

Ever have to jiggle the kitchen sink sprayer hose when you pull it out? This is common when the hose catches on the shutoff valves. Tape won't work in the long term, but you can easily prevent it by slipping a 1/2" section of foam pipe insulation over the shut-off handles and the pipes.
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8. Photographic Memory

You may think that's what you need to remember where your plumbing lines are, but actually, photos will do just as well. Before you close up your walls (or ceilings, or floors) after a remodeling project, take a photo of the area which shows where your plumbing, electrical lines and framing is located.

Do you like our awesome plumbing tips? These are just some of the
innovative ideas we use at Anta Plumbing to make life simpler, better and cheaper for our valued clients. Call us today if you need assistance with some pesky plumbing problems.

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Written by Anta

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