DIY & Tips
Running Toilets
If your toilet is constantly running, check the flapper. The flapper must be seated flush with no warps or debris on the plastic ring of the flush valve.
If debris is present, then clean the flush valve ring.
If the flapper is warped or deteriorated, then it must be replaced.
Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Be careful of older multi turn valves that may leak or break at the stem when operated.
Remove the old flapper. Clean the flush valve ring surface of any debris and replace with a new flapper of the same size (2" or 3").
If your toilet is running because water is spilling into the overflow tube, or if your toilet is filling slow / inconsistently, then you may need to replace the fill valve.
Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Be careful of older multi turn valves that may leak or break when operated.
Drain water from the tank.
Unthread the water supply line from the fill valve shank.
Undo the fill valve nut and remove the fill valve. Reverse the steps with the new fill valve.
Always use a new supply line after replacement. It is never recommended to reuse the same rubber gasket.
Simple toilet check points
Faucets
If water pressure at a faucet has suddenly dropped, attempt to remove the aerator and clean it of any debris, if present.
If the faucet has a constant drip, then the cartridges may need to be replaced. Turn off the water supply. Be careful of older multi turn valves that may leak or break when operated.
Remove the handles and inspect the cartridges. If not terribly corroded, then replace the cartridges. Even if only one is bad, the other may not be far behind. Once finished, turn the water supply back on and check for leaks before putting the handles back on.
Sometimes a sewer smell can appear while running water. This may be due to sewer debris in the drain in or above the P trap. Remove the drain pop up and clean the riser, or drop the P trap and clean the drains. It would also be a good idea to pour a cleaning solution down the overflow holes if applicable.
Simple faucet solutions
Clogged Drains
For clogged drains at the lavatory sink or bathtub, there may be hair and regular debris in the immediate drain piping.
For these fixtures, attempt a hair snake first. If still clogged, then you may attempt to run a hand or a drill powered auger.
If the toilet or shower drain is clogged, you can use a 6ft toilet auger to attempt to clean the S trap or shower P trap.
If multiple fixtures or the whole home is backing up, then it may require a bigger professional grade sewer machine through your main sewer cleanouts.
For non-complex back ups
Turning Off Water To Property
Every home in Texas should have an individual whole home shut off valve in the flower bed ( or in the garage for homes with PEX water lines). Be careful of gate style valves; they have the potential to leak from the packing nut gasket or break if rusted underground.
If the shut off valve is buried or corroded, then you will need a meter key to turn off the water at the street ( or in alleyways for some areas in Dallas )
Whether an emergency leak or going on vacation, it is valuable to know how to turn off the water to your home.
Garbage Disposal
If the disposal is humming when turned on, then it may be jammed. You can manually unjam the disposal by using a 1/4'' Allen key. Unplug the disposal first. Find the socket for the Allen key, usually centered at the underside of the disposal. Insert the key and turn clockwise. Once moving freely, check the inside of the disposal for debris and remove any with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
If the disposal is not responding at all, then you may need to reset the circuit breaker overload protector (the small red button). Attempt to run the disposal again.
If the disposal is leaking from the bottom, then this would indicate time for replacement due to rust.
Simple disposal check points
This page is an attempt by Clear View Plumbing to give the customer an opportunity to perform repairs on their own. The customer is responsible for all work they perform. If any questions, please get in touch with us, and we are happy to help!
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