The drum auger, also known as sink auger, drum auger or canister auger comes in handy when dealing with clogged drain repairs. The cup plunger is a must have and a very common plumbing tool in any home. It is shaped in a rubber cup form with a wooden handle and helps with unclogging showers, tubs and sinks.

The faucet valve seat wrench for typical compression faucets are the oldest styled faucets and least expensive. The faucet valve seat wrench comes handy in grabbing a nylon or rubber washer opposite a valve seat in faucet bodies. Teflon tape technically known as PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) is a silky textured, strong tensioned tape breaks in a stringy style preventing leakages at threaded water line links, plumbing links, sealing pipe threading and shower heads. Teflon tape is typically white in color. The closet auger consists of a hand crank, a lengthy sleeve grip, and a strong auger bit at the end. A flexible shaft connects the auger bit to the crank handle, reaching about 3 feet. This tool will help with any stubborn clogs in the toilet drain line.

The flange plunger is a special shaped ball plunger comes in real handy in clearing congested toilets by applying vacuum and water force. Unlike a standard goblet shaped plunger used in tubs and sinks, this tool’s unique silhouette shuts the gap at the floor of a toilet bowl. A faucet valve reseating tool, also called the valve seat grinder or dresser, aides in smoothing out the valve seat of the faucet. The tube cutter is an ideal tool when working with copper pipes for smooth, well fixed joints. The adjustable pipe wrench, a quintessential plumbing tool, this provides incredible force and grip. The wrench tightens around pipes by jabbing its spiky saw–like teeth into the pipe with the pressure increasing on turning the wrench. Faucet packing and washers/compression faucets are still old fashioned with nylon/rubber washers with sealed faucet stems. Newer models come with rubber washer or O–rings for the stem–retaining nut.

A homeowner will usually have most, if not all, of these tools in their arsenal. These plumbing tools will make dealing with plumbing problems much easier for either a homeowner or professional plumbing contractors.

Installing a new toilet is a relatively easy task and could be done in a couple of hours.

For the most part, toilets come with the necessary gears, nonetheless you might have to buy a few parts like toilet tank, wax ring, toilet seat, channel pliers, screw driver and bucket.

First shut off the water connection to the toilet removing any stagnant water.

With the help of channel pliers wrench, unscrew the nut of the water line that is fastened to the ball cock valve beneath the tank on the left side. Next using a crescent wrench, unscrew the two nuts that is gripping the bowl to the floor flange. Now take out the old toilet.

That being done, you are ready for installation of the new toilet. Place the two bolts on the side holes of the flange with bolt heads on the flange. Place some wax in this spot in an attempt to grip the bolts vertically and diagonally from each other. Place the new wax ring upon the flange with the flat side up, if tapered.

After setting the new toilet bowl straight down centering on the wax ring with the bolts holding each side of the bowl. Sit on the bowl with your weight bowl flushing the floor. Tighten with metal washers and nuts making sure not to over tighten them as it could crack the bowl.

Next place the two inch rubber gasket upon the tank where it sets on the bowl placing rubber washers on the bolts such that they are on the inside of the tank. Place the tank and set it on the bowl. Now sit on the bowl facing the wall. Place the bolts from inside the tank, place metal washers, nuts and tighten.

Holding the tank level tighten it bringing down the tank level. With the help of a screw driver on the insides of the tank use the end wrench to back up the nut below the bowl. Restore water supply and check for leaks securing the bolts to the floor.

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Open the lid on your toilet tank, flush, and watch to see if any of the parts in the tank are catching on each other.  If that is the problem, you can easily untangle the catching mechanism and your problem may be solved.

Next, try adjusting the length of the lever chain and check the ball cock to make sure it isn’t waterlogged.  To do this, lift the ball cock out of the tank and shake it to determine if water is lodged in the ball.   If it is, empty the water if you can, and if that doesn’t work, you’ll need to replace the ball cock.

Should you still have a leak, you’ll need to investigate further, using more sophisticated methods of identifying your toilet tank problem.  First cut the water supply to the toilet tank and mark the water level inside.  Re-check the water level in about 20-30 minutes to see if the water level has decreased or increased.  If it has increased, your flush valve is probably broken.  To repair the flush valve, replace the rubber flapper that seals the tank after flushing and you’re done.  If the water level decreases, your refill valve is most likely defective, a simple replacement of this valve will probably solve the leak.

For other leaks you may need a plumber.  Not all leaky toilet tank problems can be solved by the simple procedures discussed here.  If you find that you need help with a toilet tank leak or any other plumbing problem, contact a local, licensed, experienced plumber to solve the problem.  Don’t leave that leak until you’re water bill increases or other damage occurs. 

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Flushing cosmetics and medications down the toilet result in numerous consequences.  Some of the more harmful consequences include the poisoning of aquatic environments, and worsening the issue of bacteria resistant pharmaceuticals.  Cosmetics should be disposed of in the garbage so as to eliminate their harm to the environment. Landfills are the best place for these to be disposed of as the plastic barriers that most landfills are now equipped with prevent chemicals from contaminating the water and soil tables.

Flushing cleaning supplies down the toilet is even worse for the environment than cosmetics and medications. Cleaning supplies with their harsh and poisonous ingredients damage fragile aquatic environments and seep into water and soil, affecting wildlife, aquatic organisms, and plants.  In addition, some of these cleaning supplies have the potential to corrode your pipes, creating the expense of  repair or replacement.

Instead of disposing of cosmetics, mediations, and cleaning supplies by flushing try the following.
· Contact your pharmacy about disposal of medication.  They may have a program or bin set up for easy disposal.
· Seal medication with tape before placing it into the trash.
· Mix your cosmetics and medications with your throw-away coffee grounds when putting them in the trash to discourage pets and children from pilfering in it.
· Put kitty litter in an empty milk container and pour liquid cleaners or liquid medications into the container to be absorbed before discarding them.

1. By taking just a few simple steps to dispose of cosmetics, medication, and cleaning supplies instead of flushing them, you will contribute to the preservation of the environment and save on plumbing repair as well.  However, should you find yourself with a clogged line as a result of flushing these items, contact a local qualified plumber to help with the problem.

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The majority of shower drain clogs are caused by hair.  Consequently, the first solution you will want to try to clear a shower drain clog is a hair removal product like Nair.  Try pouring a small amount of hair removal product down your drain, let it sit for a bit and wash away.  Another solution to try is a combination of baking soda and vinegar.  Again, pour a small amount directly into the shower drain, wait a bit and wash away.  If you encounter the hair clog problem often, you may want to consider purchasing a new drain cover for your shower that will catch hair more effectively than the one you currently have to eliminate some of the frustration of standing water in your shower.

If the clog remains after you’ve tried the hair product and/or baking soda, vinegar remedies, you may have a more extensive problem than simply hair in your pipes.  Unless you are adept at disassembling and reassembling your shower drain, you may need to contact a licensed plumber to check out the problem. 

Ask your plumber to check out the general condition of your shower drain as well as the pipes leading out of the shower.  If your plumber determines that you need a new drain system installed make sure he/she uses one of the newer drain assemblies that contain a bondable, waterproof membrane to protect the mortar bed of your shower from becoming saturated.  Replacing old and worn shower drains is an inexpensive home improvement that will eliminate
a lot of frustration and early morning surprises.

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Drain unclogging products and home solutions will probably not work on a full-fledged floor drain clog.  You will most likely have to contact a plumber or rent a power auger to clear a stubborn, floor drain clog.  A power auger is a machine that uses cutting blades to literally cut through the clog.  If your drain has a drain basin with a clean-out plug, you can circumvent your drain trap and gain access directly to the pipe to your floor drain.  If not, you’ll have to snake the pipe through the floor drain assembly.  Having to snake your way through is more difficult, but not an impossible task.  Once the auger reached the clog, its blades cut through the clog by alternating the direction of its blades as you move the snake back and forth through the clog.

Most floor drains are designed to accommodate a certain amount of overflow.  As a result, pressure builds in a floor drain system and may cause your drain to overflow.  There is a standpipe that is supposed to hold back some of the waste water flowing through the drain to help eliminate this pressure buildup and overflow and to keep your pipes and drain assembly from breaking under the pressure, but these can fail.  So if you suspect that your floor drain is accepting large quantities of waste water, you may have a more complicated problem than a floor drain clog.  Call a qualified licensed plumber to check out your floor drain system before you have to deal with cracked pipes caused from pressure build-up.

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No matter what area of your home you start with begin your water conservation campaign, always repair leaky faucets, both indoors and out.  If you live in an older home, consider replacing old toilets, dishwashers and clothes washers with newer, more water and energy efficient alternatives.

Kitchen Conservation Tips
Fill your sink or basin when washing and rinsing dishes to save on running water.  When cooking, peel and clean your vegetables in a large bowl instead of under running water.  Only run your dishwasher when it is full. Try not to use your garbage disposal unless absolutely necessary.  Install faucet aerators to cut down on water usage.

Bathroom Conservation Tips
Take showers instead of baths, and turn off the water to brush your teeth and shave.  Repair leaky toilets and install a toilet dam, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators.

Laundry Conservation Tips
Purchase a water saving model of clothes washer.  Chose one where you can adjust the load size to use only the amount of water you need.  Try to let delay washing a load of clothes until you have a full one.

Outdoor Conservation Tips
Only water your lawn when necessary, once per week should be sufficient even when there is no rainfall.  Avoid watering on windy and hot days.  Try to water your lawn in the late evening or morning to minimize evaporation of water.  Soaker hoses get the water down where you need it; sprinklers are sometimes wasteful because they water buildings as well as vegetation.  Mulch applied around flower beds and shrubs will also reduce evaporation (an added bonus is that mulch promotes plant growth and controls weeds).  Compost or organic matter added to your soil will improve soil conditions as well as aid in water retention.   When you mow, set your mower blades to two to three inches high since longer grass will shade your soil and improve its moisture retention capabilities.  Planting plants native to your area will reduce the need for watering as these plants have adapted to the weather of your location.  Besides lawn care conservation methods, you can also conserve outdoor usage by collecting rainfall for irrigation, wash your car sparingly and quickly, and use a broom to clean walkways, decks and porches instead of hosing them off.

Taking these simple steps to conserve water at your own home will go a long way towards not only helping the environment, but may save you a little money as well.

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Pipe Wrench
Buy yourself a sturdy pipe wrench for when you need a wrench that is the appropriate size and with the appropriate grip to loosen pipes.  A medium-size, adjustable pipe wrench will suffice to tighten and loosen pipes and other plumbing connections.  Your local hardware or plumbing-supply store will have these in stock in a variety of styles and prices.

A basin wrench is a specialized tool that will enable you to reach tight spots under sinks and basins.  The jaws of a basin wrench are adjustable and accommodate nuts of different sizes.  In addition, a basin wrench, when flipped over, allows you to keep turning the wrench without removing it from the nut.

A socket wrench set is another useful plumbing tool to have around.  It is used for removing recessed packing nuts and on tub and shower fixtures.  You’ll also find it handy to have around to complete other do-it-yourself household repairs.

If you need to change a toilet seat, a deep socket wrench will do the trick.  And to remove a toilet for replacement or repair, you’ll most likely need a spud wrench.  Older toilets sometimes have a large pipe (called a spud) which connects the tank to the bowl.  An extra-large hexagonal slip nut holds the bowl to the tank.  Consequently, a spud wrench is required to remove these slip nuts. Purchase an adjustable type of spud wrench as it will be more versatile than the nonadjustable type, which has a fixed opening at each end.

Other Plumbing Tools to Have Around
Augers, plungers, and snakes are tools designed specifically for plumbing. You’ll find these useful in almost any home repair project as well as most plumbing repair tasks.  Plumbers’ snakes (or drain-and-trap augers) vary in length.  For general use, a short snake is all you’ll need for most plumbing repairs. Look for a closet auger, a version of the plumbers’ snake designed specifically for clearing clogs in toilets.  It will be a bit shorter than a regular snake, and comes encased in a plastic or metal housing with an easy-to-use crank.

Having some plumbing repair tools available to solve simple plumbing issues is paramount to being a responsible homeowner.  Investing in these tools is ultimately an investment in the longevity of your home.

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If you have become frustrated trying to fix a clogged drain with a plunger, there are other options to unclogging that pesky back-up.  You can begin by cleaning your P-Trap. Clogs in the P-trap or trap arm of your drain are usually a result of coffee grounds or grease; in which case a plunger will not clear the pipe. You can try the suggestions below or call a licensed plumber to unclog your drain.

To disassemble and clean your P-trap, you should begin by using a sponge to soak up the water from the sink to reduce water flow under your sink when you remove the trap.  Put a bucket or pan beneath the sink to collect the dirty water from the clogged pipe.  Gently loosen the slip nuts attaching your trap to avoid bending or cracking the trap.  First, unscrew the slip nut between the trap arm and the P-trap.  Next, unscrew the slip nut at the bottom of the waste tee.  If your trap is clogged, all you need to do is clean it, reinstall it, and test the line by running warm water through it.  When reassembling the P-trap, be careful not to over-tighten the slip nuts.

If once you disassemble the P-trap you do not find a clog, then your next option is to snake the line to try to clear up your clogged drain.  To begin, loosen the setscrew of your snake (also called a cable auger) at the tip of the snake and pull out six to ten inches of cable.  Tighten the setscrew and feed the cable into the pipe until you feel some resistance.  Pull out another twelve to eighteen inches of cable, tighten the setscrew, and crank the handle of your snake clockwise while pushing forward to drive the cable farther into the pipe.  Repeat this process until you break through the blockage.  Should your cable get bogged down or catch on something, crank the handle counterclockwise and pull back a bit before continuing.  At some point, you should feel the cable clear the clog.  Once the clog is cleared, pull the cable out, clean it, replace the trap arm and trap, and run hot water into your sink until it drains properly.  It may take a few minutes for the water to flow smoothly while the clog you dislodged breaks up or dissolves.

As an added precaution, while the drain is open and before reassembling the traps, pour ½ cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, cover the openings and let it sit for a few minutes.  Run about a gallon of warm water through the pipes to flush out the mixture. This should clean the drain even more and remove any lingering odor.

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Mold in bathrooms and kitchens is an inevitable byproduct of these areas where moisture collects.  While harsh chemical cleaners will definitely rid you of mold and mildew, there are some environmentally-safe substances that will do the trick as well.  Three of these all natural ingredients are vinegar, tea tree oil, and grapefruit seed extract.  Of the three, vinegar, found in most household kitchens, is the cheapest and most easily found. Tea tree oil, found in most health food stores, is a powerful, spectrum fungicide, but has a very strong smell and is expensive.  And grapefruit seed extract, while odorless, is also expensive.

Vinegar
Vinegar is purported to kill eight-two percent of molds.  You can easily make yourself a good vinegar spray by pouring white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle to spray on mold.  Let the sprayed vinegar set for a few hours and then rinse for a clean mold-free area.

Tea Tree
Tea tree spray, with its strong odor is about the best mold cure around.  Though expensive, tea tree spray is highly effective in the fight against mold and mildew, with a little going a long way.  If you can stand the odor for the few days it will take for it to dissipate, it is well worth the trouble.  To make your tea tree spray, combine two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water in a spray bottle.  Shake the mixture well and spray on mold or mildew.  Do not rinse.

Grapefruit Seed Extract
Your second best defense against mold and mildew is grapefruit seed extract spray.  The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract is that you don’t have to endure any odor but still get a pretty good mold cleaner.  Combine twenty drops of grapefruit seed extract with two cups of water and spray on mold and mildew.  As with tea tree spray, do not rinse for best results.

Mold and mildew can be very dangerous to your health.  And people with mold or mildew allergies are particularly susceptible to its danger.  To reduce the likelihood of developing a mold or mildew problem, be vigilant about keeping basements and carpets dry.  In addition, make sure you repair all leaks in plumbing and roofs.

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