Do you know how to do these 3 Basic Plumbing Home Maintenance/Repairs?

The editors at Real Simple have put together a short list of the three basic plumbing maintenance tasks that all homeowners should be able to do.  Knowing how to do these simple repairs will save you time, money, and probably a lot of headache.

How to Turn Off the Water

In case of emergency, it’s a good idea to know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. Some have round wheel handles, others have lever-style handles. If you have a wheel-style handle, you’ll turn it to the right (clockwise) to shut off the water. Lever-style handle? Turn the lever one-quarter turn, so that it is now perpendicular (rather than parallel) with the pipe.

If you’re going away for a while, consider shutting off the water in your house in case of a plumbing leak.

How to Snake a Drain

Even if you’re careful about what you pour (and don’t pour!) down the drain, the occasional clog is bound to happen. Luckily, an inexpensive drain snake and a plunger may be all you need to fix it. Follow Real Simple’s instructions for unclogging a drain, starting with the easiest method first.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

A toilet that won’t stop running can waste a lot of water over time—not to mention the annoying sound it creates. Fortunately, you may be able to fix this issue yourself (no plumber necessary) by replacing the flapper located inside the toilet tank. Get the step-by-step here.

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