6 Plumbing Hacks Every Mom Should Know

Plumbing issues strike when you least expect them. In addition to caring for your family, it is important to be able to care for your home as well. Knowing how to handle small plumbing issues can save you time, money and lots of stress. To help you get started, here are 6 plumbing tips and tricks that every mom needs to know.

1. Stop creaky pipes with felt strips. Over time, hot water can make copper pipes expand and grind against joists and pipe hangers. You can silence the creaking by using self-adhesive felt strips. Start by buying adhesive-backed felt at your local hardware store and cutting it into strips. Remove each of the pipe’s hangers and wrap the pipe with felt before refastening the hangers.

2. Silence loud sinks. Loud sinks are another common household plumbing problem. You can use expanding foam to quiet the sink. The foam works by minimizing the vibrations that are causing the noise. While the foam can be used with the sink in place, experts recommend applying it prior to installing the sink. Either way, allow the foam to harden before trimming away excess foam with a knife.

3. Clogged drains. If a comb, toy or other large object becomes stuck in a drain, you may be able to use a wet/dry shop vacuum to clear the clog. The suction from the vacuum helps dislodge the object causing the obstruction.

4. Locating those hard-to-find pipes. When you need to locate a section of pipe that is located behind a wall or beneath the floor, a special type of magnet may be able to help you find it. Wrap the magnet (neodymium) in electrical tape and lower it into the drain. Use a compass to locate the magnet and it will also lead you to the location of the hidden pipe.

5. Flushing a toilet with no running water. Before you begin working on a large scale plumbing project, fill several 2-gallon buckets with water. Once the water supply has been turned off, you can flush the toilets by pouring the water into the toilet bowl. Keep in mind that you will only get one flush per bucket, so plan accordingly.

6. Remodeling hack. When remodeling your home, remember to take a picture of the inside of your walls, floors and ceilings. This way, when it is time for the next remodeling project, you will know exactly where to find the plumbing and electrical lines.

Your family depends on you to keep the household running smoothly. With these 6 plumbing hacks, you will be well prepared to handle many small plumbing problems. If these tricks do not solve the issue, it may be time to call in an expert. Dallas plumbers like The Pink Plumber specialize in providing top-notch plumbing services while benefiting a notable cause - breast cancer research.