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How to Quickly and Easily Fix Your Running Toilet

It’s happened to all of us: you flush the toilet and the tank won’t stop running. Not only is it annoying, but it’s also wasting water and running up your water bill. If you’re struggling with a running toilet, don’t despair – there are a few easy fixes that you can do yourself without having to call one of our plumbers.

Before you begin, it’s important to understand how your toilet works. The tank is connected to the bowl by a flush valve. When you flush the toilet, the flush valve opens and water rushes from the tank into the bowl, carrying waste with it. The fill valve then refills the tank with fresh water.

If your toilet is running constantly, it’s most likely because the fill valve is not shutting off properly. Keep reading to learn how to quickly and easily fix your running toilet!

Why Is My Toilet Running?

Most of the time, a running toilet is caused by a fill valve that has become defective. The fill valve works to refill the tank after flushing and is responsible for the “stop and start” of the tank. If it’s not working properly, the toilet will continue to run as the water from the tank never stops. Often, this is caused by a faulty fill valve seal, which needs to be replaced. A worn-out flapper or flush valve can also be at fault. If you’re seeing water around the base of the tank, it can also be a sign of a faulty seal. These issues, while all related, require different solutions. However, the good news is that all can easily be fixed. You don’t need to be a plumber or even have special tools – just a few basics like a screwdriver, a wrench, and a few simple steps.

How to Fix a Running Toilet in 3 Quick and Easy Steps

Step 1: Shut off the Water Supply

First, turn off the water supply. This is usually located at the rear of the tank and can be turned off with a shutoff valve or a supply line valve. If you can’t locate the water supply, your local hardware store may be able to help.

Step 2: Check the Fill Valve

Next, check the fill valve. You’ll need to remove the fill valve, which is the component that refills the tank after flushing so that you can inspect it. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as the rubber seal, which may need to be replaced. You can also check the flapper, which is the rubber seal located inside the tank at the bottom of the flush valve. Again, if you notice any signs of wear and tear, you may need to replace them.

Step 3: Re-attach & Test

Once you’ve inspected and replaced the necessary components, you can re-attach the fill valve and flush the toilet to test it out. Make sure the water stays in the tank and doesn’t overflow or continue to run.

Conclusion

A running toilet is one of the most common plumbing issues, but it’s also one of the easiest to fix. With a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you can quickly and easily fix it yourself. You won’t need to call a plumber or spend a fortune on parts – all you need is to turn off the water supply, inspect and replace the fill valve and flapper, and then re-attach and test it. If you’re patient and follow the simple steps outlined above, you’ll have a working toilet in no time!

If you need further help with your home’s plumbing, visit our contact page to connect with a professional plumber.

How to Diagnose and Fix Cloudy Tap Water

Most people take the quality of their tap water for granted. They assume that because it comes out of the tap, it must be safe to drink. But the reality is that the quality of tap water can vary greatly from one location to another. One problem that can occur with tap water is cloudy water.

While cloudy water is not necessarily harmful, it can be a sign of underlying water quality issues. In this article, we will explain how to diagnose and fix cloudy tap water. If you have ever experienced cloudy tap water, then this article is for you!

Why is my water cloudy?

There are many reasons why your water might be cloudy. It could be caused by a problem with your water source, or it could be caused by a problem with your plumbing.

What causes cloudy water?

There are two main types of cloudy water: white cloudy water and yellow cloudy water.

How do I fix my cloudy water?

There are a few things you can do to fix your cloudy water.

Cleaning your pipes

One way to fix your cloudy water is to clean your pipes. This is especially important if your water is cloudy due to sediment buildup.

Check your fixtures

Another way to fix your cloudy water is to check your fixtures. This is especially important if your water is cloudy due to mineral deposits.

Flushing your water heater

If your water is cloudy due to a build-up of minerals, you can try flushing your water heater. This will remove the minerals from your water heater and improve the quality of your tap water.

Try a water filter

If you have hard water, you may want to try a water filter. Water filters can remove the minerals that cause hard water, which will improve the quality of your tap water.

Contact your local water utility

If you are still having problems with your cloudy water, you may want to contact your local water utility. They may be able to help you diagnose and fix the problem. Visit our contact page if you need professional plumbing services for your home.

3 Important Tips For Avoiding Plumbing Emergencies

Homeowners never want to deal with a plumbing emergency. Unfortunately, these situations can happen when you least expect it. While you can’t always prevent plumbing problems, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of an emergency.

Here are three important tips for avoiding plumbing emergencies:

  1. Locate and understand how to use the main water shut-off valve.
  2. Check for any wear and tear in your plumbing.
  3. Be cautious of what you flush down the drain.

By following these tips, you can help minimize the risk of a plumbing emergency. However, if you do find yourself in a situation, it’s important to know what to do. In the next section, we will provide some tips on how to deal with a plumbing emergency.

  1. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

In the event of a leak or burst pipe, it’s important to know where your main water shut-off valve is located. This way, you can quickly turn off the water to minimize the damage. If you don’t know where your shut-off valve is, take a few minutes to locate it now. If you have a basement, it’s likely located near the water heater or near the main water line coming into your home. If you don’t have a basement, it may be in your utility closet or near your water meter. Turn it off if you know where it is. While most shut-off valves operate with a simple handle, some may require a wrench. It’s a good idea to keep a wrench near the valve in case you need to turn it off quickly.

  1. Inspect Your Plumbing Regularly

If you want to avoid a plumbing emergency, it’s important to inspect your plumbing regularly for signs of wear and tear. This is especially true if you have an older home with pipes that are more likely to leak. It’s a good idea to inspect your pipes and fixtures at least once a year. If you notice any signs of leaks, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls, you should call a plumber right away to have the problem fixed.

  1. Be Cautious of What You Flush Down the Drain

One of the main causes of plumbing emergencies is clogged drains. To avoid this problem, you should be careful what you flush down the drain. Only flush human toilet paper down the toilet. Flushing anything else, such as feminine products, paper towels, or flushable wipes, can cause a clog. In the kitchen, you should avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. These items can harden and clog the drain. Instead, pour the grease or oil into a can and dispose of it in the trash. These simple tips can help you prevent plumbing emergencies. However, if you do find yourself in a situation, it’s important to know what to do.

Plumbing Alerts when Buying a New Home

Congratulations on your search for a home! Are you planning to purchase a new home? Are you wondering if the house is ready to suit your plumbing needs? It is smart to look out for plumbing issues when searching for a house to buy. This blog post will discuss what to look out for and what to do if you notice any of the issues mentioned.

One main issue to look out for is a clogged drain. When inspecting a new house, try running water to test if it is properly flowing through the pipes. Things such as debris or even roots surrounding the pipes can cause clogs or even breaks in the drainage system. This can also be caused by improper pipe installation or even neglect by the architect.

Another issue to look out for is a dysfunctional water heater. Making sure the water runs at the proper temperature can save you from running into a problem when you want to take a cold shower after a long hot day. Water heater malfunctions can be diagnosed by you though a professional would save more time, money and efficiency.

Other issues include leaking faucets, failing sump pumps, running toilets, pooling and other abnormal plumbing issues. The best thing to do besides testing the plumbing yourself is calling a professional such as Putman & Son’s to diagnose the plumbing. Putman & Son’s has the right equipment to properly determine if the plumbing in your next potential house is efficiently operating. Visit Putman & Son’s to get your new property diagnosed or serviced today.

Smoke Pipe Test for Drainage: How to Check the Efficiency of Your Drains

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the drains in your house. But if you want to keep your home in good condition, it’s important to check on them every now and then. One way to do this is by performing a smoke pipe test for drainage. This is a simple process that can help you identify any potential problems with your drains. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to do a smoke pipe test and what the results mean.

Before you begin, it’s important to understand that a smoke pipe test is not a substitute for a professional inspection. If you have any concerns about your drains, we recommend that you contact a qualified plumber. With that said, let’s take a look at how to do a smoke pipe test for drainage.

First, you’ll need to gather some supplies. You’ll need a Smoke Pellet and Smoke Bomb, both of which can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. You’ll also need something to light the Smoke Bomb with, such as a lighter or matches. Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

– Place the Smoke Bomb in the drain opening and light it.

– Stand back and observe the smoke.

– If the smoke rises straight up, this indicates that the drain is clear.

– If the smoke billows out of the drain opening, this means there is a blockage in the pipe.

Once you’ve performed the test, it’s important to take action based on the results. If your drains are clear, congratulations! You can go about your business and rest easy knowing that your drains are in good working order. However, if you do have a blockage, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as possible to have it removed. Don’t try to remove it yourself, as this could cause further damage to your pipes.

We hope this blog post has been helpful in explaining how to do a smoke pipe test for drainage. Remember, this is not a substitute for a professional inspection, but it’s a good way to check the condition of your drains on a regular basis. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

What Causes Clogged Drains

Fat, oil, grease, and food particles are the primary causes of clogged drains in a kitchen. Using quality dish soap, hot water, and a properly installed garbage disposal can help keep these substances from building up inside your pipes. It is better to collect used oil in a container and throw it out than to try to pour it down your drains. Even if you wash it down with a lot of hot water, you will experience some build-up.

Hair and soap scum are the usual culprits when bathroom drains have become clogged. When we shower, we all shed hair, and the soap scum locks those wet clumps of hair into a drain clogging ball. The easiest way to avoid this problem is to use a drain strainer in your shower and insist that every member of your family cleans it out after they wash their hair.

If you use these simple tips to avoid clogged drains, you may be able to prevent backed-up sinks and tubs. For preventative maintenance, pour about two cups of vinegar down your drains once a week. You can also run a pot of boiling water down the drain after the vinegar.

If you wind up with a clog, you may be able to clear the drain yourself. The two tools that work best are plungers and snakes. A plunger will work in a sink as well as a toilet. Make sure that there is some hot soapy water in the sink so that the plunger can form a solid seal. A bent hanger or simple snake you get from the store can clear hair clogs that are within reach.

If you’re having ongoing problems with slow drains, or if you’ve got a clog that you can’t clear, we’re just a phone call away. Sometimes you need professional tools and techniques to open up stubborn drains.

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