Fixing small plumbing problems saves you time and money. What kind of plumbing solutions can you solve yourself? Common solutions like clearing a sink or a backed up toilet is easy and a backed up toilet in one of the most important if you have seen the toilet become an instant waterfall or something similar.
Stopped Up Toilet
If you have kids, you know how they are super curious and toilet paper, cars, blocks make a nice splash or plop. If a toilet gets plugged up, first, open the tank lid and cover the hole at the bottom with the rubber flap. This will at least stop the water from filling the bowl more. And then you take out your secret weapon, the plunger. My other secret plumbing solution is Vaseline. I like to first cover my hand with a latex glove, a sandwich baggie or even an intact bread bag and take a finger full of Vaseline, and then thickly coat the rim to the bottom of the plunger cup. This helps to retain a good seal to the plunger and toilet.
And try plunging the clog, this will push the clog past the U bend and the water should clear out if you are successful. If the clog remains, your only choice is to call the plumber.
Sink Clogs
First, try plunging the sink. Give the sink about 3 or 4 plunges and if this works, run hot water down the drain and a little dish soap to clear out all the built up grease. If the plunging does not work, then use the liquid drain opener.
Bathtub Clogs
Bathtubs are about the same as the sink plumbing solutions except you unscrew the drain cover to the bathtub. Gently, push the plunger down and hold a damp clothe over the over flow valve. Also see if there is any built up hair you can visibly see. If there is, take a coat hanger and bend the tip into a hook and see if you can dislodge some of the clog manually. And you can try pouring in some liquid drain opener and plunge again. If the clog does not dislodge and you notice all your drains are stopping up, then you could have a problem down the main line. Then it’s time to call the plumber.