A Few Quick Fixes To Common Bathroom Problems

Apr 1
11:08

2015

John Horton

John Horton

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Sometimes calling out a plumber isn't necessary, here are a few quick fixes to common problems in the bathroom.

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That clogged drain or overflowing toilet may be intimidating or even just plain scary – especially if you don’t have a clue what to do – and most likely we’ve all been there. Luckily,A Few Quick Fixes To Common Bathroom Problems Articles you don’t need all the fancy tools of a plumber because here’s a few ways that you can solve your bathroom dilemma without having to call one. I often get called out to plumbing jobs like these in Edinburgh, I’m always happy to help but don’t like to see customers spending money on things that could easily be fixed without calling out a plumber. 

Clogged Drains

Having a clogged drain in your sink, shower, or bath is inevitable. It is constantly bombarded by hair, soap, dirt, and other debris that build up in the drain. The job usually requires something stronger than household products to remove the thing that has been growing for some time. This is usually done by using a drain snake – you can purchase one from your local DIY store for under £10 – OR if you have a wire coat hanger on hand you can straighten it out and use that. Insert the drain snake (or hanger) a few inches into the drain and give it a good swirl then slowly pull it out. You’re likely to pull out a clump of hair and slime – definitely not pretty! Do it a few more times until you don’t get anything else. Finish up using a drain cleaner to remove the rest of the build-up and that should be you sorted!

Overflowing and Running Toilets

Having an overflowing toilet can be cause for panic, but don’t worry, it can easily be stopped. There is usually a water cut off valve located behind the toilet nearer to the floor. Turn the valve to the right to shut the water off and stop it from filling up the tank, which then goes to the bowl. If the toilet isn’t overflowing but the bowl is slowly filling up, check the ballcock (float) in the tank. Lift it so that it is in the horizontal position which will stop the water from running into the bowl.

Clogged Toilets

Clogged toilets are usually the cause for overflowing and running toilets. Once the water issue has been solved, it’s time to move on to the root of the problem: whatever is causing the blockage! In this instance your best friend will be a good old plunger. Try buying a newer plunger with a narrower end – the old ones are frankly just not as good, though, they get the job done. You want to cover as much of the drain hole as possible to maximise the suction and force. You may have to plunge a few times, but the blockage is usually cleared. If it doesn’t clear the blockage, try pouring hot water into the bowl. Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then try plunging again. This should do the trick.

Replacing or Tightening Wobbly Toilet Seats

Over time, toilet seats can become loose or look worn. It’s an easy fix to tighten the bolts, or remove them if you want to install a new seat. Find the bolts that are located at the back of the toilet. Some are encased in a plastic box that needs to be popped open. Remove the bolts (if replacing the seat) and position the new toilet seat, securing it in place with the new bolts. If you are tightening an existing seat, find the bolts at the back of the toilet seat and turn to the right (righty-tighty) until it is stable.

Thanks for reading this, good luck with your DIY work.