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Although many plumbing repairs and replacements require the help of a qualified professional, there are a few do-it-yourself projects that you can complete successfully over a few hours in your own home. Here are some of the most practical and easy plumbing activities to enhance the comfort and functionality of your Essex County home.
Flushing Your Water Heater
Over time, hard water deposits reduce the usable space inside your water heater. This can limit the amount of hot water available for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Fortunately, flushing your water heater is a relatively simple process that involves the following steps:
Turn off your water heater either at the circuit breaker or at the main gas line.
Connect a hose to the drain valve and put the other end in the floor drain.
Shut off the cold-water inlet valve.
Open the temperature and pressure release valve.
Open the drain valve to allow water to drain from the tank.
When the water flow stops, close the temperature and pressure release valve and the drain valve.
Remove the hose from the drain valve and check the drain valve for mineral deposits.
Open a hot-water faucet.
Open the cold-water inlet valve. This will allow the water heater to refill.
When the hot-water faucet is running steadily, turn the faucet off.
Turn on the water heater at the circuit breaker or the main gas line.
Be sure to check your drain valve to make sure it is closed after this project is closed.
Replacing Your Showerhead
Replacing your showerhead is one of the simplest ways to improve your bathroom and enhance the shower experience for everyone in your family. This project requires minimal work on your part:
Unscrew the showerhead by turning it counterclockwise until it comes off.
Clean the shower arm threads to make sure they are free of rust or mineral deposits.
Screw the new showerhead into place and check for leaks.
Your new showerhead is ready to use right away.
Cleaning Your Drains
Professional plumbers recommend against using harsh chemicals to clean drains in your Essex County home. Instead, try this DIY solution for blocked or sluggish drains:
Pour one-half cup of baking soda down your drain.
Follow it up with one-half cup of white vinegar and plug the drain.
Let it work for one hour before pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
The reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar will safely create pressure that will remove minor clogs on the first try. If your drain is still clogged, however, you can try again or call your local plumbing company.
At Morris Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer comprehensive plumbing services designed with your needs in mind. Give us a call at (978) 961-0338 to request plumbing services in Essex County and the surrounding areas. We look forward to working with you!