Although we’re always here to help with any plumbing job, there are some issues that home and business owners can handle on their own. The expert plumbers at Emerald Bay Plumbing have created these plumbing tips as helpful hints for do-it-yourself handymen and women.
Of course, you can call us anytime at (850) 252-8249 if you prefer us to take care of it! No job is too small. We serve communities throughout Destin, Fort Walton, South Walton, and beyond.
DIY Water Heater Tips
Generally, property owners don’t realize their water heaters have a problem until one of two things happens: unusual noises or irregular water temperatures. General water heater maintenance can prevent you from having to call a plumber!
Properly maintaining your water heater includes:
- Every 6 months: Open the drain and let the water run until the flow is clean and clear. This simple step will prevent sediment build-up.
- Every year: Test the temperature-pressure build-up by depressing or lifting the handle and draining water from the overflow pipe.
If your hot water heater develops a leak, makes unusual sounds, or does not effectively heat water, be sure to contact Emerald Bay Plumbing.
DIY Toilet Tips
Many things can go wrong with a toilet, and Emerald Bay Plumbing is always here to help. It’s common for a property owner to try and diagnose and treat the issue themselves prior to contacting a professional. If you are a DIY toilet repair type, the tips below will point you in the right direction.
Noisy toilets can be caused by a restricted water flow or a defective ball cock assembly. To troubleshoot a noisy toilet, try the following steps:
- Adjust the shutoff valve
- Oil the trip lever
Replace the ball cock washers
If these steps do not fix the toilet noise, it may be necessary to replace the entire ball cock assembly.
Several factors can cause toilets to run constantly or intermittently. To diagnose the problem, try:
- Checking the float arm and water-filled float ball
- Looking for a corroded flush valve seal or cracked overflow tube
- Checking to see if the ball cock valve shuts off
Although we’re starting to get into more technical plumbing tasks here, remedies include:
- Bending the float arm away from the tank wall
- Replacing the ball or installing a new flush valve assembly
- Adjusting the stopper guide rod and lift chain
- Replacing a defective stopper
- Installing a new ball cock assembly
If you’re uncomfortable with any of these tasks, give Emerald Bay Plumbing a call at (850) 837-1979 for quick, same-day assistance!
Clogged toilets are an extremely common plumbing problem. Although we always try to provide the most thorough plumbing tips possible, there is no secret remedy for this issue. We suggest attempting to remove the blockage with a plunger, and if you are unsuccessful, it’s time to call Emerald Bay Plumbing!
Leaking toilets can be a nuisance. These simple plumbing tips and treatments can go a long way!
- Bowl-mounted tanks: To stop a leaking toilet tank, tighten the bolts in the tank and/or remove and replace their gaskets.
- Wall-mounted tanks: Tighten the couplings on the pipe connecting the bowl and tank, or unscrew the couplings, remove the pipe, and replace the washers.
- Toilet leaking at base: The bowl must be lifted and resealed along the base.
Dealing with leaking toilets can be frustrating, and unless you are very patient and handy, we suggest calling a professional.
DIY Drain Tips
Issues with sink drains are very common, but there are preventative measures that can save you money and frustration. It’s critical to be aware of a sluggish drain, as it’s much easier to open a slowing drain than one that’s completely clogged. We advise you to contact our Destin plumbers for any serious or urgent problems.
Try the following steps to limit your need for professional plumbing services:
- Pour boiling or scalding water down the drain to dislodge grease build-ups. If the clog persists, something may be blocking the drain.
- To further investigate, remove the strainer or plug and clean thoroughly.
- Look at your home’s other drains—if multiple drains are clogged, there could be an issue with the main drain.
- You may attempt to clear the drain with an over-the-counter treatment or plunger. Be sure never to mix chemical cleaners or use them on garbage disposals.
If none of the plumbing tips above assist with the clogged drain, it’s time to call the professionals. Emerald Bay of Destin is here to help, and we will bring our years of expertise with us!
DIY Shower Head Tips
There are a few easy plumbing tips when dealing with shower head issues like low pressure, difficulty pivoting, and leaking.
- If your shower head does not adjust or pivot smoothly, check the washer for wear, and coat the swivel ball with lubricant (petroleum jelly).
- If your shower head is leaking where it meets the arm, the washer may need to be replaced.
- If your shower has slight or erratic pressure, chances are you have mineral build-up, and the shower head will need to be cleaned.
To clean the shower head, unscrew the face plate and soak it in vinegar overnight, then clean thoroughly. If the issue is less severe, you may want to clean the outlet holes in the face plate with a pin or toothpick.
Have More Questions? Need a Quote?
If you’re not finding what you’re looking for or have a quick question, feel free to ask one of our expert master plumbers. You can call us at (850) 252-8249 or send us a message below. We offer free quotes and sound advice!