TRY THESE 3 HOT DIY TIPS FROM JOSEPH GIANNONE PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
It’s hot outside. The kids are home. Vacation plans are coming up. Summer is a time when minor annoyances can become out-of-control stress machines. Those little problems you’ve been ignoring around the house can start driving you crazy.
But before you pick up the phone and call your local Philadelphia plumber at Stallion Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, consider trying a DIY fix first. We don’t mind letting our Philly neighbors in on a few tricks of the trade for free if it will save them time and money. So, put down the phone, pick up your toolbox, and take back control of your home.
SPEED UP A SLOW DRAIN
With the kids at home, your drains are probably taking a beating. If you’re tired of seeing standing water in the sink or bathtub, that’s a problem you can solve easily. Just unscrew the drain stopper if the sink has one and set it aside. Use an unbent wire hanger to pull hair debris and grime from inside the drain pipe and use a small brush to clear debris and gunk from closer to the sink. Next, slowly pour a pot of boiling saltwater down the drain.
If that process doesn’t make your drain flow freely, try a professional-grade plunger next, followed by plenty of water. If you’re still experiencing problems, it’s time to call a plumber.
FIX YOUR SPIGOT
The kids are enjoying that great summer pastime of running through the sprinkler and spraying each other with the garden hose, but all you’re thinking of is the way your outdoor spigot leaks. But you can fix this, too. Check to see where the water is leaking from, then turn off the water supply. If the spigot is leaking at the handle, you need to tighten the packing nut or replace the washers. If it’s leaking from the supply line joint, check and see if the spigot threads are damaged. You can replace the spigot head or wrap the threads in seal tape before replacing.
MAINTAIN YOUR A/C
If you’re worried about your air conditioner giving up the ghost over a long, hot summer, there are some issues you can look for and tackle yourself. First, make sure you check and change your indoor air filter monthly. Drawing air through a dirty filter puts too much strain on an A/C unit. You can also check your outdoor unit. Make sure there isn’t any vegetation blocking air flow to the unit, and check the pipes for ice or frost. If your outdoor coils are dirty, clean them off with spray from a garden hose.Of course, if any repairs or DIY fixes don’t work or are beyond your abilities, the service experts at Stallion Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to help. If you would like to schedule a service call or find out more about our services, call us at (215) 461-3635 or contact Stallion online today.
