When a PVC joint leaks, depressurize the line and attach a vacuum source to an opening as close to the leak as possible. Turn the vacuum on to suck air in through the leak with all other openings plugged. Take a little PVC cleaner and let the vacuum suck some into the leak. Then let the vacuum run for a minute to dry the cleaner. Then, suck a little PVC cement into the leak. Turn off the vacuum to let the plug cure for a few minutes and test the system for leakage.
I have heard a lot of plumbers complain about running a cutter on thin chrome parts. 1&1/2 inch often gives the most trouble when used with sink drains. Here's a great tip. Take a piece of scrap PVC pipe, about the size of the item you are covering with chrome. Use it to keep support inside the tubing and it will not let the chrome oblong when turning the tube cutter. Works for me!
When installing new garbage disposals, here's a tip to make the process a snap. When repairing or replacing an under-the-sink garbage disposal, getting the unit seated and adjusted just right to fit the ring can be awkward. To assist in this one-man job (by necessity), a standard automobile hydraulic jack does the trick. Use it to lift the unit, and in minutes the garbage disposal is in place and the installer's hands are free to turn the garbage disposal into the ring.
A lot of young children are fascinated with how things disappear down the toilet. Unfortunately, toys will often get stuck at the top of the trap in the bowl.
Before you call a plumber, try fishing it out. You'll need a wire coat hanger, a good flashlight, and a small mirror (such as a compact). Start by removing all the water from the bowl (dip & sponge or wet-vac). Position the mirror at the front of the trap, then shine the flashlight into the mirror and with a little adjustment, you will be able to see to the top of the trap, where most foreign objects catch. With a little effort and bending of the hanger, you should be able to pull the stuck object out. Remember you're looking in a mirror, so everything is backwards.
I've removed toothbrushes (never to be used again), shampoo bottles and caps, toys, teacups, balls, eyeglasses, too many pens and pencils to count and one set of dentures (don't ask). This tip can be a little tricky, but most people have more time than money, so try it and save a few bucks.
To help clear a slowly draining toilet or kitchen sink, heat up some vinegar and pour it down the drain with the plug or stopper removed. Then add a few tablespoons of baking soda. The foaming action will loosen buildup. Let the mixture sit until the foaming stops. Follow this with a hot water rinse and you will have a clear drain.
This tip will apply to all drains except clogged ones. I use it once a year or whenever it seems a drain runs a little slow. First, remove the plunger and any hair or other mess with a bent wire with a hook on one end. Attach a garden hose to an outside faucet, bring the hose through a window and turn the water on full blast. Hold the hose at the drain opening and keep the splashing contained with a rag. The pressure of the water will flush away any minor build-up. Also, flush the overflow in the sinks. Do the toilets, too.
When measuring pipe, the end of the typical steel tape measure will usually keep slipping off the end of the pipe being measured. You often waste time rehooking the tape onto the end of the pipe. Here's a simple solution. Bend the tang of the tape measure just a little so that it hooks onto the end of the pipe without slipping off.
If you want to perform electrical repairs in your home, be sure to be safe and disconnect the power. But you'll want to do so ONLY from the circuit you'll be working on. The circuit breaker panel is typically in the garage and the breakers are typically unmarked. How can you keep from running up and down the stairs to check when the correct breaker has interrupted power to that area? Simple. I connect an AC powered radio to the circuit in question and turn the volume up so I can hear it from the breaker panel location. As soon as the music stops, I've found the breaker.
To get electrical wire through a conduit more than 25 yards long, tie carpenter's string to a torn-off piece of a plastic bag. In one end of the conduit, poke the plastic bag with the string tied to it inside and at the other end of the conduit, use a shop-vac or large vacuum cleaner to suck the plastic bag through the conduit. It will surprise you how fast the string will be sucked through the conduit. Then, tie a heavy electric pull rope on the string and pull that through. Then, wrap and tie the rope to the electric wire and pull that through. Works every time. I used it on a baseball score board that was over 600 ft. We pulled no. 8 wire through 2 1/2 inch conduit with no trouble at all.
Spray light bulb threads with WD-40 before installing them into fixtures to prevent seizing, especially in damp environments like bathrooms, showers, basements and outdoor areas. The coat of WD-40 will prevent bulbs from breaking, which may cause injury due to broken glass.
