Easy Fixes for 2 Common Plumbing Problems

Dealing with plumbing issues can be stressful, but before you reach for the phone to call a plumber, consider these DIY fixes that can save you time and money.

Broken garbage disposal
Is your garbage disposal jammed or making an unsettling humming noise? Before you panic, go underneath your kitchen sink, find the garbage disposal unit and look for a small red button. Sometimes, this button may pop out due to overload or other issues. To reset the disposal, simply push the red button back in. If that doesn’t work, many garbage disposals come with a special tool that you can use to manually spin the blades. Insert the tool into the bottom of the disposal and rotate it to free up any obstructions.

Clogged bathroom sink
Hair, toothpaste and other debris can easily clog bathroom sinks. Before calling a plumber to fix the issue, try picking up a drain snake from your local hardware store. This inexpensive tool (usually around $4) is designed to clear clogs from drains. Insert the drain snake into the top of your drain, push it down gently, and move it back and forth to dislodge any hair or debris that’s caught in the pipe. Once you’ve cleared the clog, run hot water to flush away any remaining debris.