Water Heaters
First, have a hose attached to the bottom of the water heater spigot. Then, simply turn the valve on and let the high pressure of the water heater flush out any possible sediment build up. Just a few minutes is all you need. Second, a visual inspection of the water fittings is also recommended. Simply look at the supply lines for any water leakage or sediment build up that may be cause for concern. If you see sediment or water, you may want to call a plumber for a professional opinion.
The most likely reason why hot water runs out too quickly is because the supply dip tube is malfunctioning or broken. Most people will need to contact a plumber to repair this. Depending on the age of the tank, you may be able to get it repaired.
Water under water heater could mean several things. One being that your water heater has developed a pin hole, and would need replaced by a Licensed Plumber. Secondly if water is coming from the side safety valve, this typically is caused from too much pressure in the home or a faulty expansion tank.
Tankless Water Heaters
This is a wall boiler that as you call for hot water a high BTU burner kicks on and heats the water as it passes through the heat thus not needing to store hot water in a traditional tank.
Different brands of tankless heaters have different water temp rises. Typically a 200k BTU tankless has about a 60 degree temp rise at 4-6 GPM.
Gas may have been turned off earlier in the day and water heater had not been re lit. If this is the case, simply re light water heater. It is also possible the gas valve has failed and you will need to call a licenced Plumber.
Water Softeners
Softener Salt not going down could be a sign of needing to call for a service. Salt starting to crystalize on the outside of tank usually is a sign of a replacement
Stinky stale water is a sign that you could clean out the tank. Simply empty tank, clean with some bleachy water. Rinse, and add new Salt pellets.
Toilets
First thing to check is the Flapper. Add few drops of any color of food coloring in the tank, if water in the bowl starts to turn the color of the tank, you would want to replace the flapper.
If a standard plunger will not unclog the toilet, you may need to call a Licensed Plumber.
First fill the back under side of the toilet tank for any water, second fill around the water supply valve and supply for leakage. If these are clear of water, you will need to pull and reset toilet. You may need to call a Licensed Plumber.
Garbage Disposals
First, Check the reset button on the bottom of the disposal and press in. Second, if the disposal hums and does not turn, you will need to insert an Allen wrench or the disposal wrench. The disposal wrench may be under the sink already. Insert the key into the bottom center opening of the disposal. Give it a turn, and see if you can manually turn the disposal (turn the disposal blade?). If these steps do not help, give us a call.
Any peelings are very disruptive on disposal and the pipe system. Absolutely no grease down the disposal or any sink drain.
You can, there are product additives that are exactly for this purpose.
It's recommended to use a drain cleaner down the opposite side of the disposal. Chemicals can affect the disposal rubber seal.
Kitchen Sink Faucets
This could be that you will need a new faucet cartridge. There are several kinds of faucet brands which all use different cartridges and parts. If you can find a faucet makers mark and or model you will need this to get the correct faucet repair parts.
This 8 out of 10 times is the aerator at the end of the faucet spout. You will simply screw out the existing aerator and clean out the gunk, replace and test. If this does not work you may need to call a Licensed Plumber.
If you are tired of looking at your old faucet you may need to up do to a new faucet. On a more serious note if the faucet looks like it needs to be replaced it probably needs to be replaced.
Bathroom Sink Faucets
This could be that you will need a new faucet cartridge. There are several kinds of faucet brands which all use different cartridges and parts. If you can find a faucet makers mark and or model you will need this to get the correct faucet repair parts.
Tub Faucets
Figure out the make and model and then proceed. This usually will require a Licenced Plumber.
If your tub/shower has not been used for weeks brown water could come out. This is from water simply taking on the minerals from the water standing in place for extended period of time.
If this becomes an all the time thing, this is a tall tale sign that if your home water system is galvanized you may need to call in a Licenced Plumber for a professional opinion.
This is Usually from the Cartridge leaking out the handle and running down the wall. This will require you to change cartridge and usually you would need to call a Licensed Plumber.
Shower Heads
If Valve that is installed in the wall was installed upside down, water will come out of both the spout and shower head. Most valves are ported that water is forced in the down position. This would need a licensed Plumber to properly diagnose.
Remove Shower head and clear out any gunk that may be blocking the outlet. As local law permits you could remove the restrictor in the shower head.
Exterior Hose Bibs
From October to March, it is very important to remove hoses of all kinds from hose bibs.
Recommend putting rolled up hosed into garage, or shed.
With frostless hose bibs you may need to call a Licenced Plumber.
Unfinished Basement Plumbing
Drain lines and Water lines will need to be properly placed as per local building codes. This will require a Licenced Plumber.
Each person will be different in deciding what they can DIY. I would recommend at least a professional opinion.
This Can be sometimes very difficult. There are sewer cameras that can be used with tracking that can map out your system. Would recommend calling a Professional for drain line mapping.
Renovation Plumbing
Every system is different and even the same pipe system can age differently in different environments. A Professional opinion would be highly recommended for this before you started tearing up the system.
On the usual project Hvac, and Plumber will work to make sure the 2 systems can work in the same area. Electrical work usually is done last as it is easier for wires to flex around existing systems.
Price of the project would depend on if you have a budget for moving any fixture. Usually any fixture can be moved. A professional would want to be called in for these possibilities.
Kitchen Sink Drain Lines
My Opinion is that in moderation and if using directions any of these chemical products are OK, and actually can be helpful in a lot of older systems.
Grease in the kitchen drain line is a huge problem. Tiniest of grease from dinner plates build up in the system over the years and eventually will plug the entire line. If your sink clogs, you will need to call a Licensed Plumber for drain cleaning.
Old cast iron and galvanized systems when they start to plug will back up yucky water. This is a sign of time to call in a Licensed Plumber for a drain cleaning.
Laundry Drain Lines
This would take a drain machine, and you may need to call a licensed Plumber.
This is usually a sign that it may be time for a Drain cleaning. A Licensed Plumber may need to be called.
If you have a washer stack pipe you simply put the washer drain pipe into the drain. Recommended that you zip tie washer pipe so that it can not easily come out of the drain.
Interior Gas Lines
A licensed plumber is gas licensed and can do all gas piping.
The Main gas meter has a Shutoff, and this meter is on the opposite side of the house from the garage, and is on the front corner or just around the corner from the front.
Gas has a distinctive smell and if you smell this you need to call the gas company immediately.
Main Water Valve
If the valve is a full turn valve (not a ¼ turn) you may simply tighten the nut directly behind the handle clockwise. 9 out of 10 times, this will stop leaking.
This does change but usually on the front side of the house. If you have a basement this would be about 4ft off the floor. You may have an access panel on the wall.
If you have a water leak that is or could cause damage you should turn off main water, and call Licensed Plumber.