DIY Tips on Domestic Plumbing

Our plumbers have come across hundreds of questions and queries over the years during their ongoing interaction with our customers. As a service to our customers, the list below summarises the most common plumbing tips and queries we are being asked along with some useful DIY plumbing advice on energy preservation and cost savings.

General Tips on Domestic Plumbing

• Once a week run hot water down the drain this will keep the drain free flowing  
• Repair leaky taps while the leak is small. It is normally simpler and cheaper to deal with a small leak rather than the result of a major leak that was left unresolved  
• Tubs and showers drains should be fitted with strainers that catch hair and soap chips. Clean the strainers regularly.  
• To remove unsightly mineral deposits on your shower head, put one cup of vinegar in a plastic bag and place it over the shower head. Hold it in place with a twist tie and let stand overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and wipe off the mineral deposits with a damp cloth.  
• Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. Do not flush facial tissue, sanitary products or diapers as they do not dissolve and can clog the lines. Keep a rubbish container in each bathroom.  

Showerhead Tips

If the showerhead gets clogged, the spray becomes uneven due to the mineral deposits inside. In order to clean the showerhead, we recommend:

• Unscrew swivel ball nut - you will need adjustable wrench or channel‑type pliers. (Hint: to protect the finish from scratches, first wrap the jaws of the tool with masking tape.)   
• Unscrew collar nut from showerhead.   
• Gently clean the outlet and inlet holes of the showerhead using a thin wire.   
• Flush the head with clean water.  
• You may want to soak the showerhead in vinegar overnight to remove all mineral deposits.  

Testing the Toilet for Leaks

• Check the water level in the tank to be sure that the water is not overflowing by way of the overflow pipe (the pipe in the middle of the tank with a small piece of tubing connected to it).  
• If water is running into the overflow pipe, adjust the fill valve until the water stops approximately one inch below the top of the overflow tube (there may be a water level mark stamped on the side of the tank).  
• Test the flush valve mechanism by putting a few drops of food colouring into the tank.  
• Check the bowl after 15 minutes, if the water has changed colour, the ball or flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced.