Replacing Plumbing Traps for Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks

One of the best investments you can make is a good reference book for all Plumbing maintenance. This simple investment can save you hundreds of dollars each year on Service Calls.Search Amazon.com for plumbing books

Keeping your drainage traps clean and in good working order should be a top priority for your plumbing systems. Traps keep a level of water in them that keeps sewage gases from entering a room through the drain. When they become clogged with debris they cause backups and leaks. Replacing them is not too difficult a project and you will feel great when the job is completed at minimal cost!
These are the tools you will need: Bucket, Fixed P-Trap or Swivel P-Trap, adjustable wrench, Spud Wrench or Rib-joint pliers for plastic piping and Plumbers Grease. Search Amazon.com for Plumbing tools
Replacement P-Trap kits come with everything you will need. The first thing to do is turn off the water to the area. Next remove the clean out plug that is located at the bottom of the U in the pipe, if your system has one. Place the bucket under the Trap and use the adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the clean out plug. Check to see if it is clogged bad enough to replace the trap or simply clean it out. To remove loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the U keeping the bucket in place to catch any water that will leak out. You will be very thankful for this one precautionary step. After removal of old trap clean the threaded area of existing pipe and coat with Plumbers Grease for easy application and decreasing the possibility of cross threading. Tighten the slip nuts. Leaving the bucket in place you can turn the water on and check to be certain your connects are tight. The bucket makes clean up a breeze.

Empower Yourself, Ladies, with a Basic Home Tool Box

Home repairs can really add up, especially if you believe that you cannot make some repairs yourself. Most companies charge you for the initial trip to your location, this amount can be anywhere from $25 to $100! Consider investing in a good all around tool box for your home. Even if you are a single female, whatever your status, many dollars can be saved by doing it yourself. Don’t think you have what it takes? That is where this blog will help you. We will regularly post how-to-repair articles on everything from hanging a picture to plumbing repairs in the weeks to come.

First we will cover what is needed in a home tool box. Ready to get started? Let’s Go.

While tool box kits and sets can be purchased with lots of items included, in some cases you may want to have more personalized items.

An electric screwdriver is a great start. Check different brands and find one that fits your hand most comfortably. Different makes and models come in different sizes as well as colors, spend some time in your local hardware or big box store and try different ones. An electric screwdriver omits the need for strength you may not have. They come with a variety of changeable tips so you are prepared for whatever needs you encounter. Watch for sales and save even more.

Next a good hammer. Again you will want to try several for the most comfortable fit. When it comes to hammers the best advice we can give is to learn to hold it properly. A good grip is important and they are located perfectly for a good reason and that is balance. Never hold the hammer above the grip; you lose the balance built in for the best results. When a hammer is held properly, you need fewer blows to set your nail. When looking for your hammer, also look for a tool for starting holes in your wood called an awl. These also come with different shaped handles, and again find one with a good feel.

An electric drill should be on your list and again the same rules apply. You can get an assortment of drill bit sizes and presto you are empowered and ready to take on some small repairs.