A clogged sink drain can happen to anyone, anytime (usually just before company arrives) and isn’t much fun! There are a few basic steps you should follow to get the drain unclogged.

Don’t start with a chemical drain opener. This might seem like the easiest way to tackle a clogged drain but the fact is, most chemicals strong enough to take on a clog can do a heck of a lot of damage to your hands, face or whatever they come in contact with, so try your other options first.

A plunger, commonly called a plumber’s friend, can often clear up the problem. Plug up the overflow hole if there is one. If you’re working on a double sink, block the other drain with a stopper or wet rag for more suction power. A thin layer of petroleum jelly around the base of the rubber plunger will also help give you a tighter fit and better suction power.

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In typical fashion, it was a Sunday morning when the faucet in our kitchen began dripping  relentlessly, bringing with it the unnerving and unending sound of water dripping into a  stainless steel sink. The incident served only to remind me that when things go wrong  around the home it’s usually at an inopportune time.

Being Sunday, the stores in our neighborhood were closed and had the situation warranted  it, professional help would have cost a bundle. Fortunately, many repairs like this and  others that involve plumbing are simple, straightforward and easy to do yourself if you  go about them in a logical fashion.

As in many homes nowadays, our kitchen sink is a washerless ball faucet with one handle  that mixes the hot and cold water supply. Just like other faucets, the first thing to do  when making a repair is to turn off the water supply. This is usually done directly under  the sink by closing the fixture’s shut-off valve. Then simply open the faucet to drain  the pipes.

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As with most homeowners, you probably only think about your water heater when there is no hot water for your shower or you notice a puddle underneath the water heater. Whatever the reason, when it is time to buy a water heater, consider electric ones because they offer features that ensure a long life and an economical supply of hot water.

One great feature of many types of electric water heaters is a non-metallic storage tank. Manufacturers of these tanks warranty them against leakage, eliminating a major cause of early water-heater failure. And if you live in an area with corrosive water, you’ll find this feature to be especially cost effective.

Another factor to look for when you’re shopping for a new electric water heater is the amount of built-in insulation it offers. Although this type of water heater generally costs more than one with minimal insulation, you’ll be saving money in the long run by reducing the amount of electricity needed to keep the water hot.

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A correctly designed and installed home plumbing system is practically trouble-free. But  even the best systems can develop problems from time to time – everything from burst and  leaking pipes to clogged drains. Here are some of the most common home plumbing problems and suggestions for dealing with the unexpected trouble:

• Shut off the water. When you see water leaking from a pipe or coming through a wall,  shut off the water to prevent serious damage. Similarly, when a toilet or dishwasher  overflows, the first step is to stop the flow of water.

Most plumbing systems provide numerous shutoff valves. Sinks and lavatories have  individual shutoffs for hot and cold water. Most are located just underneath the fixtures  they control;  some are in the basement, utility room or crawl space below. Leaks or  overflowing that cannot be stopped at a fixture can always be stopped by closing the main  shutoff valve that controls the flow of all water into the house. The shutoff is usually  located near the water meter or at the wall where the main enters the house. Close all  shutoff valves by turning their handles clockwise. Be sure to familiarize yourself with  all shutoffs in your house – especially the main shutoff – so you can get to them without  delay in an emergency.

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Simple plumbing jobs, such as replacing a washer in a faucet or unclogging a sink, do not require a lot of skill. However, for larger jobs you may need not only some basic know-how but also a permit or license.

Home plumbing involves two systems: the water supply system and the drain-waste-vent (DWV) system.

Water enters the house through a main service pipe. Near the point of entry you’ll usually find the main shut-off valve and often a water meter. Inside the house the water travels under pressure through hot and cold supply pipes. Attached air chambers cushion the pressure-driven water when a faucet or appliance is turned off.

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