There are times to call a professional plumber and there are times to roll up your sleeves and fix the problem yourself.

If you’re experiencing slow water removal in the sink or a stopped-up toilet, here are some tips on how to tackle the problems yourself before calling a plumber.

            Tip #1 – Unclog a sink by relying on the power of a wet/dry shop vac to suction out hair and gunk clogs. Before running a drain snake, you can also try a Zip-It.

            Tip #2 – Leaky faucet driving you crazy? The seal could have broken down over time on a cartridge in your faucet. Head to your hardware store for a replacement. 

            Tip #3 – Slow moving water in your shower drain? Attack the problem with a toilet plunger! If that doesn’t work, remove the drain covering and insert a flexible shaft pick-up tool to grab the clogged hair.

            Tip #4 – To get a toilet to stop “running” and wasting water, stop jiggling the handle and replace the flapper.

            Tip #5 – For a grimy or smelly dishwasher, get out an old toothbrush and vinegar. Start by using a toothbrush to scrub your seals with hot, soapy water. Next, run the dishwasher with some vinegar inside on the hottest setting. The vinegar will help break down mineral deposits and bacteria.

Want more tips? Click HERE for plumbing tricks-of-the-trade from Family Handyman magazine!