Checklist Toolbox

Fix It Yourself Check Lists!

Do not attempt to adjust, test or make a repair if you do not have the basic repair skills or if you do not fully understand the directions provided in this web site. Furthermore, if your appliance, device, project, object of repair or its components differ from those described, you should not attempt the repair based upon the provided instructions. If the manufacturer's instructions differ from ours, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always wear eye protection and protective clothing or gear, as directed by a service manual or an install guide.

Caution about Do-It-Yourself

Putting up a couple of shelves is one thing, but trying to do-it-yourself on your plumbing can not only be dangerous and expensive, but could also drop you in hot water with the law! Many people are happy to do minor jobs like changing a leaky faucet but for anything else you are best to leave it in the hands of the professionals. If you do not know 100% what you are doing, do-it-yourself interference with plumbing systems can result in serious damage, expensive repair bills and potential health hazards.

The do-it-yourself householder is subject to the same regulations and controls as the professional plumber and everything connected to water supply has to comply with statutory requirements. Minimum standards for sanitary plumbing and drainage installations are laid down by law in the interest of public health and safety. Noncompliance can lead to prosecution and the possible imposition of substantial fines.

Don't take the risk of endangering your property, your own or your family's health or risk breaking the law. For your plumbing problems always call the expert services of your local licensed Discount Plumbing techs.

Discount Plumbing assumes no risk or responsibility in the provision of any and all information and warnings in this web site. All information is provided as-is. User assumes all risk. If you do not understand or do not accept these terms, please do not use this site or its services. Thank you.

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Plumbing Safety

Electric Shock can cause injury or death:

Frequently with plumbing leaks water tends to interfere with the electrical systems within your home. This can present an extreme hazard they must be made aware of.

Never assume the electricity is off. Before servicing an electrical device, disconnect it from its electrical source either by unplugging the appliance or turning off the power at the breaker or fuse box. Mark the service panel with a note so that no one will restore power while you are working. After turning off the power to the circuit, test the circuit to be certain that there is no power. Some devices can store a hazardous electrical charge even when disconnected from an electrical source, always discharge these devices before attempting service. If you are unfamiliar with a device or its components, consult with a professional before attempting service.

When working with electrical equipment wear rubber-soled shoes, avoid damp locations and hold all tools by their insulated handles. Never touch conductive surfaces such as pipes or metal bracing. Use a non-conductive fiberglass ladder when working with electricity. Avoid shorting electrical circuits.

Serious injury can result from sharp edges. When reaching into a service area, cabinet or housing there may be sharp edges. Use caution when reaching into something.

Always practice proper and reasonable safeguards as well as those suggested by the manufacturer of the devices and tools you use.

Local Service

Discount Plumbing has been serving California for over 40 years!
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Maintenance

We offer regular maintenance services that will reduce the stress that is on your home mechanical systems.
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Plumbing Check List

• Winterize a Vacant Home
  
  • Preparing your plumbing for the winter is a wise alternative to frozen pipes.
  • Turn off the water to your home using the main shut-off valve or contacting the water company.
  • Open all faucets, both indoors and outside, starting with the upstairs.
  • After all water has dripped from the taps, drain the main shut-off valve by opening the plug. You may have to contact the water company.
  • Turn off the power or gas to the water heater. Open the drain valve.
  • Remove the clean out plugs on all sink traps or remove the traps. When empty, replace them and fill with plumbing antifreeze mixed with water following the directions for car in your climate.
  • Add a full quart of antifreeze to tubs and showers since you cannot drain them. Do NOT use in a dishwasher or washing machine.
  • If your home has a basement floor drain or a main house trap, fill each with undiluted antifreeze.
• Preventing Kitchen Drain Clogs
  
  • A clogged drain can be so frustrating; and, of course, it happens more often than we care to think about! Usually, kitchen sink drains clog because of a build-up of grease. The grease traps food particles, which eventually clogs the drain. Now, the bathroom drains are a different story. They are usually clogged by hair and soap. So, take some simple precautions to avoid this situation.
  • Don't pour grease down the kitchen sink.
  • Don't wash coffee grounds down the sink.
  • Use chemical cleaners only when necessary. Some chemicals can corrode metal pipes.
  • Clean tub and shower drain strainers that are removable.
  • Clean pop-up stoppers in the bathroom sink and the tub regularly. Lift out sink pop-ups once a week and rinse them off.
  • Every few months, remove the overflow plate on a tub and pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring or rocker arm. Remove accumulated hair and rinse thoroughly.
  • Keep sewer pipes from the house free of tree roots.
  • Flush the drain-waste and vent systems when you‚Äôre on the roof cleaning out your gutters. Use your hose to run water into all of the vents.
• Showerheads
  Weak or changing water pressure usually points to a mineral buildup in the showerhead. Clean the outlet holes with a pin or unscrew the faceplate and soak it overnight in vinegar. Scrub it clean before replacing it on the showerhead.
• Scalding Tap Water
  Thousands of people are scalded by tap water every year. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the faucet be set between 120° and 125° F.
• Mildew
  You can help to avoid mildew problems with these preventative actions. Ventilate basements or run dehumidifiers to dry the air, walls and furnishings. Don't hang wet clothes in your closets. Keep your showers and tubs clean of soap-scum so that they dry quicker. Air-out your bathroom cabinets and kitchen sink cabinet often.
• Garbage Disposal
  Use cold water when the disposal is operating. You can clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes. When you disposal needs a little freshening, just grind some lemon peels. Of course, you should read your maintenance manual.
  Water Moisture in the Home - Make sure that vents (with a ventilating fan) are installed in your kitchen and baths. These rooms can produce a lot of moisture. Ventilating fans are great but will be of no use if they are not turned on! So make sure that you use them!
• Pipe Insulation
  Insulate those pipes before it gets cold! When temperatures are at or below freezing, running a steady drop of hot and cold water from your faucets may keep your pipes from freezing. If your pipes are not insulated, they can freeze even with a small flow of water. So, insulate those pipes! But beware; insulated pipes can freeze when there is no water movement to keep the pipes warm.
• Roots
  Roots can be a big problem. They can grow into the joints of the pipes. A little "root-x" flushed down the toilet can reduce the growth of roots in your pipes. It needs to sit in the pipes overnight, so do it before bed.