If you have a minor repair, you can always call us and we’ll be glad to help. But if you would rather handle the small stuff yourself we’ll show you how it’s done. And when you have a major job in the Phoenix area, please call us for prompt, professional plumbing help.
Has the water to your sink slowed down considerably? Do you suspect low pressure?
You might have a serious problem which may require a professional Phoenix plumber. Or it might be something very minor which we’ll show you how to diagnose and fix for next to nothing.
First, check to see if it’s happening in more than one place. If your kitchen is slow and your bathroom normal, or vice-versa, there’s an excellent chance that your aerator is clogged.
What’s an aerator? It’s that thing that’s screwed on to the end of your faucet. It’s made up of several parts.
From top to bottom: washer, flow restrictor, mixer, bushing, screen, outer housing and aerator body. Who knew all of that was at the end of your faucet?
If your aerator is the problem, it’s because dirt has collected on the mixer and screen. Fortunately this is a simple problem to fix and you only need two things: electrical tape and a pair of pliers.
You’ll want to tape the edges of the pliers so you don’t scratch the aerator body. Unscrew the assembly and visually inspect it. If you can’t see through the screen, odds are that’s your problem.
First, remove the aerator and rinse it (the water will flow out differently with that removed so beware. Don’t run it fast right away).
If you can now see clearly when you look at it, put it back together, replace it and run the water.
If it’s still slow, you have two basic options.
First, you can soak the parts overnight in vinegar. In the morning, scrub them with an old toothbrush which should loosen any lingering dirt. Put it back on and you’re done.
Or you can go to a home improvement or plumbing store and buy a new aerator. Take your old one with you. If there’s not a gauge for the public to use to measure your aerator, someone from the store can help you to find what you need.
Simply go home, put it back together, screw it back on (again using your tape-covered pliers), and make sure it’s tight but not so tight that you crack the casing. Then turn it on and test it.
Congratulations! You’ve just fixed your own problem without having to ask anyone else to help. That always feels good.
Eventually though you may have problems that you can’t fix yourself. Like all things pipes and joints age over time. Sometimes they clog in a way that is not easy to reach. There are many situations where the best thing to do is to call a professional.
If you have a situation like that in the Phoenix area, we’re ready to help. Just give us a call.