Although you may think bathroom repair is beyond your skills, there are several emergency bathroom repairs that are likely within your ability to complete. Wear rubber gloves when performing bathroom repairs.
Clearing the Toilet
The most common and simplest emergency repair in the bathroom is unclogging a plugged toilet. Unfortunately, some people do not have the correct technique or equipment, and they have trouble accomplishing this basic task.
The flat, red plungers that are readily available are not effective tools. They may make a cute little gift, but as far as being useful, they are not. Instead, purchase the larger black rubber plungers with an insert that extends into the drain.
Hold the plunger directly into the drain in the toilet, and use quick plunges in rapid succession. Lift the plunger and see if the toilet drains. If not, repeat.
Clearing the Bathtub Drain
Another emergency repair that you can complete is clearing the drain in the tub. If the water backs up or drains very slowly, remove the guard to the drain.
Straighten a wire coat hanger, or other heavy wire, and create a hook at the end. Insert the wire as far as possible down the drain, and move it in circles. Pull up whatever you can locate; often it will be hair. Once you have cleaned out as much gunk as possible, use a good drain cleaner. Use it every two weeks to prevent further problems.
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