US Financial Management, Inc.

Clogged Drain: If your toilet, sink, or bathtub is clogged, use a plunger to unblock the drain by suctioning it underneath the water. If there is not a sufficient amount of water, pour an inch or two more into the basin in order to create the suction.

Next, press the plunger down several times quickly and forcefully. After plunging for a minute or two, pause in order to check if the water will drain from the sink. If not, then plunge again. When the drain is clear, you will need to run hot water to wash away any lingering debris from the clog.

Remember: You need to block any other openings by stuffing wet rags into the opening of the drain.

Dripping Faucet: Close the water to the faucet off at the pump or wherever the supply enters the house. Next, the handle must be removed (only on some models) in order to reach the bonnet. To do this, you must remove the screw on the top of the faucet and remove the handle. Lay out all parts in the order you take them off so you can put them back in the right order. Remove the bonnet with a wrench.

Next, remove the valve stem by rotating the handle in the direction that you would turn off the water. It should come out.
Remove the screw on the bottom and take out the old washer. Make sure that the new washer has the same dimensions and is the same type. Measure the diameter. (If you do not have a washer of the proper size, try reversing the present washer. This could be a short-term solution especially if the washer is a flat disc.)

Reassemble the faucet with the replacement washer (in the opposite order you disassembled the faucet), and turn the water back on.  

Leaky Pipe: To fix a leaky pipe you must tighten the joint of the pipe with a pipe wrench where the leak is located. If it is still leaking, it may reduce the leak until the joint can be replaced. If the pipe is older or may have been welded, you should contact a professional to fix it.

To close a small perforation, put the tip of a sharpened pencil in it. Break off the point in the hole and cover with duct tape, wrapping it several times. Also, epoxy putty created for leaks caused by cracks or small holes can also help with the problem.

DISCLAIMER: U.S. Financial Management does not assume responsibility for any uses, outcomes, or issues related to this article. Any use of the information contained in this article is at your own risk. If a problem arises, the reader should immediately contact a professional.