Now that winter is finally gone and summer is on the horizon, it’s a great time to start spring cleaning.

For some of us, it’s the one time of year when we take our normal cleaning to the next level by sweeping out every corner of the house, dusting every nook and cranny, and of course, finishing all those projects we may have been putting off.

If not this year, you’ve probably come across some plumbing issues in the past.  They’re inevitable given the amount of water we use.  If you let them go too long, an inconvenience can become a major disaster.

Luckily, a lot of problems can be fixed on your own, if you’re inclined to summon your inner handyman.

Of course, if you’re wary of getting in over your head, or if the issue is just too big, we recommend you contact a real professional.  For the best residential plumber Los Angeles has to offer, call Torrance Plumbing and Heating.  We’re experts in all manner of jobs, and are always happy to help, whether it’s a DIY project gone awry, or a major repair.

However, if you choose to break out your own toolbox, here are a few common jobs you can do yourself.

Toilet seat replacement.   First, know what kind of toilet you have.  Most modern toilets use a 5 ½ inch bolt spread.  If you can’t unscrew the mounting bolt to the seat by hand, simply use a screwdriver to remove it.  Once you’ve set aside the old seat, replace it with the new one, and reinstate the mounting nut.  Once you’ve screwed on the new seat, you’re all done!

Trip lever replacement.  If the flusher isn’t working on your toilet, it may be the result of a faulty trip lever (i.e., the part inside the tank that’s connected to the flusher).  To remove the lever, unhook the toilet flapper, and unscrew the old lever by hand.  Replace it with the new lever and using a wrench, tighten the lever only slightly (you don’t want to crack your tank).

Clean your shower head.  If your shower head is losing power or appears to be clogged, it probably needs to be cleaned.  First, unscrew the nut between the shower head and the arm.  Place the shower head in a bucket full of warm vinegar (vinegar is a great, safe cleaning agent), and let sit for about half an hour.  Then wipe it with a rag.  If the mineral deposits don’t come off, try using a toothbrush for scrubbing.

Unclog a drain.  If your kitchen or bathroom sink is backing up, and plunging it isn’t doing the trick, it’s time to clean the trap.  After locating the J-shaped trap under your sink, place a bucket underneath to catch any water.  Unscrew the nuts on either side of the “J”, remove the trap and the O ring.  Clean the trap of any debris, and replace all the parts in the order they came out.  Remember not to over tighten the nuts; that may crack the trap.