If your garbage disposal is beginning to act up, or has completely stopped working, there are some simple steps which you can take to identify and fix the problem before calling in an expensive plumber, or replacing the unit. Many times the unit is simply jammed, or has some other fixable problem.

Referral and Testimonial. If you are still about to have your dream house built and this is your first time to hire someone for a plumbing plan, then getting referrals is the best option. In addition to families and friends, one great source of referrals is real estate professionals as they are always in contact with toilet repair for plumbing plans and repairs.

Be cautious. If you've just become aware of a problem with water line repair in your home, there are a few steps you should take. First, if there's a lot of water (such as from flooding), you should turn off your electricity to avoid electrocution. Also, don't use your regular household appliances (such as a vacuum cleaner) to remove water. If the water is contaminated (such as from a sewage line), you and your family should leave the home so that you don't get sick. Finally, if the water is from a leak, try to locate the leak's source and turn off the water to prevent further damage.



After you have the stems out you should be able to find the washer on the "inside" end. If it is nicked, torn or brittle it is likely the cause of your drip. Even if it looks brand new, go ahead and replace it. You've already come this far. You can get replacement washers at almost any hardware store. Sometimes you may want to replace the whole stem, especially if the handle end is stripped out. It's best to just take the stem with you to the store and see if you can match it up. Most Do It Yourself stores have replacement stems for many popular brands. If your valve has a center diverter valve to switch the waterfrom the tub spout to the shower head the same process applies. Many times it is easier to replace the diverter stem than to repair it. This really depends on the design of the stem.

Dishwasher. To check water leakage on your dishwasher, you will need several sheets of paper placed underneath the machine before operating it. When the machine stops, check the sheets of paper you placed underneath to see it they are wet. If so, call a maintenance person to repair the leak immediately. It is important also for you to remember that regular dishwasher uses 15 gallons on every wash load. Make sure that when you use it, the load is full.

Here are some general cautions. Do not begin jobs on holidays, weekends, or at times when plumbers raise their rates or are difficult to reach. Do start early leaving plenty of daylight to call a plumber if something goes wrong. Study the situation carefully. Think about what might happen if something suddenly broke and what the effects would be. Old corroded copper tubing might break in the wall when you are wrenching an angle stop that supplies the water line repair to your toilet. A flood in the wall could be costly. If the angle stop, on the other hand, is new and shuts off easily and you have another toilet in the house then it might make sense to repair the toilet yourself. Be honest, too. Are you handy with tools? Did you do well in shop classes in school?

Plumbers, contractors, landscapers, and related professionals are often indexed by numerous online websites eager for you to visit their "directory". Each field will have their own group of websites competing for your attention. In the end these "Plumbers Directories" are often incomplete, and frequently provide little more information than the phone book.

By the time that you have made your pick, make sure to check ID and Certification. Remember, these individuals will be doing their works inside your home. The security of your family is also an issue here. If they can't present any papers of identification, then don't take them in! When it comes to your family's safety, there's no room for experiments.