What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it?

• <div><p>Start by pouring hot—but not boiling—water down the drain. The heat of the water may be enough to break down the clog. You can also try ½ cup of dish soap or 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. If you choose a chemical unclogging product, ensure it’s appropriate for toilets to avoid damage.</p></div>

Does root killer damage pipes?

• <div><p>If used correctly and sparingly, root killer shouldn’t damage your pipes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle or the company’s website to avoid any unintended damages. However, when it comes to copper sulfate, it’s better to avoid it. This type of root killer can damage your plumbing and the surrounding environment.</p></div>

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Q: What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it?

• <div><p>Start by pouring hot&mdash;but not boiling&mdash;water down the drain. The heat of the water may be enough to break down the clog. You can also try &frac12; cup of dish soap or 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. If you choose a chemical unclogging product, ensure it&rsquo;s appropriate for toilets to avoid damage.</p></div>

Q: Does root killer damage pipes?

• <div><p>If used correctly and sparingly, root killer shouldn&rsquo;t damage your pipes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle or the company&rsquo;s website to avoid any unintended damages. However, when it comes to copper sulfate, it&rsquo;s better to avoid it. This type of root killer can damage your plumbing and the surrounding environment.</p></div>

Q: What is a water hammer?

• <div><p>A water hammer refers to the banging or knocking sound you hear in your water pipes after you turn off your faucet or when your washing machine or dishwater fills. This happens when highly pressurized water suddenly stops moving in your pipes due to a valve closing or your well pump shutting down quickly. Try adjusting the pressure setting on your water pressure tank&mdash;it should be below 50 psi (pounds per square inch). Or have a plumber install a water hammer arrestor.</p></div>

Q: Can frozen pipes affect a hot water heater?

• <div><p>Frozen pipes can negatively affect your hot water heater. If the pipes leading to or from your hot water heater freeze and burst, as can happen with frozen pipes, your water heater can be seriously damaged and even require replacement. In less extreme cases, frozen pipes can compromise or cut off your hot water supply.</p></div>

Q: Can you drain a water heater without turning off the water?

• <div><p>No&mdash;you should always shut off the power and the water supply to the tank. Shutting off the water ensures that your water heater won&rsquo;t continuously refill while you are trying to drain it, which would likely cause a big mess! Make sure to allow the hot water to cool completely before continuing the process of draining the heater.</p></div>

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Rhino Construction

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Rhino Construction

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Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

15 years of experience

We specialize in all phases of remodeling for your home, business, bathrooms, kitchens, finishing basements, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

"I was so impressed with Trevor and his crew with the installation of my water tank/pump that I did not hesitate to contact him again to repair damage to my roof and insulation. His communication is fantastic. He always replies in a timely manner. Trevor guarantees his work. I had some follow-up questions and he did not hesitate to explain things to me. I trust him and his advice. Next project, having Rhino construction start painting my house next summer. It is reassuring having someone I can trust! Thank you!"

Moira O on October 2022

"I was so impressed with Trevor and his crew with the installation of my water tank/pump that I did not hesitate to contact him again to repair damage to my roof and insulation. His communication is fantastic. He always replies in a timely manner. Trevor guarantees his work. I had some follow-up questions and he did not hesitate to explain things to me. I trust him and his advice. Next project, having Rhino construction start painting my house next summer. It is reassuring having someone I can trust! Thank you!"

Moira O on October 2022

Plumbing questions, answered by experts

Start by pouring hot—but not boiling—water down the drain. The heat of the water may be enough to break down the clog. You can also try ½ cup of dish soap or 1 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. If you choose a chemical unclogging product, ensure it’s appropriate for toilets to avoid damage.

If used correctly and sparingly, root killer shouldn’t damage your pipes. Make sure to follow the instructions on the back of the bottle or the company’s website to avoid any unintended damages. However, when it comes to copper sulfate, it’s better to avoid it. This type of root killer can damage your plumbing and the surrounding environment.

A water hammer refers to the banging or knocking sound you hear in your water pipes after you turn off your faucet or when your washing machine or dishwater fills. This happens when highly pressurized water suddenly stops moving in your pipes due to a valve closing or your well pump shutting down quickly. Try adjusting the pressure setting on your water pressure tank—it should be below 50 psi (pounds per square inch). Or have a plumber install a water hammer arrestor.

Frozen pipes can negatively affect your hot water heater. If the pipes leading to or from your hot water heater freeze and burst, as can happen with frozen pipes, your water heater can be seriously damaged and even require replacement. In less extreme cases, frozen pipes can compromise or cut off your hot water supply.

No—you should always shut off the power and the water supply to the tank. Shutting off the water ensures that your water heater won’t continuously refill while you are trying to drain it, which would likely cause a big mess! Make sure to allow the hot water to cool completely before continuing the process of draining the heater.

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