Get matched with top plumbers in Monon, IN

If you've discovered a rather frightening buildup of brown and black gunk below your shower cover, you're not alone. The smelly sludge is often a collection of mildew and biofilm. Biofilm comes from the breakdown of soap scum, hair, skin cells, and bacteria that collects during shower time. It's quite common in a humid space and relatively easy to clean with a gentle DIY cleaning solution such as baking soda and vinegar.

That pesky faucet leak can have a few different causes, most of which are standard wear and tear that occurs over time, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying, especially when the energy bill hits:

• Old washer: A deteriorated washer or gasket is the most common cause of a leak. Luckily, it’s easy and affordable to fix.

• Old packing nut: There’s a chance the packing nut (located beneath the handle) is loose and simply needs tightening, or it has been worn down, stripped, and needs to be replaced.

• Freezing temperatures: The water sitting in your spigot over winter can freeze, expand, and lead to damage and leaks.

• High water pressure: High water pressure is hard on pipes over time and can cause cracks and leaks, too.

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

Connected a water line to a refrigerator is an intermediate project that’s perfect for DIYers. If your fridge and sink already have a water line and need replacing, then this task will be even easier. However, if you’re installing a water line for the first time, it should still be a doable project to take on. You’ll just need to install an adapter to your sink before you can connect the water line.