Fix knocking water pipes | Ask the home expert

Tips to fix knocking water pipes

Question:

I hear a knocking in my water pipes whenever someone uses the bathroom located in my basement. Can you offer any tips I can try before I call in a plumber? - Marv Lowe

Answer:

Marv you can try turning off the main water valve in your house. Be sure to do this when all plumbing is in the off position of your home; shutting off the main water valve will stop any water from entering your home.

Next, turn on all of the faucets and flush every toilet in your home to drain the plumbing. Do this for as long as it takes to stop any water from coming out. When you are certain everything has been drained as dry as possible, shut off all of the faucets.

Then go back to your main valve and very slowly turn it back on. The knocking sound should be eliminated, because you have allowed the air compression chambers to refill with air.

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Having trouble flushing your toilet? | Indianapolis house advice

Are you having trouble flushing your toilet?

Indianapolis home questions answered by the experts

Question:

Help! I am having trouble with my toilet flushing.  The water is high in the bowl and I have to use a plunger everytime we flush

-Lauren

Answer from the Indianapolis home exerts:

If you have other toilets in the house that are not experiencing the same problem, then the problem is likely with that particular toilet. If the toilet is older than 10 years old, there could be lime build-up in the passageway, restricting the flow of water, or there could be an object (such as a child's toy, bottle cap, toothbrush, etc.) lodged in the trap of the toilet. In order to remove an object from a toilet it usually has to be taken out and turned upside down in order to get access to the obstruction. If the problem came on suddenly, it’s probably an object in the toilet. If the problem came on slowly, it is more likely lime build-up.

You can try and find a product to "clean out" the lime build-up, or you may wish to consult with a plumber.  If you have an aging toilet that is slowly becoming hard to operate a toilet replacement may be a wise choice. If your handy, you can even install the toilet yourself!

Good luck Lauren!

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