PVC trap trick
When snaking a sink drain, I use an extra 2”, 1 1/2” or 1 1/4’ PVC trap that I cut a hole out of the top of the waste bend. I replace the existing trap, feed my cable in the hole and this enables me to run some water so I know when the stoppage is cleared. It also helps in flushing the line out while I’m snaking.
Michael Stefans
Vine’s Plumbing & Water Restoration
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Easy lifting
When removing or moving heavy items such as furnaces and water heaters, I have found it to be extremely easy to move equipment by using golf balls — no mater how heavy the item. Actually, it happened by accident. I removed the bricks holding up a large furnace. I didn’t check under the furnace, so when I kicked out the last brick, the furnace didn’t fully fall to the floor. Disappointed in myself for not checking under the furnace before kicking out the bricks, it turned out to be a good thing. The furnace landed on some golf balls, and low and behold, I pushed that large furnace around the basement with ease! It turned on a dime with little to no effort what so ever. Now my tool pouch always has some golf balls inside!
Dennis Zoromski
Denny’s Heating & Cooling
Thorp, Wisconsin
Send Us Your Tool Tips
If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with our readers. The first-place winner each month will receive a Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners with a retail value of $325. Read here for more details