Clogs are a common occurrence in any household, so it’s a good idea to keep a standard set of plungers on hand. There are 2 basic types of plungers depending on the task at hand. For toilet clogs, a flange plunger is the best choice. A flange plunger has an additional rubber lip that folds down into the drain to create a better seal. For sink or tub clogs, a standard cup plunger is the best choice. Cup plungers have a flat bottom that will seat on the sink or tub basin to form a seal.

Most clogged toilets, sinks and tubs can easily be cleared out by using the proper plunger. If you do get a clog, place the head of the plunger over the drain (with the rubber lip folded down on a flange plunger) and push up and down with quick forceful thrusts. Never use drain cleaner in combination with a plunger, they contain harmful chemicals that could be splashed back onto your skin. Repeat this process several times for 15-20 seconds, if this doesn’t work the clog may be deeper in the plumbing and require a snake. Plumbing snakes are a flexible auger that can travel deeper into a house’s plumbing to unclog drains. If you don’t have access to a snake, call a professional plumber.

Many service calls made for furnace repair can be avoided simply through regular maintenance. If problems do occur, with a little knowledge and a DIY attitude, anyone can learn how to fix the most common furnace problems. The next time your furnace goes out in the middle of a cold winter night, consider some of the following suggestions to save yourself time, money and frustration.

1. Check your thermostat to make sure it’s on. If you have a programmable thermostat, check to see its set for the correct date and time and that it is running its programmed cycle. Make sure the temperature on the thermostat is warm and that the room isn’t cooler than that set temperature. If your thermostat has a battery, check to see what condition it’s in.
2. Check your filters. The most common cause for service calls are dirty filters. A dirty filter causes your furnace to overheat and shutoff. You should check your furnace filters regularly, at least monthly or more frequently if you have pets and children. Filter types vary by manufacturer and model so be sure to check the manufacturer’s manual for your particular furnace.
3. Check the service panel or breaker box to make sure all breakers/fuses are on. Your furnace itself may also have an on/off switch located somewhere on or near it. Check to make sure it’s on and that any access panels are securely closed. Often times compartments like the blower have an access panel with a switch that makes the blower motor shut off when the door is removed.
4. Check to see if there are any problems with the gas line. The shutoff valve handle should be parallel to the gas line when in the “on” position. Make sure that gas is flowing to your furnace.
5. If your problems are still persisting, you may need to check for any blockage in the flue. Disassemble the flue where it enters the furnace making sure to note how the pieces came apart so you can reassemble them. Check to see that there is no blockage. If you suspect there’s a blockage, don’t take any chances. Flue or exhaust problems can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in your home. If in doubt, always hire a professional.
6. If you have a high efficiency furnace, check the drain line to make sure it’s clear. The drain line is a clear tube that typically comes out from or near the bottom of the furnace.

Working on furnaces can be potentially dangerous. If you don’t feel comfortable with your DIY skills to perform the above tasks, hire a professional.