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When you're not handy with tools, you must often rely on expensive house calls by plumbers, electricians, and other expert tradespeople. Krogen's Do It Best, Grant County's renowned home improvement retailer, encourages you to save money and become more independent by tackling simple plumbing repairs yourself. Since 1933, this local hardware store in downtown Boscobel, WI, has been stocking assorted power tools, appliances, furniture, electronics, and the plumbing supplies you'll need to complete your own plumbing repairs.

3 Simple Plumbing Repairs You Can Do Yourself

1. Unclog A Toilet

plumbing suppliesThere's no need to call a plumber to unclog a toilet! To perform this simple fix, you need only a couple of plumbing supplies. First, acquire a toilet plunger. Place it in the toilet bowl, making sure there is enough water in the bowl to create a seal. Push down hard to collapse the plunger end and force air into the pipes. Then pull it back to draw the air out. Do this several times and the clog should shift and release. If this does not work, you can "snake" the drain with a drain auger. Place the cable into the toilet drain and crank the lever to extend the cable through the pipes until you reach the clog. Continue cranking to break up the blockage and unclog the drain.

2. Thaw Frozen Pipes

Pipes located in a cabinet under a kitchen or bathroom sink — especially sinks mounted on an exterior-facing wall — can freeze and clog because warmer inside air doesn't reach them. If this happens, thaw the pipe as soon as possible to prevent it from bursting. Turn on your faucets so warm water slowly enters the drains. Use a hair dryer to heat the metal of the pipe and melt the ice blockage. If that doesn't work, a heat lamp or heating pad should do the trick. It may take 10 or 15 minutes for the pipes to thaw completely and for the sink to begin draining.

3. Replace A Toilet Seat

Replacing a toilet seat is an easy fix requiring only a few plumbing supplies. Simply lower the seat and seat cover of the old toilet seat to reveal the attachment bolts. The bolts may be covered by decorative caps that disguise the hardware. Simply flip up the caps with a flat head screwdriver, remove the nuts with a socket or adjustable wrench, and remove the old seat. Attach the new toilet seat, replace the nuts, and voila! Your fix is complete!

In addition to appliances and furniture, Krogen's Do It Best carries a wide selection of hardware, tools, and materials you need to become an experienced handyperson. Visit their website to browse through their plumbing supplies, or call (608) 375-4656 to speak to a friendly sales representative about your plumbing repair needs. You can also find the store on Facebook.

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