Global Diagnostic Guides

Signs:

• • Water drains slowly
• • Gurgling sounds from pipes
• • Bad odors from drain

Quick Check:

Pour boiling water down the drain. If it clears, debris buildup. If it backs up, deeper blockage.

DIY Steps:

1. 1. Remove visible debris
2. 2. Try a plunger (if not backed up into main line)
3. 3. Baking soda + vinegar (let sit 30 mins, then hot water)

Signs:

• • Weak shower or faucet flow
• • Takes longer to fill tub
• • Affects specific fixture or whole house

Quick Check:

Is it one faucet or everywhere? Check if neighbors have pressure (helps identify city line vs. your line).

DIY Steps:

1. 1. Clean aerator (small screen on faucet tip)
2. 2. Check for leaks under sink
3. 3. Open supply valve fully

Signs:

• • Constant water running/trickling
• • Fills periodically on its own
• • Increases water bill

Quick Check:

Lift toilet tank lid. Water should stop when tank is full. If not, fill valve stuck.

DIY Steps:

1. 1. Jiggle handle gently
2. 2. Check tank level (adjust if too high)
3. 3. Clean sediment from fill valve

Signs:

• • No heat coming from vents
• • Furnace making strange sounds
• • Pilot light won't stay on

Quick Check:

Check thermostat set to HEAT. Look for furnace light (should be blue/yellow). Listen for ignition clicks.

DIY Steps:

1. 1. Check circuit breaker isn't tripped
2. 2. Verify thermostat batteries OK
3. 3. Note any error codes on display

Signs:

• • Indoor temp stays high despite AC on
• • No cold air from vents
• • Compressor running but no cooling

Quick Check:

Thermostat set to COOL? Check outdoor compressor unit is running (should hum). Any ice buildup?

DIY Steps:

1. 1. Check air filter (change if clogged)
2. 2. Clear leaves/debris from outdoor unit
3. 3. Verify all vents open and unblocked

Signs:

• • Water pooling around tank base
• • Dripping from relief valve
• • Water on floor near heater

Quick Check:

Where's the leak? Bottom of tank = replacement needed. From relief valve = often pressure issue.

DIY Steps:

1. 1. Place towels to contain water
2. 2. Turn off water supply to heater
3. 3. Contact pro (replacement likely needed)

Signs:

• • Multiple fixtures backing up at once
• • Slow drains throughout home
• • Raw sewage smell in yard or basement
• • Gurgling sounds from low drains

Quick Check:

Do toilets backup when washing machine runs? Check lowest fixtures. Wet lawn spots? Possible line break or clog.

Prevention Tips:

1. 1. Use monthly enzyme treatment for proactive prevention
2. 2. Never flush non-toilet paper items (wipes, grease)
3. 3. Get professional video inspection every 3-5 years

Signs You Need Mitigation:

• • Water pooling on basement floor
• • Wet spots on walls or foundation
• • Musty smells or visible moisture
• • Sump pump running frequently
• • History of flash flooding in area

PROACTIVE PREVENTION STEPS:

1. 1. Install/upgrade sump pump with battery backup
2. 2. Apply waterproofing sealants to foundation
3. 3. Grade yard slope away from foundation
4. 4. Install check valves on drain lines
5. 5. Keep gutters clean and direct downspouts away