For the person in the home who thinks they can fix anything, we all like to think that we can do it all. But, those menial tasks that you keep putting off, they are going to get your attention at some point. We want to remind you of three important plumbing issues that you shouldn’t put off. We’ll also be providing initial steps and pointers that should make you want to bookmark this page should any of the below common plumbing issues arise.
Overflowing Toilet
We hope that you don’t currently have an overflowing toilet as you read this post, but in preparation for the next time it happens, we suggest you read through carefully. Stopping a toilet from flooding requires fast thinking and quick decision making. While most people instinctively reach for the plunger, we actually suggest a couple preliminary steps in order to stop the toilet from overflowing. Having said that, the first thing that you want to do is lift the lid to the tank of the toilet and place it aside. Next, you want to reach down and push the rubber “flapper valve” down so that more water doesn’t keep flowing into your toilet. Don’t worry about that yucky feeling if you have to submerge your hand in the tank’s water supply; this is the same water that comes out of your tap! Once completed, you’ll next want to lift the rubber float so that the tank of your toilet stops filling up. By lifting the rubber float (the black ball shaped device) you’ve essentially cut off the toilet’s water supply temporarily. You’ll also then begin to see a decrease in the toilet bowls water level. If after a minute the water level doesn’t drop, you’ll have to keep holding the float up while you manually shut off the toilet’s water supply valve which is usually located near the floor or behind the toilet. Turn the tap clockwise and you’re done the first part. Only now do we suggest you reach for that plunger and begin the typical blockage removal process that we all know and love.
Inadequate Yard Drainage
After a large rainfall you may notice that water tends to stand in a low spot in your yard. This may be caused by a number of issues, but it’s important to fix it right away.
This is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. One solution here may be to use a catch basin. This allows the water to flow freely to a lower section. For something like this we urge you to call a professional. Every situation is unique. Each spring we see lots of different drainage issues. They all require a consultation to see how to best resolve the problem.
Foul Odour in the Home
In some cases, sewage-type smells can originate from sinks and toilets. It’s not the toilet water and it’s not the degree of cleanliness. No amount of scrubbing or deodorizing can remove the smell. There are a couple things you want to check first before calling in professionals.
You may have noticed the U-shaped section of piping below your sink before. This is what’s known as the P-trap. It allows water to stay trapped in that section of piping which acts as a barrier to methane gas coming up from the sewage system. Sewers always release this type of gas. 
It’s that rotten egg, sulphuric smell. In normal homes, this gas goes up through your piping and out the vents on the top of your roof. In a damaged plumbing system, it may escape through the bathroom where it’s not supposed to be. Whether this foul odour escapes through broken seals in the piping, a non-capped pipe or simply insufficient water in the P-trap, it’s often difficult to pinpoint the direct cause for the smell. The first thing to check is to make sure the plumbing system’s P-traps have enough water in them. If there is a sink or bath you haven’t used in a while, simply let the water run a bit to fill up the P-trap. After 15 minutes, the smell should dissipate if that was the cause.
Next, check to make sure there are no openings in the piping. Sometimes after a recent renovation certain pipes aren’t properly capped off. If you still aren’t able to locate the root cause, it may be time to call a plumber.