Water softeners are great for households with kids or pets who love drinking from the tap.

They also provide a safe way to soften water without having to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into the water supply. 

Water softeners are great appliances that remove minerals from tap water.

They also reduce the amount of chlorine and other chemicals found in drinking water.

If you don’t regularly clean your water softener, however, it can become clogged or dirty over time.

This can cause your water to taste bad and even damage your pipes.

In this article, you will learn how to clean your water softener using tips from professional plumbers.

You will also learn how to prevent your water softener from becoming clogged and how to avoid damaging your pipes when cleaning the tank…

How Does A Water Softener Work?

A water softener works by removing calcium and magnesium ions from the water as they pass through the resin bed.

The resin is made up of small plastic particles that have been coated with an ion exchange material.

When water passes through the resin, the calcium and magnesium ions bind to these materials.

These ions are then removed from the water and replaced with sodium ions.

The result is softened water that is free of mineral deposits. It also removes any residual chlorine or chloramines from the water.

In addition to being softer than hard water (see also ‘Hard Water Vs. Soft Water And Their Impact On Your Health‘), softened water has better flow properties and does not leave behind residue on glassware or fixtures.

How To Clean Water Softener (4 Professional Tips)

Cleaning your water softener is a vital part of its maintenance routine. Even if you use a water filter instead of a water softener, you still need to clean the filters periodically.

Your water softener should be cleaned every three months.

However, if you live in a hot climate where the water tends to get very warm, you may want to clean your water softening system more often.

In the following sections, we have compiled 4 professional tips to clean your water softener. We hope that you find them useful!

Tip One: Clean The Resin Tank 

Learning how to clean a water softener (see also ‘How To Tell If Your Water Softener Is Working‘) resin tank is important because it helps ensure that your water softener stays working properly.

Over time, the resin inside the tank becomes filled with sediment and debris.

If this happens, water passing through the tank will no longer be softened.

Water softener resin tanks contain resin beads that absorb calcium and magnesium ions from water.

As the resin gets loaded with dirt and debris, the capacity of the resin decreases. Eventually, the resin will reach the point where it needs to be replaced.

In most cases, the resin tank will flush the beads to keep them clean. However, this does not mean that the resin beads do not require regular maintenance. 

Fortunately, you can purchase resin bead cleaners from various stores and websites. Although you will need to refer to the unit manual to determine the best one. 

Tip Two: Clean The Brine Tank 

Water softeners will often feature two tanks: the resin tank and the brine tank.

The resin tank contains the resin beads while the brine tank holds the salt solution used to soften the incoming water.

Over time, the brine tank will fill with sediment and debris. This can lead to problems like reduced efficiency and poor performance.

Learning how to clean your brine tank is extremely important for ensuring that your water softener continues to work effectively.

This can be done by removing the debris with a small shovel or hammer. 

In some cases, brine tanks can also form mold at the bottom of the container.

If this happens, then you will need to empty the tank and give it a thorough cleaning. You can do this using soap and warm water. 

Tip Three: Use A Bleach Cycle 

If there is mold in your water softener tank, then you can combat the problem using a bleach cycle. This is when you use bleach to clean the entire unit.

Bleach cycles are typically done once per year. They help remove any mold or bacteria that might be present in the water softener. 

You can buy bleach solutions online or in local hardware stores. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Also, make sure that you wear gloves when handling the bleach.

It is also important to refer to the unit manual when using this method, as some manufacturers do not approve of using bleach. 

If you want to clean a 9-inch tank, you will need to place one cup of bleach in the brine tank.

However, if you are working with a 12-inch tank, then 2 cups is the recommended amount.

When the bleach has been added, close the tank and activate the manual regeneration cycle. 

During this time, you should not drink from the taps, as the water could still contain traces of the bleach.

Instead, you will need to wait until the regeneration cycle has finished. 

Tip Four: Remove Salt Bridges 

Salt bridges occur when there is too much salt in the system. In these situations, the salt begins to form structures called bridges, which can block the water softener.

This can also result in the illusion of a full brine tank, which is why you need to be wary of buildup. 

Fortunately, the residue can be easily removed with a stick or shovel.

Because of this, you should make a habit of checking the brine tank for bridges, especially if the tank remains full for long periods of time.

Salt bridges are more common in new water softeners, as the system does not contain as much salt.

When the salt is allowed to sit for a long time it begins to form bridges. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Now that you understand how to clean your water softener, let’s take a look at some of your burning questions: 

Can You Use Other Products Instead Of Bleach? 

Of course! If you don’t want to use bleach, then you can substitute the product for another acidic liquid.

For example, many people prefer to use vinegar as a safe alternative to harmful chemicals.

Just follow the same method used for the bleach cycle but with vinegar instead. You can also use vinegar to scrub the inside of the tank during a deep clean. 

How Often Should You Clean A Water Softener? 

The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of water softener that you have installed.

Some systems require less maintenance than others. 

However, most experts recommend that you perform regular checks on your water softener every six months.

If you notice mold or something strange, then you will need to check the softener and see if it needs cleaning. 

Conclusion

Water softening is an essential part of home plumbing. It helps prevent damage to pipes and appliances while making drinking water easier to manage. 

We hope that this article helped you learn about how to clean your water filter. We wish you good luck and happy plumbing!

Are you having issues with your kitchen faucet? Perhaps you need to remove a faulty filter within your faucet, or you just simply want to remove the handle so you can clean the inside of your faucet.

Nowadays, most kitchen faucets have no visible screws, which can make it trickier when attempting to remove the handle. 

To fix any problem you’re having with your kitchen faucet, you’ll need to remove the handle.

Taking off a faucet handle without a screw can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before.

But this doesn’t need to be a job for your plumber, with some simple instructions and a few tools you should have laying around, even someone with no experience with faucets can remove a handle with no visible screws with ease.

How Do You Unscrew A Faucet Handle?

It’s worth mentioning that not all faucet handles will remove the same way, whilst we’ve outlined a simple and effective method, this may not work for every faucet. 

You’ll need a few common tools for this method. 

• A pair of pliers
• A flat-head screwdriver
• An allen wrench
• A standard cloth
• An adjustable wrench
• A handle puller set
• Distilled white vinegar

Once you have all these tools, you should follow these directions to successfully remove the faucet handle. 

Make Sure The Water Is Turned Off

Regardless of the problem you are having with the faucet, the first thing you should do is to turn the water off.

This can be done by turning off the two shutoff valves found underneath your sink. If you don’t want to do that, then you can always shut off the main water supply to your home. 

To close the shutoff valves you turn the handles clockwise until they cannot turn any further.

After you have done this, you can test to see if the water is shut off by turning the faucet handles and seeing if any water flows.

In doing this, you allow any remaining water in the faucet to be drained and this releases any pressure trapped in the line.

If water is still dripping from the faucet after closing the valves, then they could either be worn out or faulty.

In this case you’ll want to consider replacing your shutoff valves whilst you’re replacing your faucet. 

Remove The Button or Cap On The Top Of Your Faucet

Most faucets aren’t really screwless, most have a button or decorative cap hiding the screws but some faucets don’t come with buttons or caps. If your faucet has a button or a cap then this step is essential. 

Use a flat head screwdriver to try to pry it off, try to work it around the button or cap and slowly lift as you go, make sure you are being cautious as they are typically easy to break.

You may have to do some inspecting to find the button or cap, it is usually found on top of the faucet handle, but sometimes it can be located on the side.

After doing this you should see an invisible set screw underneath.  

Remove The Hidden Screw

Make sure the drain is covered before you remove the set screw, it’s super easy to lose a small screw down the drain and even harder trying to get it back out and if you lose the screw you won’t be able to tighten your kitchen faucet.

By using the allen wrench or spanner, remove the screw.

Remove The Faucet Handle 

Once the screw has been removed you can gently lift the handle of the faucet up to remove it.

You may need a faucet handle puller if you have one lying around or a pair of pliers will do.

Pliers may scratch and damage your faucets finish, so make sure to use an old cloth between the pliers to avoid scratching your faucet. 

Rinse Off Any Mineral Deposits 

After removing the handle you may spot mineral deposits. You should use some distilled white vinegar to remove this, as it will make removal in the future easier and protect your faucet from any leaks or damage.

Whilst doing this you should inspect your faucet for any faults, if the faucet cartridge is broken then you will need to replace it. 

Replacing a faucet cartridge may sound difficult, but it is quite straightforward and cartridges can be found at most local plumbing stores, hardware stores and home centers.

If you are replacing your cartridge, then keep in mind that most faucets are different which will mean you’ll have different parts to your faucet, so take the faulty piece along with you to ensure you get a perfect match. 

The process of replacing the faucet cartridge includes: 

• Removing the retaining nut
• Removing the retaining clip
• Removing the O-ring 
• Removing the cartridge 

Once you have replaced the cartridge (if necessary), cleaned any mineral deposits and fixed any other issues with your faucet, you’ll need to do this whole procedure in reverse to ensure everything is reassembled.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to remove a faucet handle with no screws.

If you were a novice to this, hopefully now it doesn’t seem too daunting, and with the newfound knowledge you have, you should be able to DIY many plumbing related problems you may have without having to enlist the help of a plumber.

Rheem is a brand which provides water heaters at a high quality for their customers but are also known for having some leaks due to being a water heater.

If you are encountering a water heater leak then you might need some extra guidance in how to solve this issue.

There can be many reasons for why your water heater may be leaking like old age which is very common in most products that you buy.

The most important part for leaking heaters is how to find a solution for this safely without damaging anything in your home.

In this guide we will be walking you through why your water heater is leaking and how you can tell. This will all be really helpful to avoid any types of excessive leaking in your home. 

How Are You Supposed To Know It Is Leaking?

There are several ways to find out if your water heater is leaking and some are quite obvious and others can be quite difficult to detect. Here are a mixture of different signs that you will need to look out for: 

There are a few obvious types of signs which include: Dripping and water flow which you would most like to be able to see. You tend to use all of your senses as well when it comes to the rattling sound you might hear coming from any loose nuts.

When checking over all of the pipes, it is important to check whether there is any damage to any of them or the seals. Due to the leaks, it can also cause rust to the product in certain areas (metal).

It is also important to check all around the product including the water tank.

If there is any water that has escaped, you will most likely find it underneath the tank and there will be a build up which is very unwanted. 

You will definitely need to keep an eye out for all of these different types of signs because for example, the dripping could be very minor but over time this will become a larger problem.

It is better to cut out the problem at the route so it cannot cause any damage to the product or your home.

The faster you are able to repair the problem, the cheaper it will be because it will be less dangerous. However, if you leave this problem for a long period of time, it could be very costly for you to repair or replace. 

Why Is This Product Leaking?

There are several reasons why this product could be leaking from very simple reasons to more difficult ones to fix. Here are some examples of reasons for leaks: 

• Too Much Pressure – When there is a large amount of pressure and high temperature it can affect the amount of pressure it can handle. 
• Through Age – depending on how long you have had this product, it can get worn down over time because materials do not lose forever – especially when it comes to any plastics and rusting metals. 
• Damage To Product – If you have damaged anything in the heater such as the internal tank, any cracks or breaks could cause these leaks. 
• Drain – If there is a loose drain valve, it will make it more difficult for the water to get out and can also cause leaks. 
• Lack Of Cleaning – if you don’t clean your water heaters, then there may be a build up of sediments that can cause holes in the shell which can also cause the leaks. 

If something becomes damaged in your heater, you are most likely able to replace that part which should stop the leakage.

However, if you are able to maintain your heater and keep it clean and take care of it, the product is likely to last a lot longer. 

Step By Step Guide On What To Do With The Leak

Tools you might need: 

1. Screwdriver 
2. Cloths and towels 
3. The spare parts
4. Wrench 
5. Hose 

You will first need to first find the source of the problem and it could be any from the list above. As mentioned previously, some can be harder to find than others and you might need to be quite thorough. 

Depending on what the problem is, you always need to be careful of touching anything that could burn you, for example having to change a corroding valve in the heater. 

You need to get yourself some gloves to avoid any injury or health issues.

If you haven’t been cleaning out your water heater very well, there could be sediments and either breathing, or having direct content could be very harmful to your health. Therefore, be careful and try to use protective gear.

1. You will need to drain out the valve with a garden hose. You will need to drain this somewhere safe and maybe in an outdoors area. 
2. Close the cold water. 
3. Open the hot water and release excess pressure. Then close after a few minutes. 
4. You will need to let the water drain for about 10 gallons.
5. You will then need to use the wrench to take off the run-off tube. 
6. You then need to apply the teflon tape and wrap 6 times for the new valve. 
7. You then need to attach the new valve while checking the placement of it. 
8. PVC drain line attached to valve. 
9. Open hot water and cold water at the same time. You should be able to see the water starting to fill up. 

This will help you if you are trying to install a new valve to your system. You do need to be very careful when carrying out this task because of the differences in water temperature.

If you find that the valve is working perfectly well, you might need to find some extra support from the Rheem customer support. 

When Should You Call For Help?

It is always very important to ask for help from professionals if you are struggling to find the route of the problem or if you are struggling with using any tools.

There are some reasons where you will have to call a plumber and these are: 

• If you have zero hot water 
• If your water heater is quite old 
• If the product of hot water is not satisfactory

These are all types of problems that a professional plumber will need to come out and fix because they are a bit more difficult than replacing a part.

You also need to get hold of a plumber if you need a new water heater put in.

When Can You Know If Your Heater Is On Its Way Out?

There are many different indicators to show that your water heater might be in need of TLC or a replacement. Here are some examples below:

• Water color – you need to be cautious of having smelly or discolored water
• Odd sounds being made by the heater 
•  Lower water pressure 
• If there is a variety of water pressure – can it go from very hot to cold

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Rheem Water Heater Leaking From The Bottom?

If you notice a puddle of water at the bottom of your hot water tank, check the bottom of the discharge tube for moisture.

If you find water, the problem is most likely the temperature and pressure relief valve. The T&P valve is either faulty or there’s too much pressure in the tank.

What Do You Do If Your Water Heater Is Leaking From The Nottom?

If you see water leaking from the bottom of your water heater, check that the drain valve is completely closed. If it is still leaking, it may be loose.

By using a pipe wrench, you can try tightening the drain valve slightly. It is important to not over tighten the valve, as this would cause it to leak more.

Can A Water Heater Be Fixed If It’s Leaking?

Tank. Once the tank itself starts to leak water, and you are certain there is no other cause for the leakage, it’s time to replace the water heater.

The inside of the tank eventually corrodes from mineral deposits and from the constant strain of heating and cooling. There is no way to repair a leaking tank.

Why Is My Rheem Water Heater Leaking From The Top?

A very common cause of gas hot water heaters leaking from the top is a malfunctioning or damaged temperature and pressure valve, also known as a temperature-pressure relief valve. You may have to replace it or check the heat and pressure inside the tank.

Conclusion

Overall, if you are thinking of buying or already have a Rheem water heater there are a couple of things you will need to educate yourself about when it comes to faulty leaks.

This is an important part of looking after your heater because if you want or have one, by maintaining this product properly, it will last longer and be less dangerous in your home. 

It is very important to also keep a close eye on those signs that your heater is leaking because not all of them will be very obvious to you at first.

By having this list of particular things to look out for, it will be easier to find the route problem.

Moreover, if you need to replace the valve in the heater, this easy guide should help you insert a new replacement in no time! 

If you are having any problems that you are unable to fix yourself, it is important that you get in touch with customer support or a plumber to help you try and fix the problem if you are not someone who would want to replace something yourself.

If you are getting a brand new one as well you will need a plumber to come out and install it for you.

As mentioned before, there can be health issues when it comes to water heaters if they aren’t cleaned properly or you can hurt yourself on hot water. These are all things you need to keep in mind when looking for route problems. 

It is important to know exactly how to control your thermostat to prevent your house from being too hot or too cold.

Constantly standing up to adjust the thermostat can be tiring, especially when you are comfortable.

How can you avoid becoming distracted when you remember that you need to turn the thermostat off? Is there an easier way?

Connecting your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home can help you to adjust your thermostat and turn it off just by using your voice.

Say goodbye to all of the times when you forget to adjust your thermostat as you are in a different room, but now, you can do it in the middle of a chore just by using your voice!

This article will show you how to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home to make it easier to adjust your thermostat.

You can find out more about connecting your thermostat to Google Home properly here. 

What Are Google Home And Google Assistant?

Google Home is a smart speaker that can act as a speaker and play music, and you can also control it with your voice as Google Assitant is built-in.

Google Assistant is similar to Alexa as you can control it with your voice and control your thermostat, play music, call people, and much more. 

As Google Home has Google Assitant built-in, this is how you can control your Honeywell thermostat with your voice.

It is very popular and it allows you to easily control your devices just by using your voice. 

What Honeywell Thermostats Can Be Used?

Your thermostat must be a smart thermostat to be used to connect it to Google Home.

If the thermostat is not a smart one, you will not be able to control the thermostat with your voice. 

Any of the Honeywell smart thermostat devices can be connected to Google Home and controlled using your voice.

If the thermostat is not smart, you will not be able to control it with your voice, so make sure that it is a smart thermostat before trying to connect it. 

Where To Start

To connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home, you need to download the apps to make it work.

On either Google Play or the App Store, you will need to download Honeywell Home, Total Connect Comfort, and Google Home. 

After you have downloaded the apps, you are ready to connect your thermostat.

Without the apps, you will not be able to connect your thermostat to your Google Home, so make sure that they are downloaded before you begin. 

To connect it to Google Home, the thermostat needs to be smart.

This will allow you to pair the thermostat to the Google Home, otherwise, it will not be able to connect. 

How To Connect A Honeywell Thermostat To Google Home

Below you will find instructions on how to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home so you can control the thermostat with your voice.

You must follow all of the steps to make sure that you properly connect your thermostat to your Google Home device, otherwise, it won’t work properly. 

1. Read The Manual

Firstly, you need to read the manual that came with your Honeywell thermostat and set it up by following the instructions. Carefully read the instructions and make sure that the thermostat is set up correctly before you start trying to connect it. 

2. Connect Your Device To WiFi

You need to have access to a tablet or smartphone to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home. Make sure that your tablet or smartphone is connected to the same WiFi as the Google Home device to make sure that it connects properly. 

3. Open Google Home On Your Device

On either your tablet or smartphone, open the Google Home app and set it up.

Make sure that the Google account that you are using on the app is the same one that is connected to your Google Home.

You need to connect the thermostat using this app, so download it if you haven’t already.

If the app is frozen or won’t load, delete it and redownload it. 

Once you have opened the app, you need to find ‘Menu’ at the top of the page.

The button should be found on the left-hand side, and once you find it, click on it to open the ‘Menu’.

Next, click ‘Home’, then ‘Devices’, and then press ‘Add’ at the bottom of the page. 

You can then see all of the devices that can be connected. Once you find your Honeywell thermostat, click it and follow the steps to connect it to the Google Home device. After the devices have successfully connected, you can press ‘Done’. 

Assigning The Thermostat To A Room

Once you have finished connecting the Honeywell thermostat to Google Home, you need to then assign the thermostat to a room.

This will allow you to use the thermostat using Google Home. You can find the instructions on how to do this correctly below!

1. Open The Google Home App

To assign the Honeywell thermostat to a room, you will need to reopen the Google Home app on your tablet or smartphone.

You can then relocate the ‘Menu’ button at the top of the screen on the left and click on it. 

Once you open ‘Menu’, you can then find the button called ‘Rooms’. Click on ‘Rooms’ and then press ‘Add’ at the bottom of the screen in the right-hand corner. 

2. Add The Room

To add the room to the app, you need to press either ‘Add A New Room’ or ‘Select A Room’.

These will allow you to either add a new room or an existing room as the assigned room for the Honeywell thermostat. 

If you want to add a new room, click ‘Add A New Room’ and then find the button that says ‘Custom Room Tab’.

Once you click on that, it asks you to enter the name of the room that you want to be the assigned room. After you have filled it in, press ‘OK’. 

Once you have added the room, you need to then connect the thermostat to that room.

There is a box next to the name of the device that you want to add to the room, so find the thermostat, and then click on the box to connect them. You then need to press ‘Done’ when you are finished. 

Test Out The Voice Commands

One of the most popular features of connecting your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home is being able to control the thermostat with your voice.

This is very handy and it allows people to control the temperature in their homes easily and quickly. 

When your first pair your devices, you should try to practice using voice commands to control the thermostat.

You cannot make the instructions for the thermostat too complicated as it won’t be able to control them.

You need to make the commands simple, and here are some examples to help you. 

• Ok Google, make the temperature cooler
• Ok Google, make the temperature warmer by 5 degrees
• Ok Google, turn the thermostat off
• Ok Google, turn the heating on

These commands are simple enough for Google Home to understand and it will be able to follow your instructions to set the thermostat to the right temperature.

The first few times that you use the voice commands, check the thermostat has adjusted how you want it to make sure that your commands are working correctly. 

If your commands are working correctly and the thermostat has adjusted how you want, then you are simplifying the commands enough.

If you use voice control and the thermostat isn’t changing, speak louder and simplify the commands.

If this still doesn’t work, you will need to contact a professional as there may be a problem. 

How To Find Out If You Can Connect Your Thermostat To Google Home

If you are unsure if your Honeywell thermostat can connect to Google Home, you need to make sure that it is a smart thermostat otherwise it will not be able to.

You can also work out if your thermostat can be connected to Google Home if you have already used the apps called Honeywell Home App or Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app. 

If you have connected to these apps before, you should be able to connect the thermostat to Google Home.

The Honeywell apps work similarly as you can control your thermostat through them, so you should be able to connect to Google Home as well. 

Can Google Home Control Everything On Your Thermostat?

Google Home can control your whole thermostat just with your voice. You can turn the thermostat on and off, set it to a specific temperature, turn down the thermostat, and turn it up.

You can control all of these things with your voice, but you just need to remember that you need to simplify the commands otherwise it won’t work. 

It is very easy to control the thermostat with your voice and you can control everything on the thermostat with simplified commands. 

Final Thoughts

To conclude, it is very easy to connect your Honeywell thermostat to Google Home by following the instructions.

Firstly, you need to set up the apps, and then you can follow the steps to connect the thermostat to your Google Home device.

Make sure that you do not miss any steps out as it will not work properly.

It is important to remember that you need to simplify the voice commands.

If they are too complicated, they won’t be able to work. If your thermostat still doesn’t work after simplifying the commands, call a professional to help as they may be a fault. 

We have all been there, for whatever reason, you need to remove your sink stopper but, you’re unsure how. 

Whether you have a faulty sink stopper, trying to remove clogged-up debris, or simply just want to clean your sink.

Removing your sink stopper can be a tricky ordeal if you’re uncertain how to do this, you may even be considering hiring a professional plumber.

However, luckily for you, we have created a simple guide to help you remove a bathroom sink stopper all on your own.

With 5 easy steps, you’re sure to remove it in no time! 

The Different Types Of Sink Stoppers 

Before we start taking apart our sinks, it’s important to know and understand the differences between sink stoppers.

As different types of sink stoppers may require different removal processes. 

All-in-all, there are six different types of sink stoppers. These include:

1. Push-and-pull 
2. Lift-and-turn 
3. Toe-touch
4. Pop-up
5. Flip-it
6. Trip Lever 

Below, you will find a brief explanation of these six different types of sink stoppers.

To help inform you and understand which sink-stopper your sink possesses. 

1. Push-and-pull

A push-and-pull plug is recognizable by its circular top.

As its name suggests, you push this stopper down to close it and pull it up again to open it. There is also a screw under the stopper’s cap. 

2. Lift-and-turn

This stopper is easily recognizable by a small knob located on the stopper’s cap. When it comes to design, it is similar to the push-and-pull stopper. 

However, this knob serves as a way to open and close the plug, depending on which way you turn it.

It features a set screw just below the stopper’s cap which can be used during or after installation.

Although, if this screw is too tight from installation or has corroded over time, it can sometimes make this stopper difficult to remove. 

3. Toe-Touch

Also known as foot-actuated or a toe-tap, this sink stopper is very similar to the push-and-pull and lift-and-turn plugs.

Although, unlike these plugs, it uses a spring. 

To open it or close it you use your foot, as opposed to your hands. It shares similar removal techniques to the lift-and-turn plug. 

4. Pop-up

Particularly similar to a bathroom pop-up, the bathroom sink stopper pop-up features a lever on the top of the overflow plate, alongside a spring.

This spring employs the stopper by opening and closing it. 

These are typically high-quality. Although, despite this, they are still especially hard to remove and clean as they tend to collect a lot of hair. 

5. Flip-it

To open and close this stopper, there is a lever on the right of the stoppers side that moves from left to right. 

Typically, these are the easiest stoppers to remove and they require no tools. 

6. Trip Lever

This sink topper features a lever that is located on the front part of the tub.

Unlike the other stoppers, it doesn’t have any visible pop-up stopper, you can only see a strainer. 

With a plunger in the overflow pipe, this trip level sink stopper moves up and down to open, as well as close the drain pipe.

One thing to keep in mind is that this sink stopper can be a bit challenging to remove. 

Tools Required 

Now that we have discussed and explained all the different types of sink stoppers.

It is important to understand the types of tools you will be needing when removing these sink stoppers.

Here’s what you will need:

• Wrench or Pliers – This will help loosen any tight screws that cannot be unscrewed with your hands. 
• Flashlight – To help you see exactly what you’re doing. 
• Bucket – This is needed in case your sink starts leaking. 

Likewise, you may also need some extra equipment if you need to clean the sink stopper.

This may include:

• Small Brush – An old toothbrush would work best. 
• Detergent 
• Vinegar – A great natural cleaning solution for washing a sink stopper. 
• Tool for removing clogged hair 
• Liquid to clean drains – This would be for any pipes that need cleaning too. 

How To Remove A Bathroom Sink Stopper

Now that we have outlined all the different sink stoppers, as well as the tools that may be required.

You will now find a step by step process to remove your sink stopper. 

Step 1

The first step is to see if you can remove the sink stopper by hand.

This will prevent you getting your tools unnecessarily dirty, and it should be an easy, straightforward process.

To check, all you have to do is take the plug between your fingers and try to turn it. With ample force, it might just be enough for you to pull it out. 

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t try pulling the stopper out too hard and this may damage it. 

Step 2 

If you have managed to remove the bathroom sink stopper by hand, great, you can skip the next few steps.

However, if you weren’t able to remove it, don’t worry, you may just need to change tactics. 

The next tactic would be to go under the sink, this may get a bit messy so be prepared to do some cleaning.

Make sure to remove anything that is under the sink so you have enough space to maneuver and move freely if need be. 

Step 3 

Take your flashlight and shine it towards your sink to help you locate the horizontal plunger rod that is used to connect the strap to the stopper.

Next, look for a rod that connects the vertical strap, this should be easy to identify as it has several holes in it. 

Then, you should notice that there is a small metal clip that intersects everything together.

You will need to remove this, and store it somewhere safe as you will need to replace it later.

Additionally, make sure that you remember what hole the rod was attached to, as this will help you later on. 

Step 4 

When looking at the otherside of the detached rod, it should be connected to a pivot nut, you will need to unscrew this.

At this point, you may need to put your bucket under the sink, just in case any water comes out of the nut when you unscrew it.

This will save you time cleaning up water in your bathroom. 

Next, try loosening the pivot nut with your hands. If you are unable to loosen it or it’s screwed on too tight, try using some pliers or a wrench.

Step 5 

All these steps should help to release your bathroom sink stopper. You should now be able to remove your sink stopper easily and hassle free.

One thing to keep in mind; however, is that your plug may be dirty and covered in gunk if it hasn’t been removed in a while.

This would be a great time to clean it, and check for any breaks that may need to be replaced. 

How To Clean A Sink Stopper

Now that you have successfully removed your bathroom sink stopper, you may be wondering how to clean it.

Overtime, you may notice your sink not draining properly, and the main culprit for this is hair and gunk that gets stuck in the drain and plug. 

To start with, you will need to remove as much hair, gunk and anything else stuck in the hole, as possible.

You may find it easier to use a tool that is specifically designed to remove hair.

Next, clean your sink stopper with detergent or soak it in a vinegar solution for 10-15 minutes, making sure to thoroughly rinse it with water after the time is up. 

For your drain, you could also use  home remedies if it’s clogged.This could include baking soda and vinegar.

For this method, all you need to do is leave the solution soak in the clogged drain (see also ‘Drain Clogged With Hair: 5 Simple Tips to Dissolve it‘) for 10 minutes.

Once the time is over, run the water from the tap and repeat this process until complete. This should successfully clean and unclog any pipes. 

Likewise, you could also use boiling water to unclog a drain. To do this, you will need to boil half a gallon of water.

Next, once this has finished boiling, carefully pour the water down your drain. Run the tap water to see if the clog persists.

If it does, repeat this process until it runs easily.

One thing to remember, however, is that boiling water can melt plastic, so this method isn’t advised if you have PVC pipes.

Once you have finished cleaning your sink stopper and any clogged drains, your sink should be pristine clean once again! 

How To Put Everything Back Together Again?

Once everything is clean, it is time to put it all back together. This will be relatively easy and shouldn’t take too long.

Essentially, you just need to follow all the steps you did previously but in reverse order. 

Firstly, you will need to return the stopper back into the sinkhole. This should be nice and easy as everything is all clean.

Then, go back underneath your sink and re-tighten the pivot nut.

If you are able, you can simply use your hands. If not, use a pair of pliers or a wrench to tighten it. 

Next, you will need to reattach the strap and the rod with the clip you initially removed.

This will return the sink stopper back to its original position. This is why it’s important to make sure you don’t misplace anything!

Lastly, the final thing to do is test the sink stopper to see if it works.

If it does, then you have successfully removed and replaced your own sink stopper! 

How To Fix A Sink Stopper

If you haven’t fitted or replaced your sink stopper properly you may notice it not working as it once did before. Although, sometimes, it may just not be working. 

The most common issue with sink stoppers is that they won’t stay up, causing your sink to clog once again.

Like we said before, the most common cause of this is buildup of gunk and hair in your drain, as this will prevent it from working.

However, if this isn’t this issue, then the culprit may be the clevis. 

This is primarily the case with pop-up stopper models, however it can happen with other universal stopper models, too. 

The best way to fix this issue is by replacing the spring clip.

To do this, all you have to do is go underneath your sink and look for the spring clip, and clevis, or the flat bar, on the stopper.

To release the clevis from the pivot rod, all you need to do is pinch the clevis.

Then transfer the rod to a different hole while replacing the spring clip. 

Once you have done this, resemble everything back into place. Then check if  your stopper is working properly once again.

If it isn’t, you may need to buy a new one and replace it. 

Final Thoughts

Whatever your reasons for removing a sink stopper, it can be easily accomplished by following this guide.

We have also outlined how to clean, reassemble, and even fix your sink stopper, so you can easily do it yourself!

Hopefully, this article has helped and provided you with a better understanding about sink stoppers. 

Understanding the wiring of your thermostat can be difficult, the wires can be red, green, white, blue, black, green, orange, or sometimes something more obscure.

Most of these wires have different functions and roles in controlling this important part of your house, but sometimes the manufacturers make it difficult to know which wire does what and how to work it out. 

An important thing to consider before reading this guide, however, none of these answers to wire color meanings are guaranteed to be correct and there is very little standard protocol on a certain wire having to have a certain meaning. 

So while this guide covers what it is likely these wire’s colors mean, it is always preferable to have a guide from the manufacturer to have the proper definitions available.

You can get a definite answer by checking the wiring in an HVAC system if you have access to yours as it will give you the exact answer you are looking for.

While this guide may give you the answers you are looking for do not attempt to work on or change any of the wiring in your thermostat if you are even partially uncomfortable with the work or feel qualified or competent to do so.

If you go in not confident in your abilities it is likely that you can cause more damage than good and may even require the help of a professional to fix your mess. 

And when working on your thermostat you should isolate your power supply to the HVAC system and the wiring through your circuit breaker.

The Different Types Of Wiring In Your Thermostat

The wiring that is present in your thermostat will rely on variables like the style of HVAC system you have, how many devices or appliances are connected to it, as well as the era in which your thermostat was wired. 

In the modern era, most thermostats will have a normal 4 or maybe 5 wire templates with the main stand-out being whether a C-wire is there.

There are older thermostat setups that may have just 2 or 3 wires in the system which are usually just connected to a single simple boiler, this is compared to modern systems that are usually connected to devices like air conditioners and heat pumps.

So what is it likely that the color of your wires means?

Red Wires In Your Thermostat

Terminal Name – R, Rh, and RC

What Is It Usually Used For? – Power

The red wire in a thermostat will usually provide power (usually 24V) from your transformer.

Green Wires In Your Thermostat

Terminal Name – G

What Is It Usually Used For? – Controlling the fan

The green wire will usually control your blower fan that is in the air ducts by turning it either on or off.

Yellow And Light Blue Wires In Your Thermostat

Terminal Name – Y and Y2

What Is It Usually Used For? – Cooling

These wires are usually used for AC relay to control your air conditioner.

Black Wires In Your Thermostat

What Is It Usually Used For? – No standard function

A black wire in your thermostat does not have a standard function and to know what it means it is best to refer to your HVAC system.

White And Brown Wires In Your Thermostat

Terminal Name – W and W2

What Is It Usually Used For? – Heating

White and brown wires in your thermostat are usually connected to your heater or your heat pumps that control it.

Orange And Dark Blue Wires In Your Thermostat

Terminal Name – O and B

Orange or dark blue wires are usually used to control the heat pump reversing valve.

The Occasional Use Of Blue and/or Black Wires

Terminal Name – C

What Is It Usually Used For? – Complete Power Circuit

This use which is usually used on a black or blue wire is not always easily available but has control over the complete power circuit.

~

Now you have a general overview of what each wire type does, let’s go into more detail, so we can get a more in-depth understanding of what each wire type achieves within your thermostat.

Details On What The Wire Color Of Your Thermostats Mean

Red Thermostat Wire (R, Rh, Rc)

This wire is almost universal for all thermostats and is what is used to power an HVAC system.

Depending on the country you are in this wire will connect a 220V/110V system directly to your heating device connecting it to your power source.

The device is usually used to connect to a furnace and will usually be connected by a transformer at one end. 

If you have a modern thermostat, you will likely have 2 red wires that are marked as Rh (used for heating) and Rc (used for cooling).

These wires work separately to power different systems meant for heating and cooling respectively using a different transformer.

If you are using a system that has a transformer shared by heating and cooling, a jumper is used to separate them.

Yellow And Light Blue Thermostat Wires (Y, Y2)

If your thermostat uses yellow wires they will come from the Y terminal into the compressor relay that controls your air conditioning.

The yellow wire color is usually dedicated to a cooling system that comprises a condenser, compressor, as well as an air handler.

The compressor as well as the condenser will be left outdoors, in contrast to this the air-handler will be placed indoors.

Your yellow wire will go from your thermostat into a splitter that is placed near (sometimes inside) your air handler.

There will be a single wire going from your splitter to your condenser then onto your air-handler.

Some people have a dual-stage type cooling system which is when the Y2 terminal is in use as well.

Most systems tend to have a single compressor but with these systems there are 2; therefore the presence of a Y2 terminal.

A Y2 terminal is usually connected with a light blue wire into the second compressor.

So generally speaking, there is a yellow wire usually intended for cooling and if you have two compressors there will be a light blue wire present as well.

White And Brown Thermostat Wires (W, W2)

If you have a white wire, it will usually be located behind the thermostat, and it is generally used to control your heating section on your HVAC.

This wire will be connected from your W terminal as well as your heat source, a boiler, or a furnace.

A lot of houses use a dual-stage type heating system that is much more efficient than not using one and is now common to have as part of a more modern HVAC.

If this is what you have, the thermostat will control both a low fire and a high fire setting.

If you use this type of two-stage type heater, you will tend to use a brown wire that would connect to a W2 terminal located on the dual-stage switch which is on the boiler or the furnace.

Heat pumps will usually utilize staging to have more heating (often called auxiliary heating).

If this is what you have, your heat pump will be connected to your W2 terminal using a brown wire.

Green Thermostat Wires (G)

If your thermostat uses a green wire this will usually be connected to a blower fan relay, this is used to control your airflow through your ducts.

Sometimes there will be a split type system, in this case, the fan will be indoor in your air handler, while inside a package unit, your fan will be in an outdoor unit.

These fans will blow air back against where it is naturally tending to go, a good example of this is the warmth inside which is achieved during winter as naturally the airflow should be going from warm temperatures to cold.

Your fan will be using electrical power to go against this to keep warm air flowing inside your house.

The reverse of this is true for cooling during warmer weather. Over time, your heating or your cooling appliances will work less making a fan have to work harder.

Common Thermostat Wires (Usually Black) (C)

This wire has become a more common topic in the past 5 years and is labelled the C wire and is usually black.

Most modern systems run on 24V and have a C wire that is utilized to complete your power circuit between for your thermostat if it uses electricity.

Most of these modern thermostats will need electricity to remain operational, meaning that a C wire is definitely a necessity.

There are some thermostats powered by batteries that will not necessitate a black C wire.

However, if you need a C wire, you can also install a power kit for more control over it.

If you do not have a C wire but need it for operation you will need to buy an extension kit to connect it to your power supply.

Orange And Dark Blue Thermostat Wires (O, B)

Orange and dark blue wires are most commonly used for controlling your heat pump, more specifically your reversing valve used on the heat pump.

The color used for this will depend entirely on the manufacturer and only one or the other will be used.

E Terminal Thermostat Wires

The E terminal will need wires to power its function of powering back up emergency heating through the heat pump.

These wires tend to not have a standard wire color. These are used in case your primary heating system fails with a lot of heat pumps featuring a lesser emergency heating setting for this occasion.

This wire will come from your heat pump.

What Type Of Wire Is Best To Use For A Thermostat?

For this purpose both 18 and 20 gauge wires are used, and the name labels the thickness for the wire.

Generally speaking both will work fine but try to use a thicker wire for shorter distances and the opposite for longer.

Takeaway

Make sure to always check your HVAC system to make sure the wire definitions match, but these wire coloring systems are the most commonly used.

Always shut off power before working on wires and make sure to not leave an open job and not leave wire work half-finished.

Summer is the best time of the year. The sun is finally out and there is nothing better than sitting back and relaxing in the garden.

More after these days are people investing in ponds to add to the garden and whilst this is to enhance your garden’s beauty, it also comes with plenty of work.

Garden ponds are beautiful additions however it is important to know how to look after it so that it stays as perfect as it started out.

In this article, we will be guiding you through how to protect your garden pond during the hottest seasons of the year to keep your pond looking great.

Why Shading Your Garden Pond Is Important

The sun is something we all look forward to. It is a time to explore the outdoors, hang out with friends and family and, most important of all, soak in the warm air.

However, not all things thrive from the rising temperatures like we do.

Although garden ponds are stunning to look at, especially in the summer, this is not to say that they will benefit from the from the sun.

In fact, if your garden pond is not protected from the heat, it can do some damage.

It is very important when the sun is out to shade your pond for this will help to control the growth of algae, keep away any predators and keep your fish swimming happily.

Below, we will be highlighting these benefits in further detail:

Algae Growth

One thing that is important to highlight is algae growth. In the summer when the heat is soaring, the growth of algae doubles.

In turn, this becomes unmanageable, leaving your garden pond looking dirty and unkept.

With heat, algae is prone to growing much faster meaning that it is much more difficult to handle and keep up with.

Although the growing of algae is inevitable, it is still very beneficial to keep your pond in the shade during hotter seasons as it will slow down the growth.

Your pond will end up with less algae, therefore making it much easier to handle.

As well as this, too much algae can have a real strain on the fish in the pond. Every time algae blooms, the production of oxygen reduces.

This can be very uncomfortable for fish, particular goldfish and koi fish.

The Comfort Of Fish

Most garden ponds will have fish, so it is very important to acknowledge them and how their behaviors will change depending on the climate and season.

The two most common types of fish to have in garden ponds are koi fish and goldfish.

Although these fish are able to withstand any temperature, whether that be cold or hot, this is not to say that they are comfortable by any means.

Typically, you would want them to be in a temperature of between 65F and 75F degrees.

However, it is not just about comfort; it is also about their health. With warmer temperatures, the likelihood of ammonia heightens and this can be very dangerous for fish.

Oxygen Levels

Allowing your garden pond to keep shaded will massively improve its oxygen levels.

During the hotter months of the year, fish will naturally become more active.

They will eat more due to their metabolism rates increasing and because they are eating more, they are producing more waste too.

Beneficial bacteria will then work to break down this waste however they need plenty of oxygen in order to work.

With the soaring temperatures and lower rates of oxygen, this bacteria will not be able to do its job.

Ways You Can Shade Your Garden Pond

As the temperatures rise, it is very important to think about the quality of your pond.

You will want to keep it shaded in order to protect the overall quality of the pond as well as the fish swimming in it But not everyone has ponds that can easily be shaded, so how will this work for them?

If you have a pond that is in the middle of your garden with no shade from trees, then you may feel as though there is nothing you can do, but this is not the case.

There are many ways to shade your garden pond no matter where it is located, keeping it safe for your fish and algae free,

Below, we will be listing some of the best ways you can shade your garden pond:

Using Pond Plants

One option is to use pond plants (or lily pads) to shade your garden pond. Whether you choose to use real ones or artificial ones is completely up to you for they both work just as well to grant you the best results.

Their large surface area will casually float on top of the water, thus providing shade from the sun, blocking direct sunlight for the fish.

As mentioned prior, it doesn’t matter if you choose to use real or artificial pond plants however you should still bear in mind what you will get out of them.

If you choose an artificial pond plant, your garden pond will be provided with the shade it needs.

On the other hand, if you choose to use a real one, not only will you be providing your pond with shade but also more oxygen, allowing for natural filtration.

If you prefer, you can also choose to use marginal plants instead.

These plants will only need to be dotted around the corner of the pond to allow a discrete look whilst still providing your garden pond with enough shade.

Using Fish Shelters

Another option is to use fish shelters. This product is just how it sounds – they are shelters for fish.

Whilst this will not provide optimal shade for the entire pond, this is a great choice for protecting your fish.

When the days are much hotter, you want your fish to feel comfortable and the only way to do that is to allow them some shade.

Using a fish shelter is a great way to do so. So, how do they work? These shelters are specifically designed to sit at the bottom of the pond floor and curves over to block the sun.

Not only is this great for shade but also acts as a nice shelter for the fish for when they want to de-stress.

Fish shelters are typically made from non-toxic plastic or mesh material, making it a safe option.

If you are thinking about investing in one of these, you should be aware that it does have some limitations.

For one, this fish shelter will not work for shallow pond; your pond should be at least 3 feet deep with water.

Furthermore, you may also need to invest in more than one shelter, meaning more money needed to be spent, however this is only for those who have a larger pond with many or large fish.

Using Shade Sails

Some may choose to use shade sails, a similar choice to the fish shelters.

Some may even say that this product is a better option as you will only need to purchase one and it will be guaranteed to provide full shade to your garden pond.

Made from a durable UV-resistant fabric, these shade sails are installed above ground, completely shading the pond from high up.

What’s more is that you are free to adjust how much shade you want to give.

You can either partially shade or allow full coverage. Shade sails are a great option, especially for those with smaller garden ponds, and are perfect to use during the hottest days of the year.

They are easy to install, requiring no maintenance, and cover 90% of all UV light.

Using a shade sail will also reduce the growth of algae as well as deterring any airborne predators such as herons.

Whilst this may seem like an extreme assumption, there are many predators who will take the opportunity to swoop down and prey on fish, even in garden ponds.

Using Pond Water Dyes

A final option is to use pond water dyes.

Many people are worried about using products such as this one as they believe it may contain harmful chemicals, however be reassured that pond water dyes will produce the best quality results without using any harmful toxins.

Pond water dyes are completely non-toxic making them safe to use in ponds and around fish.

This is a popular method which is used to control algae where shade isn’t given.

Typically, these were most suited for larger areas of water such as lakes however have more recently been introduced to garden ponds.

What is unique about water pond dyes is that they are the same dyes we used to colon foods, so come in colors ranging from turquoise to blue to black.

We would highly recommend using a blue dye as this will look natural against the pond, however another popular choice used amongst many is black.

This dye product will like around 2 or 3 months before it needs to be topped up.

Reasons To Have A Garden Pond

Ponds are a great addition to any garden. So long as it is well kept and you understand the importance of heat exposure, anyone is capable of having a pond.

However, the main reason people want ponds is to enhance the look of their gardens. Guests will be mesmerized and it will truly create a lovely finish to your home.

If you are considering adding a pond to your garden then you will want to look at the many benefits:

They Are Stunning To Look At

The one major benefit of having a garden pond is its appearance.

Ponds are gorgeous to look at and will simply complete the entire look of your garden, particularly in the summer when the sun is glistening on the water and shines beautifully.

A garden pond also adds a unique touch, making your garden much different from the rest.

Not many people are able to describe their gardens as unique and cozy, but having a garden pond will definitely allow that.

They Are Great For Filling Up Space

Whether you have just moved into a new home or have been stuck on ideas, we have all been through the stage of trying to fill up empty outdoor spaces.

When it comes to gardens, there is only so much you can do.

You may have a place for an outdoor seating area, a small play area for the kids, yet you are still left with that empty space which bothers you every time you enter the garden.

Thankfully, we have garden ponds to solve this problem.

What is great about using a garden pond to fill up space is that you can choose for the pond to be as large or as small as you desire.

Whatever you choose, you will definitely be satisfied with the results and glad you went down this route.

Garden Ponds May Attract Wildlife

Another benefit to having a garden pond is that they attract wildlife. Although some may see this as a negative, we see it as a great positive.

You will be welcoming birds to bathe, frogs to hop on lily pads, home for animals.

As well as this, it is also a great way to educate your children and introduce them to different birds and insects you may see.

Having A Garden Pond Increases Your Property Value

Because of its appearance and the way it will enhance the look and feel of your garden, having a garden pond will naturally increase your home’s property value.

This is particularly beneficial for those who are wanting to put their house on the market.

If someone was to view the home and see this pond, they will automatically feel very drawn to it and will be willing to spend a little more as it is both stunning and unique.

Some people may even build a pond (see also ‘How To Build A Pond Or Water Garden‘) for this reason alone. If so, make sure to do plenty of research and make this pond as wonderful as ever.

It Keeps You Busy

There is much more to a garden pond than the way it looks and being able to relax with them.

Garden ponds require plenty of maintenance, maintenance which some will thrive from. If you are looking to keep yourself busy and on your feet then a garden pond is a great idea.

You will have to monitor how much heat is getting to it, take care of the fish inside, monitor the algae, clean the pond and just make sure it is constantly looking good.

As well as this, you will also have fun building the pond from scratch if you are someone who enjoys getting their hands dirty.

They Are Relaxing 

Lastly, garden ponds are extremely relaxing.

Why listen to a playlist of calming sounds when you can relax in your garden to the calming sounds of your pond?

Listen as the water flows, as your fish swim, as birds chirp as they perch on the side of the pond.

This will be a great environment for all to relax by after a stressful day and be filled with a sense of calm.

Things To Consider When Getting A Garden Pond

When it comes to getting a garden pond, there are many things that should be considered:

Sunlight

Before investing in a garden pond, you will need to think about how much sunlight the pond will be getting.

As we have explained above, sunlight is a massive factor, especially because of how your pond will need to be protected from the heat.

Think about the comfort of your fish as well as the rising chances of algae.

Location

Another thing to think about is visibility. It is important to choose a location in your garden that is not in the way yet is visible to all.

For instance, you do not want to have a small pond in the corner of the garden where no one can see it.

You want it to be the main focus of your garden, welcoming guests as they enter. This pond should be your centerpiece.

Wind

One thing which many people do not consider is wind. If you know that one area of your garden gets particularly windy, then it is probably best not to have your garden pond there.

This is because the wind can mess with the quality of the pond, not only having the potential to knock ornament and decorations over but also creating water loss from the pond.

Health And Safety

The health and safety of those around is a big factor, especially if you have any children or pets.

Children can easily fall into the pond if they are playing nearby and pets can try to catch the fish.

You want your garden pond to be safe for everyone, so it is necessary to alter the design to fit this purpose.

We recommend fencing off your pond as a means of protection. You should also think carefully about the location you are choosing.

Trees And Bushes

Wherever you have your pond is a long term decision, so you will need to think about how your pond will cope during all seasons.

There are some people who choose to have their garden ponds sat underneath trees and by bushes but these people soon regret their decision when autumn comes and leaves are falling.

You will be constantly having to scoop leaves out of your pond and this means plenty of work.

Whilst this isn’t to say that you should not have your pond under a tree, you should still be made aware that this will require a lot more maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Garden Ponds Hard To Maintain?

Garden ponds can be hard to maintain so it is important to always be vigilant and keep up with all the work that needs to be done.

If you don’t want to do much maintenance, be aware of where you are locating your bond.

Make sure that it is not under a tree or anywhere windy as this will only lead to more work.

Do You Need Planning Permission To Have A Garden Pond?

This all depends. It is best to check with your state council to see what they advise, however as it is your garden you should be allowed to do what you want.

If you are living in a rented property, however, you should always ask your landlord/landlady first.

Can You Have A Pond In The Front Garden?

Yes, you can definitely have a pond in your front garden, but it would be best small.

You should also consider where you live. If you live on a busy main road then a front garden pond wouldn’t be best.

If you live in a quiet suburban area then a pond would make a great addition to the front of your house.

However, with this said, you will need to be more cautious when it comes to safety as your pond will be closer to cars and other threats.

Final Thoughts

Ponds make a great addition to any home but it is up to the owner to maintain it.

Heat is a great threat so it is necessary to know how to maintain the pond despite the sun.

Above, we have given you many tips to help you. By following them, you will find yourself with a well maintained and managed garden pond which all will love.

Any garden looks better with a nice pond nestled in the corner. Ponds are great because they take up space on your lawn, meaning you won’t have as much to mow on a regular basis.

They also can attract new species to your garden, making it much more enjoyable to spend time in. 

However, the best thing about ponds is that they simply look great. These water features can do a lot to make your garden feel more tranquil and full of life.

That said, they need to be maintained on a regular basis to prevent them becoming stagnant.

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Stagnant water can produce foul odors and acts as a nesting site for certain species of insect to lay their eggs.

Both of these will ruin your peaceful water garden very quickly, which is why you should take measures to keep your pond clean and healthy. 

A pond spitter is a small statue placed in the middle of a pond that spits water from an outlet, usually located in the mouth.

You may think these miniature fountains are simply decorative ornaments, but they are actually very helpful at keeping the water in your pond clean.

Pond spitters disturb the surface of your water, preventing algae blooms, and greatly reducing insect larva.

They can also help to aerate your pond, raising  the oxygen levels of the water to make it more suitable for fish and aquatic plants. 

If you’re interested in getting one of these ornaments for your pond, then read on and discover some of the best pond spitters available to buy online. 

Why Do I Need A Pond Spitter? 

A pond spitter isn’t essential, but they make great decorations for your pond and can provide a number of surprising benefits.

For a start, the sound of trickling water is very relaxing and will help to make the area near your pond or water garden much more tranquil. 

Furthermore, these fountains help to disturb the surface of the water in your pond.

This has several benefits, such as preventing algae blooms or insect eggs from accumulating in your water.

It also helps to aerate the pond and raise the percentage of oxygen dissolved in the water.

This is essential if you have fish, as it will help them to breathe and thrive, along with any species of aquatic plant you are cultivating.

As such, pond spitters can be very helpful at keeping your water clean and free from contaminants.

Not to mention, they instantly improve the aesthetic of any water garden and make a great attraction for impressing your friends and family. 

Bamboo Accents Water Fountain With Pump

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If you are looking for something that is simple yet effective, then this bamboo water fountain may be just what you need.

This product is made from real, split-proof bamboo, making it a natural addition to any pond or water garden.

The type of bamboo that it is made from absorbs excess sound, so you can enjoy the peaceful trickle of running water and nothing else. 

It is designed for small bowls, but you can easily use it for a small pond instead.

If you are worried that your pond may be too big, then this unit is cheap enough that you could easily buy two and place one at either end.

Another great thing about this product is that it comes with its own 110V pump, meaning you won’t have to buy anything else to set it up. 

If you want to attach a different pump, such as a solar-powered model, then it is easy to do so provided you buy one with the right size of outlet. 

Pros: 

• Made from all natural materials. 
• It creates a quiet trickling sound that is very peaceful. 
• Easy to install and comes with its own pump. 

Cons: 

• May not be suitable for larger ponds. 

Also available at: ShopBambooAccents

Dancing Koi Fish Spitting Water Statue

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Elegant, yet fun, this dancing Koi statue will look great sitting on the border of your pond.

It is made from a non-toxic poly resin that won’t contaminate your water with harmful chemicals.

It comes with a 6ft hose that needs to be connected to a 300 GPH (Gallons Per Hour) pump. 

While you will have to buy the pump for this spitter separately, it is worth it for such a great decorative piece.

It has surprising strength, meaning it will be suitable for both small and medium-sized ponds.

The resin used to make this statue is frost resistant, meaning you can leave it outside all year long without it cracking or weathering. 

This statue is available in gold or verdigris green and makes a stunning centerpiece for any fishpond or water garden. 

Pros: 

• Stylish and fun design. 
• Comes with 2ft hose. 
• When fully powered, this spitter has a long arc that will be suitable for small and medium-sized ponds

Cons: 

• Doesn’t come with pump 

Also available at: PondH2o

Aquascape Alligator Fountain Spitter

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Aquascape makes some excellent decorations and fountains for all sizes of pond.

This alligator spitter is so realistic, that it may even startle your guests if you conceal it in some long grass or flowers.

It is made from a high quality poly resin that is impervious to UV and heat, while looking like real brass from a distance. 

This spitter comes with its own 180 GPH pump, which makes installing it much easier.

Even at half power, it is capable of spitting water up to 4 ft, which makes it great for medium-sized or slightly larger bodies of water.

The use of metallic colors creates a very natural look that won’t be out of place amongst the plants surrounding your pond. 

It sounds great too, emitting a steady stream of water for a constant, trickling sound that will make relaxing in your garden much more enjoyable. 

Pros: 

• Comes with a 180 GPH pump. 
• Awesome design that looks like real brass at a fraction of the cost. 
• Can spit well over 4 ft for aerating larger ponds. 

Cons: 

• Quite large and may be difficult to balance near your pond. 

Also available at: AquaScapeInc

Design Toscano Manneken Pis 

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If you want to add a bit of classical flair to your garden, why not try this stylish and mischievous spitter inspired by a famous fountain in Brussels.

This statue is made from crushed stone bound together with resin. It isn’t the most durable spitter, but it is resistant to UV, heat and other conditions that would normally harm statues made from poly resins. 

This unit doesn’t come with a pump, so you will need to buy a 400 GPH unit to power it.

Once you do, though, this is a very low maintenance product and should last you a long time provided you don’t knock it over.

Sadly, this statue isn’t built to handle drops or sudden impacts, so make sure to put it somewhere stable and secure to prevent it falling and breaking. 

This pissing boy statue will make a great humorous talking point when you next have guests. 

Pros: 

• Classical design based on a fountain in Brussels. 
• Made with real crushed stone bound together with resin. 
• Resistant to both UV and heat 

Cons: 

• Fragile and may break if dropped. 

Also available at: Walmart

Aquascape Toucan Fountain Spitter For Pond

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This is another aquascape product that successfully emulates the feel and appearance of real bronze using poly resin.

As such, this toucan fountain is incredibly stylish, with beautiful metallic colors that will look great amongst the plants around your pond.

It comes with a 90 GPH pump, making installation simple and easy. 

One of the great features about this spitter is that the beak of the toucan is attached to a hinge that allows it to open and close.

This helps to make the statue seem a little more alive, and the shape of the beak causes the water to trickle out at a gentle pace.

As such, this is a spitter that sounds as good as it looks. 

While it isn’t the most powerful spitter, it is a very stylish garden ornament that has a lot of character and charm. 

Pros:

• Looks and feels like it is made from real brass. 
• The mouth can open and close to control the flow of water. 
• Comes with a 90 GPH pump. 

Cons: 

• The water pressure may be too low for aerating bigger ponds. 

Also available at: AquaScapeInc

Happy Herman The Frog 

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If all you want is something small, simple and kind of cute, then you can’t go wrong with Happy Herman The Frog.

This compact little water spitter is hand painted in vibrant colors that will look perfect amongst the natural flora and fauna of your pond.

It’s so well painted that some may mistake it for a real frog until they see the water jet in its mouth. 

Herman doesn’t come with a pump, but is compatible with most models under 120 GPH.

As you can tell, he has quite a good spitting distance for such a small fountain.

While you may need multiple of these spitters to aerate a larger pond, they are perfect for smaller bodies of water. 

Compared to other artisanal spitters on the market, Herman is surprisingly affordable.

As such, he is a great choice for anyone trying to decorate their water garden on a budget. 

Pros: 

• Small and easy to install near your pond without building a separate platform. 
• Works with 120 GPH pumps for surprising distance and power 
• Adorable and colorful hand painted design.

Cons: 

• Not enough power for aerating larger ponds. 

Also available at: PondAndGardenDepot

Aquascape 78310 Naughty Dog Pond And Garden Water Fountain

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This is another whimsical fountain for adding a bit of naughty charm to your garden pond.

Shaped like a peeing dog, this spitter is humorous and compatible with 180 GPH pumps to provide a steady stream of water.

This makes it suitable for small to medium-sized ponds. And all you need is a suitably flat rock to place it on, and you are ready to go.  

While it looks like it is made from real brass, this statue is still made from the same poly resin that all of Aquascape’s products use.

As such, it is resistant to both UV and temperature fluctuations, although there may be an issue with the paint used.

Sadly, according to some customer reviews the paint has a tendency to flake off, but you may be able to fix this with a can of primer and some metallic bronze paint of your own. 

Apart from this minor inconvenience, this is a great little statue that adds a bit of doggy charm to any garden pond. 

Pros: 

• Compatible with 180 GPH pumps. 
• Made from durable poly resin. 
• Charming and whimsical statuette for small to medium-sized ponds. 

Cons: 

• Paint may peel with exposure to UV. 

Also available at: PondAndGardenDepot

Design Toscano EU59307 Kohaku Asian Koi Piped Spitter

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Design Toscano have gone all out on this colorful and charming piped spitter statue. If you are looking for a colorful decoration to place next to a pond full of koi fish then this is the perfect choice.

The statue is made from crushed stone bound together with poly resin and then hand painted in vibrant, weather resistant paints. 

It is designed to work with a 240 GPH pump, although you can use weaker models as well, and it should still function properly.

One issue with this product is that it is incredibly lightweight and will actually float if placed in water.

This won’t be  a problem if you put it on a stable platform around the outskirts of your pond, but it may be irritating if you want to place it in the pond itself. 

At full power this statue can spit up to 1ft which will be suitable for aerating smaller bodies of water. 

Pros: 

• Colorful hand painted design. 
• Works equally well as a standalone statue or spitter. 
• Great decoration for any koi pond. 

Cons: 

• Lightweight and floats even when placed in shallow water. 

Also available at: DesignToscano and Walmart

Timmy The Turtle Decorative Plumbed Pond Statuary 

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This pond spitter comes from the same company that made Herman the Happy frog and demonstrates the same level of charm and attention to detail.

Just like his predecessor, Timmy is made from crushed stone bonded together with a UV resistant poly resin.

The statue has been hand painted with an exceptional level of detail to create a statue that is fun, stylish and incredibly characterful. 

The plumbing is done with brass pipes and this spitter should work fine with most statuary pumps provided they are under 200 GPH.

Timmy has a good spitting distance that makes him suitable for medium-sized ponds.

The statue is quite lightweight again, and as such may need to be placed on the outskirts of your pond rather than a shallow area within it. 

However, if you can work around the weight, this statue is incredibly charming and a great choice for any garden pond. 

Pros: 

• Brass ⅜ connector located at the rear of the statue. 
• Stable base makes it easy to place this statue near your pond without it moving. 
• Charming hand painted aesthetic.

Cons: 

• Lightweight and may float. 

Also available at: PondAndGardenDepot

Aquascape 78304 Double Frog With Cattail Spitter Water Fountain

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Pond spitters aren’t the best way to aerate your pond by a long mile, but some of them can be very effective depending on the size of your pond and where you place the pump.

This model made by Aquascape has two outlets facing in opposite directions to provide better coverage.

As such, if placed in the middle of a pond, this spitter can provide awesome aeration provided your pond isn’t too deep. 

Just like Aquascapes other products, this statue has been made from a durable polyresin that has been painted to look like real metal.

Since it weighs 4.8lbs, you won’t have to worry about it floating off into your pond during periods of heavy rain.

It is recommended to use a 180 GPH pump with this model to provide enough pressure for both of the spouts. 

This is a simple, yet effective little spitter with a great design. 

Pros: 

• Two outlets for better coverage and more aeration. 
• Charming, realistic metal coloration. 
• Solid design with a wide flat base to offer great stability. 

Cons: 

• Some delicate parts may snap off easily if not handled with care. 

Also available at: AquascapeInc and Walmart

Buyers Guide

Pond spitters are a great way to add some decoration and charm to your garden pond or water garden. However, it isn’t just about buying something that looks nice, you need to make sure it is functional as well. 

In this section, we will cover some important things to consider when shopping for a suitable pond spitter. 

Material 

Most pond spitters will be made from a type of poly resin with a special coating to protect it from the elements.

These materials are chosen because they are non-toxic and won’t seep into the water of your pond, causing harm to anything living in it. 

This poly resin is highly durable and capable of withstanding UV, temperature fluctuations and many other forms of common wear and tear.

Some spitters may be made from stone, although these are generally much more expensive.

Others may be made from wood such as bamboo, which offers something a little more natural at an affordable price. 

Companies like Design Toscano make their spitters from a combination of resin and crushed stone.

This lends them a more authentic feel and also reduces the weight considerably. However, lower weight isn’t necessarily a good thing.

Statues made from these materials are more fragile and may break easily if knocked over. They are also so light that they may float on water, which means you won’t be able to place them in the pond itself.  

Pump Size

Before you buy a pond spitter, you will need to think about the size of pump you will need to buy for making it work.

Some spitters will come complete with a pump and hosing for connecting the two items together.

However, for most of them, the pump will need to be bought separately. Most pumps below 300 GPH will be fine for a polyresin spitter. 

The power of the pump will determine the speed and force with which the water is ejected from the statue.

If you want your pond spitter to provide any level of aeration, you will need a stronger pump to get the desired effect. 

As well as a pump, you will also need to buy a length of hose for connecting it to your spitter.

Most of the time you will want to place the pump in the water of your pond to provide better circulation. 

When doing this, try to find a way of attaching the pump to the bottom of the pond.

This will move water from the bottom, so it can be ejected by the spitter. As a result, the water in your pond will be moving more and the spitter will be able to provide much better aeration. 

Paint/Coatings

The final thing you need to consider is the materials used to paint and your pond spitter and protect it from the elements.

Most companies will try to use non-toxic paint and coatings, but it is always worth double-checking. 

Coatings, such as soy resin, are natural and won’t cause any harm to your fish if they leach into the water of your pond.

Other, more synthetic coatings may be much more harmful, and should be avoided in case of leeching. 

Be wary of items that haven’t been painted properly.

If the paint on a pond spitter is flaking or peeling off, some of that paint will end up in the water of your pond, where it may start causing problems for your fish. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will A Pond Spitter Aerate My Pond By Itself? 

A pond spitter can help to aerate your pond, but it is far from the best method for doing so.

If your pond is over 5ft deep, then a spitter will not be able to provide enough aeration for the water at the bottom.

In most cases, you will want to have a disc aerator as the main source of oxygen for your pond and keep the spitters for decoration. 

However, for a pond that is more shallow, a spitter or multiple spitters could work on their own.

For this to be viable, you will need to place the pump or pumps at the bottom of the pond.

This means that the water at the very bottom is being circulated, which will help to improve the benefits from your spitter.

However, in most cases it is better to have multiple aeration methods rather than just relying on one. 

If you live in a warm and humid place, then it is more likely that pieces of metal that have iron will become rusty a lot quicker.

Of course, taking care of your toilet tank and keeping it dry will help prevent rust for a while, but it will rust eventually. You may even notice some rust in your toilet bowl.

The bolts inside a toilet tank are always submerged in water, so it’s natural and inevitable that rust will build up over time.

This is especially the case if your toilet is made from cheap metal that easily rusts, and if this is the case, regularly replacing the bolts in your toilet tank is essential. 

When you buy new bolts for your toilet tank, you should opt for brass or stainless steel as these are the least affected by rust. They are more expensive, but as they last longer this is more cost-effective in the long run.

Replacing your toilet tank bolts may look easy, however, it’s not without its difficulties. One of the most common difficulties is that the bolts may be so rusted that unscrewing them is near impossible.

But when there is a will there’s a way, and this article will take you through all the steps of removing rusted bolts from a toilet tank, (see also ‘How To Fix A Slow Filling Toilet Tank Without Calling A Plumber‘)  and why toilet tank maintenance is so important in the first place.

Why Is It So Important To Maintain Your Toilet Tank?

We take our toilets for granted, and it’s easy to forget that toilets need regular maintenance to make sure their parts are still working and are up to scratch.

After all, if you want anything in home to be long-lasting then you have to take care of it. Without regular maintenance and small checks when necessary, your toilet tank can run into problems like leaking (see also ‘How To Replace A Leaking Toilet Tank To Bowl Gasket’) and rusting.

So to keep your toilet in fantastic condition, keep these things in mind.

Clean Your Toilet Tank Regularly

You should clean your toilet tank on a regular basis to avoid issues like a buildup of germs and dirt. 

Empty Your Toilet Tank If It Hasn’t Been Used For A While

If a toilet tank is rarely used it can grow moldy inside, which not only smells awful but can negatively affect your health. So even if you haven’t used your toilet tank in a while, be sure to empty it. 

Avoid Using Bleach

While bleach is a popular cleaning product, do not use toilet tank cleaning products that have bleach in them as they erode rubber parts.

Make Sure To Check For Parts That Are Damaged

While you’re cleaning your toilet tank, check for signs of damage and replace them early before they break down.

Replace Bolts When They Begin To Rust

Your toilet tank usually has two large nuts and bolts that keep the tank secured to the toilet bowl that can rust over time and cause leaks. When these bolts start to rust, replace the bolts as soon as possible. 

If the bolts are incredibly rusty, then you might not be able to remove them. This doesn’t make unscrewing the bolts impossible, however.

Removing Rusted Bolts From A Toilet Tank

Now let’s go through the steps to successfully remove rusted bolts from a toilet tank. 

Remove The Water

Switch the water supply off before flushing the tank it empties of water. Use a sponge or an old towel to soak up the residual water. 

This is an important step because when the toilet tank bolts are loosened, it may cause a leak.

Another option is to lay a towel on the floor where you will be working. You may not be too worried about this step if you have a tiled bathroom, but it’s still important to be mindful of leaking water. 

Unscrew The Bolts

To unscrew the bolts, you’ll need a flat head screwdriver and a wrench. First, hold the bolt in place with the screwdriver and turn the wrench counterclockwise around the nut below the tank. 

As long as the bolts are not seriously rusty, you should be able to unscrew the bolts.

Be Ready To Explore Alternatives

If the head of the bolt essentially crumbles when you begin to use the screwdriver, you’ll need to consider a different angle. 

Attempt To Remove The Bolts Using A Mini-Hack Saw

A mini-hack saw has a flexible blade that gives you access below the head of the bolt.

Even when the bolt is extremely rusty, this solution should work. Stripping the rubber washer is also beneficial and helps you easily cut through the bolt. 

Use A Reciprocating Saw

This undoubtedly works better than a hack saw, however it may break the toilet. Shorter blades are more controllable, but longer blades give you better access. You may even find you need to use both.

Try Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters can be a good alternative if the nut is loose and you’re still struggling to remove it. Bolt cutters are also not too expensive.

When using a bolt cutter, put the nose on the stem of the bolt, as this makes the process a lot simpler.

Drill The Bolts Out

If the bolts are incredibly rusty and just won’t come out, then this is the last resort.

Using a small drill, remove the bolts. You should proceed with caution with this method as it could damage the porcelain. Also when attempting this method the tank should be totally dry.

How Do You Install New Bolts?

Now that we’ve removed the rusted bolts, let’s find out how you can install new bolts!

Use High Quality Bolts

If you replace your old bolts with new, high quality ones then this will mean less time replacing rusty bolts in the future! When looking for new bolts, make sure they are corrosion and rust-resistant. 

Screw The Nuts Onto The Bolt

With a flathead screwdriver, you need to hold the bolt inside the tank and screw the nut onto the bolt but not on the opposite side.

Also make sure not to overtighten the nuts! Doing this will squeeze the washers, and keep the water in the tank.

Overtightening the tank can be accidental, so don’t be too worried if the tank moves a bit. Flexibility doesn’t hurt.

If the toilet tank cracks, also try not to worry about that either and it can be remedied with epoxy.

Important Things To Remember

Let’s take a look at a few more important considerations when removing rusty bolts from your toilet tank.

Find Replacements Ahead Of Time

The best replacement for rusty bolts is to get bolts made of stainless steel and solid brass.

A big complaint amongst DIY enthusiasts is that it’s difficult to find bolts that properly fit your toilet, and if you’re replacing bolts for the first time, it’s easy to just replace the old bolts with bolts that can easily rust again, so it’s important to do your research and find the right bolts.

Stop When The Bolts Are Tight Enough

Many people wonder when the bolts on their toilet tank are tight enough.

While this is something people learn with experience, there are some things to keep in mind if this is the first time you’re replacing the bolts on your toilet tank. 

For example, using a smell wrench helps you to resist the urge to overtighten, and the bolts should always be snug, not too tight.

Make Sure To Inspect The Toilet Tank Gasket

Since you’re already installing new bolts, you might as well install a new gasket too.

This is actually the next logical step after removing the rusted bolts, and it’s easier to do these jobs all in one go instead of having to remove the bolts again a few months down the line to install a new gasket.

Be Mindful Of Other Sources Of Leaks

Toilet tank (see also ‘Best Epoxy For Toilet Tank Repair‘) leaks are not just caused by rusty toilet tank bolts. They can be caused by the tank being cracked, a leak in the gasket in the middle of the tank, or a leak in the tank water supply. 

Be Prepared!

Plumbing is rather unpredictable, and a lot of DIY plumbing involves trial and error.

You may start a job and midway through realise you need other tools to finish the job.

It’s good to be aware of the opening hours of your nearest hardware store, and get to work early so you have plenty of time to get the tools you need quickly.

Final Thoughts

Removing rusted toilet tank bolts might seem incredibly difficult, and how dexterous you are and how rusty the bolts are can have an effect on how difficult it is to get the job done.

But we hope our guide has been helpful, and with the proper tools and some patience you’re sure to successfully replace the rusted bolts on your toilet tank!