Although plumbing problems can be incredibly frustrating, every homeowner will experience these issues from time to time. To help you keep your plumbing in excellent condition, there are some fixes you can do yourself. Let’s look at a few DIY plumbing repairs for problems you may discover around your home.
DIY Common Plumbing Issues
1. How to Fix a Dripping Faucet
Dripping taps waste a lot of water and increase your utility bill. To fix a dripping faucet, locate the isolation valve and turn it off. This will stop water flow to the tap. You’ll need to know what type of faucet you have, which will determine the correct way to disassemble the fixture. To stop the dripping, it’s often as simple as replacing the rubber washers or o-ring.
2. DIY Plumbing Repairs: Clear a Clogged Drain
Most homeowners can clear a drain on their own. Try pouring boiling water down the drain. This is a simple and relatively harmless way to remove the blockage. A plunger can work to force water through the pipe and push the clog free for a minor clog. A drain snake is a tool used by plumbers to dislodge a clog. Purchase one at your local hardware store and use it to clear your clogged drain.
If these methods fail, use a bottle of drain cleaner. This substance is caustic and can cause damage to the pipes, so only use it as a last resort. Wear gloves and protective goggles when pouring the drain cleaner into the drain. Follow the instructions on the bottle and call a plumber if the drain cleaner does not work.
3. Stop a Running Toilet
A running toilet wastes more water than a dripping tap, up to 200 gallons per day. One of the most common reasons for a running toilet is a worn-out flapper. If you hear the toilet running, push down on the flapper and see if the sound stops. If it does, you’ll need to replace the flapper. Making repairs sooner rather than later will save a significant amount of money on your water bill.
4. Fix a Toilet that Won’t Flush
If your toilet isn’t flushing, there are several possible reasons. The first thing to do is to check the water supply to your toilet to make sure it’s turned on. If not, the lack of water flow may be why the toilet isn’t working. Remove the lid from the tank and flush the toilet to make sure the mechanism is working. If the flapper ball is bent or warped, replace it. Sometimes the chain has too much slack and cannot lift the ball to allow a complete flush. Any worn-out, stuck, or broken components should be replaced.
Common Issues During DIY Plumbing Repairs
When working on plumbing issues around the house, there are a few simple tips to help you manage the project you are working on.
- Don’t over-tighten fittings. If you tighten fittings too far, you can damage connections and cause more problems with your plumbing.
- If you drop something down the drain, use a wet-dry vacuum to get it out. If it is something valuable, calling a professional is the best way.
- Prevent clogs by keeping your drains clear. Grease, food, and hair can build up over time and should be cleaned out regularly to avoid clogs and other issues.
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