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5 Do It Yourself Plumbing Tips
There are many situations in which a homeowner needs to contact a licensed plumber. Major jobs like replacing water heaters and repiping homes require help from a professional, but there are many smaller projects homeowners can handle on their own. If you are looking to save a bit of money on plumbing repairs, here are a few DIY plumbing tips to help you solve minor, everyday problems.
Locate Your Shut-Offs
Before attempting to tackle any plumbing project, familiarize yourself with where your shut-off valves are located. Knowing where your main shut-off valve is most important. This allows you to turn off the entire system in the event of an emergency. If your home has individual shut-offs for certain rooms or fixtures, it’s helpful to know where those are and what each one does as well.
Invest in the Right Tools
If you plan on tackling your own plumbing projects, it’s a good idea to have a few tools on hand. A few essentials include:
- Basin wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Propane torch
- Pipe tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Tubing cutter
- Plunger
- Drain snake
Take Care of Minor Clogs Without Chemicals
When you have a drain that is clearing slowly, don’t reach for a chemical drain cleaning product. These products are expensive, dangerous and can do serious damage to your home’s pipes. Instead, pour baking soda down the drain followed by white vinegar. This causes a chemical reaction that breaks up many clogs. If that doesn’t work, try a plunger or a drain snake. If these options still fail, you likely have a more stubborn clog that requires professional removal.
Tackle Basic Toilet Repair
Toilets are simpler than many people realize. If you have a minor problem like a leak between the toilet tank and the bowl, solving it may be much easier than you think. Pick up a replacement flapper at the hardware store, and follow the instructions on the package. Other components inside your toilet are equally easy to repair.
Address Showerhead Issues
Leaky showerheads are fairly common, and they’re usually easy to fix. If your showerhead drips, it likely isn’t threaded tightly. Unscrew the shower head and wrap plumbing tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Replace the showerhead and you should be good to go! If your showerhead is clogged, remove it and soak in a bowl of white vinegar and warm water for about an hour. Next, loosen mineral deposits using a small brush. When you replace it, the water should flow more freely.
Sometimes, even experienced do-it-yourselfers need professional help. If you are in need of a highly trained, trustworthy plumber, contact the experts right here at DayNight Services.
