Plumbing troubles can be quite aggravating, and every homeowner will face them at some point. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes you can complete yourself to keep your plumbing in good shape. Here are tips on DIY plumbing repairs for issues you might encounter at home.
The Most Frequent Culprits in DIY Plumbing Issues
This article looks at a few of the most frequently reported home plumbing issues and is a general guide on making repairs. These issues don’t involve major components or expensive tools. Of course, if you aren’t sure of your skill level with minor repairs, it’s best to call a plumber instead.
Fixing a Dripping Faucet
Dripping faucets waste a lot of water and increase the water bill. Find the shut-off valve before trying to repair a leak. This will turn off the water supply to the faucet. You’ll need to know what kind of tap you have because this will tell you how to disassemble the fixture properly. Repairing a dripping faucet is typically as simple as changing the silicone washer or O-ring.
DIY Plumbing: Unclog a Blocked Drain
To fix a drain clog, try pouring boiling water down the drain. In some cases, this is enough to dissolve the clog. For a slight blockage, use a plunger to force the water through the pipe. A plumber’s snake is a helpful tool professionals use to clear clogs. Purchase one at a local hardware store and use it to unclog the drain.
If none of the above suggestions work, use a chemical drain cleaning solution. Because this solution is corrosive and weakens pipes, it should only be used as a last resort. Pour the drain cleaner into the pipe while wearing gloves and safety eyewear. It isn’t recommended to use drain cleaner on old pipes because the caustic chemicals can cause damage.
How to Stop a Toilet from Running
A running toilet consumes up to 200 gallons of water per day, wasting significantly more than a dripping faucet. A worn-out flapper is among the most common causes of a running toilet and can be easily replaced with basic DIY plumbing skills. If you notice the toilet flowing, try pressing down on the flap to stop it. If it does stop the flow of water, replace the flapper for a quick and easy repair.
How to Fix a Toilet that Won’t Flush
There are a variety of reasons a toilet won’t flush. To troubleshoot, check that your toilet’s water supply is on. If not, the toilet won’t be functional due to a lack of water. To verify the toilet assembly is operating, open the tank and flush the toilet. Replace the flapper ball if it is twisted or distorted. Make sure the chain doesn’t have excess slack. If any of the components are worn out, broken, or damaged, replace them.
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