When you are faced with a plumbing problem and want to fix it yourself, there is no shame in that. However, when your skills fail you or the damage done by amateur DIYers becomes too much for them, now it’s time to call a plumber.
DIY Plumbing Repairs
Here are some simple plumbing repairs that you can do on your own:
A Faucet That Drips Slowly
When you’re trying to sleep, hearing a steady dripping sound is not only irritating, but it also costs you money! A constant trickle might indicate that the faucet’s washer needs to be changed. Turn off the water supply and remove the faucet handle. Check for damage to the O-ring and washer. Replace the washer with a new one and reassemble.
A Toilet That Keeps Flushing
Does water continue to pour into the bowl after you flush? If that’s the case, you’ve got an issue with the lever in the tank behind the bowl. Remove the toilet tank lid, locate the chain that has most likely sunk to the bottom of the tank, and reconnect it to the lever connected to the toilet handle. If the chain has been damaged, it may be necessary to replace it.
A Backed-Up Drain
You can certainly clear a backed-up drain yourself. However, before you use a chemical drain cleaner to unblock a drain, consider using baking soda, salt, and hot water as a natural option. Some clogs are too deep in your pipes to be cleared, or they are too huge to be cleared with solvents. That’s when you’ll need a plumber to help you sort things out.
The Drip Of A Shower Head
Is your shower head spraying water in all directions or does the water appear to be obstructed in certain areas? Limescale accumulation on the showerhead and spray plate is possible. Remove the showerhead and spray plate and immerse them in a descaler for a few minutes. Your shower should be back on track after cleaning the showerhead.
Garbage Disposal That Has Become Gnarled
A trash disposal may sometimes grind to a standstill. There are a few simple things you may do to get it working again. Try resetting it using the reset button on the disposal’s bottom. If it doesn’t work, try manually turning the disposal using an Allen key to release the blockage.
Call a professional if your disposal continues leaking or still won’t operate.
When To Call An Expert
Here are a few plumbing situations that should be left to the experts:
Persistent Leaks
You may have faulty plumbing or loose pieces if the leak persists. You may require a plumbing expert to repair a cracked ceramic plate or address any leaky faucet issues. If you have a modern faucet with a lever instead of typical separate knobs, this can also be a problem.
A Broken Water Heater
Water heaters that are leaking, generating an odor, or making a peculiar sound should all be consulted by a specialist. Water heaters that aren’t working correctly might be a health and safety threat. A plumber can help you service your water heater before it breaks down.
Failure Of The Sump Pump
Your sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against a rising water table, which might occur after heavy rain or snowfall. If it doesn’t work, you might end up with a flooded basement and costly water damage repairs. Sump pumps must be maintained and repaired on a regular basis. If your sump pump fails, a plumbing professional can assist you, as well as prevent it from failing in the first place!
Burst Pipes
Extreme temperature swings may cause a water pipe to rupture, flooding your house with hundreds of gallons of water. If a pipe breaks in your house, turn off the main water valve and contact a professional right away.
Sewer Lines That Are Clogged
One of the largest and most critical pieces of plumbing in your house is the main sewage line. A clogged or collapsed sewage line should always be addressed by a professional. They will have the tools at to diagnose and repair any sewage line problem.
Preventing Water Damage
When it comes to creating damage to your property, water is one of the most destructive and costly factors. That’s why it’s crucial to understand when you can repair a plumbing problem yourself and when you should hire a professional.
It’s OK to troubleshoot your plumbing issue as long as you’re not in over your head. There’s no need to second-guess yourself if you decide to call a plumber. Plumbing professionals are often accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and there are usually no additional fees for same-day service, evening or weekend appointments.
A good plumbing company can provide service for residential and commercial clients. They can also provide advice to prevent plumbing problems from occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common household plumbing problem?
A: The most common household plumbing problem is a clogged drain.
How do you fix blocked or clogged plumbing?
A: One way is to use a tool called an auger, which is an instrument that uses 3 or 4 rotating metal bits at the end of a long tube to drill into and remove soils from pipes.
Once your plumbing is back to working again, consider improving your water quality with a water filter. Learn more in Water Filter Options Compared.
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