Whether it’s your own home or a rental unit you live in, plumbing issues are a pretty common occurrence that leads to frustration, discomfort, and calls to the nearest plumber. While major plumbing problems should definitely be left to pros like T.E. Foley Home Services, smaller ones like clogged drains and leaky faucets can be handled by homeowners if they know what to do. If you’re someone who likes to be able to resolve minor inconveniences on your own, the blog below is just for you.
DIY Solutions For Routine Plumbing Problems: Expert Tips & Efficient Techniques
Imagine hearing your faucet drip in the middle of the night or your hot shower suddenly turning cold in the morning. Sounds terrible, right? Since there aren’t any plumbers working right now, will you end up wasting water? Or go into work shivering from the icy blast? Neither! Knowing how to perform a few plumbing repairs can be a lifesaver in these situations.
For common plumbing problems and their solutions, take a look below.
Resolve Clogged Drains
When you hear gurgling noises or foul odors from the drain, it’s probably the result of a blockage like hair, debris, or small toys. Instead of calling in a plumber, use:
- A Plunger: fill the tub enough so that the rubber cup of the plunger is submerged, and try to suction the blockage loose.
- A Drain Snake: Insert it into the drain and twist before pulling out the clog.
Open Blocked Sinks
Another plumbing problem we see in homes is when the kitchen or bathroom sink doesn’t drain quickly enough. Again, there’s no need to panic. For your sinks, try using:
- A Cup Plunger: These plungers are specifically designed for sinks and work the same as regular plungers.
- A Baking Soda & Vinegar Solution: Pour some baking soda and then vinegar down the sink. Cover for 20minutes before flushing the solution with hot water.
Repair Leaky Faucets
The drip-drip-drip sound that accompanies leaky faucets is a common one. Aside from being a nuisance, it also leads to water wastage and increased utility bills. To resolve this issue, simply:
- Replace Damaged Parts: Try replacing the washer or aerator
- Replace The Faucet: If that doesn’t work, you might have to replace the whole faucet
| PRO TIP: Make sure to turn off the main water supply before attempting to replace the parts. |
Fix Water Pressure
Adding to the list of common plumbing issues is abnormal water pressure. Too much and your pipes might burst, too little and you’ll have trouble simply washing a plate. If you want to fix the water pressure in your home:
- Find the PRV: The pressure-reducing valve is usually located near the main supply line.
- Turn Clockwise: If you want to increase the water pressure.
- Turn Anti-Clockwise: If you want to decrease the water pressure.
Repair Leaky Pipes
Another cause for concern among homeowners is when their pipes have developed a leak. This can damage walls, raise bills, and lower pressure as well. To fix a leaky pipe, you can:
- Tighten the Joints: Use a wrench to tighten the joints to stop the dripping water.
- Replace the Pipe: If you have the expertise needed, you can also replace the damaged section to resolve the problem.
Unclog Toilets
A clogged toilet is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and completely unhygienic. If you experience slow water drainage when you flush, you should try:
- A Plunger: Try to dislodge the blockage with a trusty plunger.
- A Plumber’s Auger: Another useful tool if the plunger fails.
Remedy Water Heater Malfunctions
If your hot water runs out mid-shower, you definitely need to look into it. Though only an experienced technician can fix a complex issue, some simple solutions you can try are:
- Adjusting the Thermostat: Try raising the temperature so that the appliance heats up the water enough.
- Flushing The Tank: Sometimes, sediment build-up is the cause of low hot water pressure. Try flushing the tank to get rid of the scales.
Conclusion
To conclude, though complicated plumbing issues should always be entrusted to experienced and skilled plumbing contractors, it never hurts to know a few DIY techniques to resolve minor problems. If your sink gurgles, try a vinegar and baking soda mixture; in case of a leaky pipe, tighten the joints; for a moody water heater, flush the tank. We hope this blog helped you with your daily plumbing issues. For more expert solutions, please drop us a line!
FAQs
How often should I schedule plumbing inspections?
Schedule them at least once a year to keep your plumbing systems functioning properly.
How do I prevent clogged drains?
Don’t pour coffee grounds and grease down the sink, and install drain guards to catch food particles and hair to keep your drains clog-free.
How do I know if I have a leak?
If you spot water stains on the ceiling or walls, or if the meter keeps running even when no water is being used, you have a leak.