At some point, an emergency is likely to strike your plumbing system.
Instead of trying to figure out how to fix it, your first instinct may be to call a plumber.
The solutions to some of the most common plumbing issues are, however, quick and simple. Here are ten plumbing problems that you can fix by yourself:
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1. A Leaking Faucet
When you notice a steady drip on any fixture in your home, that is your money going down the drain.
Research shows that a leaky faucet wastes approximately eight gallons of water a day.
The good thing is that a leaky faucet is an easy fix.
Before you embark on fixing your leaky faucet, you need a couple of tools, including a 4-in-1 screwdriver, Allen wrench, slip joint pliers, and pliers.
You also need plumbing materials, such as a faucet repair kit and O-ring seals.
If you are a newbie and don’t know where to begin, there are so many YouTube videos online with instructions on how to fix a leaky faucet. Look them up today!
2. Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems in any household.
While knowing how to prevent it is critical, knowing how to fix it is just as important.
Clogged drains often occur due to debris or foreign objects stuck in the drain pipes.
The cause of the clog and the fix for it depends on the type of sink you are dealing with. Some of the most common ways to fix a clogged drain include:
- Pouring boiling water down the drains
- Using a plunger to unclog the sink
- Pouring a mixture of vinegar and baking
- Breaking down the clogs with a drain snake
- Utilizing a P-trap to clean out the clogs
3. Running Toilet
The main culprit for a running toilet is a faulty floater valve switch or stop valve.
Essentially, a running toilet occurs when the large bulb located at the back of the toilet stops the flow of clean water into the toilet when the tank is full.
Jiggling the handle might stop the toilet from running. This is, however, a temporary solution.
To deal with this plumbing mishap entirely, you may want to replace the entire assembly.
4. Replacing Showerheads
Showerheads can help reduce your water bill by 20-30% if you upgraded them to the low-flow kind.
Performing this upgrade once you have the right showerhead is not difficult, especially if you follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Remove the old fixture by turning it counter-clockwise a few times.
- Step 2: Make sure you clean the shower arm thoroughly to remove any debris from your old showerhead.
- Step 3: Wrap the shower arm with heat tape to prevent water from leaking when you install the new showerhead.
- Step 4: Install the replacement showerhead.
- Step 5: Inspect your work by turning on the shower to check for leaks.
5. Replacing Sink Sprayers
Anyone can replace sink sprayers because the process is super easy. You first need to figure out what kitchen sink sprayer you have.
If it has a detachable hose, you may need to replace the hose as well. If your property has older sprayers, you can replace them without replacing the hose.
It is paramount that you have a thread to secure the hose properly when installing it.
The good thing is that the new kit comes with instructions, making your work easier.
6. Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are likely to burst and cause significant damage that will be expensive to fix.
Knowing how to repair frozen pipes can come in handy when they begin to freeze.
Before winter rolls in, you need to ensure that you replace and repair plumbing fixtures that seem to be in bad shape.
You also have to ensure that your unheated pipes are warm by insulating them with heat tape or extra insulation layers during cold winter weeks.
If your pipes continue to freeze, you can thaw them using a heat lamp, space heater, or heat cable.
7. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure has the potential to stall chores in your home – but it is something that you can easily fix.
A clogged aerator with mineral deposits is the leading cause of low water pressure.
You can fix this issue by first removing the aerator, rinsing it in hot water, and then using a small brush to clean it thoroughly.
If the aerator is beyond repair, you can buy a new one and replace it.
8. Replacing a Toilet Flash Handle
If your toilet handle is broken, pocked, ugly, or rusted, you don't need to call in a plumber. You can replace the toilet handle yourself.
Most toilet handles are universal, and you will not have a challenge getting one.
To replace this fixture, all you need to do is unscrew the old handle and screw back the new one.
But for more complex repairs, it is suggested to hire a professional local plumber at team emergency plumber to avoid any further damage..
9. Replacing a Shutoff Valve
A shutoff valve is a fixture that you can rebuild when it begins to malfunction.
Replacing it with a modern quarter-turn ball valve instead is advisable. That way, you will prevent the problem from reappearing later.
10. Installing a Dishwasher
Replacing a dishwasher involves moving bulky equipment, and you can do it yourself.
While you may be tempted to call a plumber, you should not because all you have to do is first remove the existing washer by moving it aside.
On the other side, move the new appliance near the installation areas and hook up all the electrical cables, water supply, and drainage hook-ups, and move it in position.
The Parting Shot
You could save a lot of money by fixing some of these plumping problems yourself at home following the guidelines provided.
All you need is basic plumbing DIY skills and simple tools that can be found in any home toolbox.
Familiarize yourself with these simple plumbing DIY hacks and try them out whenever a plumbing problem arises.