More often than not, the everyday plumbing issues we deal with at home are quite minor. In fact, we may let them drag on too long for the sole reason that we don’t think it’s a big enough problem to call a professional. If you find yourself with a leaky pipe or a faucet that needs replacing, we’ve put together a few DIY plumbing tips that can save you money. All you need are a few basic tools and enough self-confidence to get through the task.
Tip 1: Repair A Dripping Faucet
Faucets are used multiple times a day and can easily get worn out. Leaving it to leak not only wastes water but can also increase your utility bill in the long run. The first step to stopping a leak is tightening the screws and loose joints. If this doesn’t work, turn off the water supply typically found under the sink and gently take apart the spout to check if the washer or O-ring is damaged or if there are any cracks. Replace the necessary parts the way you found them.
Tip 2: Unblock A Clogged Drain
Clogged drains are not only inconvenient but they can take some time to remedy. The initial solution would be to try a plunger or a drain snake, which are readily available at any hardware store. If you want to clear it out using solvents, we highly discourage commercial drain cleaners as these do more harm than good to your plumbing system. Instead, pour a good amount of baking soda and follow up with white vinegar to help clear out grime and debris. This can be done regularly to prevent clogged drains.
Tip 3: Stop A Running Toilet
Have you ever heard the water running in your toilet even long after it has been flushed? This is called a running toilet and it can waste a considerable amount of water. Luckily, this is a fairly easy fix. Lift the tank lid of your toilet and check the flapper. This is the circular cover with a chain attached that lifts to allow water back into the bowl. It is made out of rubber and may be too old or cracked to seal efficiently.
If the flapper works fine, check the fill valve by gently bending the float rod up or down to control the level of water that fills up. If you notice that it does not adjust accordingly, this may need replacement.
Tip 4: Fix A Dripping Showerhead
Similar to the faucet, showerheads are also highly susceptible to leaking. So as not to waste any more water, turn off the supply to the bathroom and gently remove the showerhead. Remove the old rubber washer and the cartridge from inside, then clean the showerhead to remove debris and buildup. Put in a new cartridge and rubber washer, reattach the showerhead, and turn the water supply back on to test for leaks. In most cases, this should fix the issue!
Tip 5: Unclogging A Toilet
Toilets can clog up due to several reasons such as disposing of paper towels, wet wipes, and in some cases, objects that the toilet can’t take like toothbrushes or toys. Other potential reasons could be broken or loose parts within the drainage system or exceptionally low water levels.
No matter the cause, the first step is to fill up your toilet with water. Next, use a plunger to dislodge objects potentially blocking the drain, and once it clears up, the water accumulated will swoop everything down. If a foreign object had fallen into the bowl, we advise you to check the p trap at the base to ensure it’s not stuck there.
Tip 6: Increase The Water Pressure
If you notice your water pressure slowing down, this could be due to broken or blocked pipes. The first step is to check your water gauge to ensure it’s a problem with your pipes and not with your water supply.
If all is well with your supply, check faucets and pipes for sediment build-up, mineral deposits, and other things that could block the flow. Clean them out accordingly.
If there is no build-up, it could also be due to broken pipes that are leaking in other areas. Inspect the pipes around your home and check for any signs of a leak.
Conclusion
There are many DIY plumbing tips you can gather that help make your household more functional without the added professional fees. However, despite our best efforts, not all plumbing solutions fix the issue. For persistent concerns, call Discount Plumbing Rooter Inc. today!
