From leaky faucets to clogged toilets, plumbing issues are an everyday problem experienced in any typical home. You may not always require a professional plumber to fix even the smallest leak or clog, as you can do many plumbing jobs independently. Depending on how handy with DIY repairs you may be, you can solely carry out many minor plumbing jobs using the appropriate tools and following laid-down regulations and procedures. Many of the plumbing jobs you can accomplish all by yourself include repairing simple leaks, unclogging toilets and bathtubs, installations, replacing taps and showerheads, among other simple repairs.
When carrying out plumbing tasks all by yourself, you must use appropriate tools for each task. Therefore, your toolbox for basic plumbing tasks should include some basic tools, including an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, pliers, plumbing tape, caulking gun, plunger, and utility knife, among other tools. Below are eight plumbing issues you can quickly fix without necessarily hiring a professional plumber.
1. Replacing a Showerhead
Replacing a showerhead is as simple as removing an old showerhead and replacing it with a new one. The primary tool used in this job is a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers, and it involves unscrewing an existing showerhead and screwing in a new one while ensuring it fits tightly to avoid leakages.
2. Fixing a Leaky Faucet
The leaking faucets often originate from either a drip from the spout or a small crack at the base, which results in leaking. Fixing a leaky faucet is a straightforward job but can sometimes be challenging, depending on the faucet type. Rotary ball faucets are more comfortable repair than cartridge-style faucets and ceramic disc faucets, which are not common and more difficult to repair. The first step in restoring a leaky faucet is to shut off your home’s central water supply system. Sometimes, the leak in the faucet, especially when it’s slow, maybe due to a worn-out washer, and therefore you should always begin your repair by checking out the state of your washer.
3. Running toilets
A running toilet is indeed annoying as it wastes enormous amounts of water and renders the toilets unusable. While most people would fix a running toilet using the handle jiggling method, it’s a temporary technique, and the toilet will resume its state in no time. Running toilets is usually due to a faulty stop valve or floater switch; therefore, the most appropriate way to fix it would replace the valve or floater valve. To fix running toilets, first shut off the water supply to your toilet, then replace the valve using the directions usually indicated on the valve package.
4. Unclogging a Drain
You certainly don’t need the help of professional plumbing to unclog a drain, as it’s the easiest plumbing task you will ever carry out. Clogging of the bathroom, kitchen, or basement drains may be due to food particles, hairs, or grease obstructing water flow. Unclogging drains can easily be accomplished using sink plungers, snake pipes, or wet/dry vacuum pumps. When unclogging a drain, it’s not advisable to use conventional drain cleaners as they corrode the plumbing system with time leading to leakages, which will require costly replacement. It’s possible to prevent the drains’ clogging using hair catchers in bathroom drains and avoid pouring grease or food particles down kitchen drains.
5. Installing a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet
Sometimes, the entire faucet would require replacement, particularly if it’s damaged beyond repair. The instructions included when buying a new faucet make it easy to install it all by yourself as long as you have the right tools for the job. Additionally, you can consult your local faucet dealer for installation tips and repairs.
6. Caulking Bathtubs and Showers
Placing caulk to seal bathtubs and shower joints is a plumbing task you can easily manage without any help. Always ensure that you use the right type of caulk, especially those designed for tubs and showers, to achieve the optimal result.
7. Replacing a washing machine hose
It is advisable to replace your washing machine hose after every five or so years to ensure that it doesn’t spring a massive leak while you are away on vacation. To replace a washing machine horse, start by turning off the main water supply system and then unplug the washer’s power supply. Finally, disconnect the old hose and connect the new one to the washer and the valve. It is essential to test for any leakages by having the water supply back and flowing through the newly installed pipes.
8. Garbage disposal repair
It is easy to repair clogged or jammed garbage disposal since you don’t need to have even an extra tool as every new garbage disposal should come with a hex wrench attached to the disposal itself in addition to a set of instructions detailing the repair procedure. However, it is essential to switch off the power to the disposal at the source before engaging in any repair.
To conclude, while some plumbing jobs can be done all by yourself, others, such as boiler servicing, require professional plumbers; therefore, you should always be ready to hire them. Nevertheless, when carrying out the above plumbing fixes, it’s vital to use the appropriate tool while ensuring your own personal safety.
