We homeowners call on plumbing contractors to do some of the nastiest jobs around. Thank goodness there are people willing to do the work. Nonetheless, we could save some money and take some of the stress off or plumbing contractors by learning how to handle minor problems ourselves.
Below is a list of the most common plumbing problems and how to safely fix them. If you have never experienced them, think of each one as a challenge to overcome.
Problem #1: A Clogged Drain
I would venture to guess that clogged drains are the most common plumbing problem. It’s just so easy for drains to get clogged. In the bathroom, you have hair and all sorts of debris that makes its way into the sinking shower. In the kitchen, you’re dealing with all sorts of food waste. Fortunately, clogged drains are not difficult to deal with.
How to Fix It
An easy way to address a clogged sink is to use a plunger on it. Be sure to plug the overflow drain (kitchen sink) or the secondary drain (kitchen sink). Then use the plunger the same way you would with a toilet. A couple of strokes up and down should dislodge the clog.
Tougher clogs might require a drained snake or auger. Both are available at your local home improvement store. To avoid clogs in the future, regularly treat the drains with a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Avoid commercial drain cleaners. They contain harsh chemicals that can harm plumbing.
Problem #2: Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets are extremely common. In almost every case, they are the result of failed washers or O-rings. The good news is that washers and O-rings are easy to replace.
How to Fix Them
The first step is to look up your particular fixture online. You are looking for disassembly instructions. Next, turn off the water supply and place rags around the faucet to catch any residual water. Disassemble the faucet using basic hand tools, locate the washer or O-ring, and replace it with a new one.
Comfort Solutions, a Utah plumbing and heating contractor serving West Haven and Sandy, says that washers and O-rings are readily available at home improvement stores. But you need to know the model of the faucet to make sure you buy the right ones.
Problem #3: A Running Toilet
This next problem is one almost all of us have experienced at some point: a running toilet. A running toilet is a problem because it wastes water. In nearly every case, the problem is either a faulty flapper or a malfunctioning fill valve.
Comfort Solutions says flappers and fill valves are standardized. Most modern toilets can be repaired with a simple kit you buy at the home improvement store.
How to Fix It
After purchasing a kit, fixing a running toilet starts with shutting off the water supply. Then flush the toilet to drain it. If the problem is a flapper that isn’t sealing properly, you simply swap out the old flapper with a new one. There are no tools involved. You can do it with your bare hands.
If you need to change the flow valve, you’ll need a couple of wrenches. Just loosen the plastic nuts, make the swap, and tightened everything back down. Instructions should be written on the packaging. Otherwise, you can find them online.
Most minor plumbing issues can be fixed without needing to call in a plumber. But if you are uncomfortable doing the work yourself, your favorite plumbing contractor surely will not mind getting paid to do it for you.
