10 DIY Plumbing Tips That Will Save You A Lot Of Time And Money

Are you tired of hiring plumbing services for issues that you could fix or avoid yourself? We know it’s not always necessary for homeowners to call out a plumber for issues like drain cleaning. With these quick tips, you’ll be able to save yourself a lot of time and money, fixing many of the common issues that homeowners often face. For instance, with the right steps for drain cleaning, you can avoid calling out a plumber to handle a blockage. Here are the top tips you need to know.

Quickly Fix a Leaking Faucet

A leaking faucet is one of the common problems that you can face, but it can also have a very quick fix. Usually, a leaking tap is caused by a broken or old washer. This is a small plastic, rubber ring inside the pipe itself. To access it, you simply need to unscrew the U pipe using an adjustable wrench. Once you have done this, you’ll find the washer pops out. If it looks old and discolored, replacing may solve your leak with no call to a plumber necessary. Modern faucets have cartridges that are more complex to repair.

Unclog the Drain

Are you having issues with a clogged drain or perhaps just a slow drain? Clogged drains can seem like a serious issue if you don’t know how to handle them. Never use drain cleaners as they contain harmful chemicals that can damage your pipes and/or injure yourself. If you have a clogged drain in the kitchen sink then you could try using a plunger to clear the clog. This could also provide the solution you need before you have to call a plumber.

Fix the Blocked Toilet

If you have an issue with a blockage in the toilet, it can be embarrassing calling an emergency plumbing service. Well, we have good news – there’s no need to do this. Instead, you simply need a plunger. Fill the toilet bowl with water and then use the plunger to create a seal. Once you have done this, give two sharp pushes. Flush the toilet and the blockage should be removed.

Don’t Damage the Pipes

You need to make sure that you’re being careful not to damage your pipes when completing work around the home. A cheap stud finder can help you avoid this problem. You should use this whenever you are going to be drilling or hammering anything through the walls.

Check the Timers

Do you have plumbing issues with the water heater in your home? Before you check for local residential plumbing service, you might want to try some of the troubleshooting steps. Check to see if the pilot light is lit. Follow the instructions on the water heater to relight the pilot if it is out and adjust the thermostat if needed. This could be the reason why you can’t get hot water.

Careful What You Flush

One of the easiest ways to avoid a clogged drain and dodge expensive plumbing services would be to watch what you put down there. For instance, you might use flushable wipes if you have children. What these products won’t tell you is that they aren’t actually flushable and can still clog the drains. If this happens, then they will need to be fished out. Wipes and similar materials are one of the most common reasons for a clogged drain, according to a typical plumber.

Clean Up Your Showerhead

Are you struggling with low levels of pressure in the shower? If that’s the case then you do need to think about making sure that you clean up the showerhead. This can fill with gunk and stop the water from coming out as quickly or as efficiently as it should. To solve this problem, you need to clean the shower head. You can do this by examining the nozzles on the shower and massaging them with your fingers to remove minerals. Or, consider soaking the showerhead in white vinegar. Leave for about five minutes before running water through it to clear out the vinegar and your shower should be as good as new. If you’re still having trouble, plumbing repairs could be necessary.

Avoid Irritating Sounds

Noise pollution can be a serious concern if you live in the Santa Cruz County area. The last thing you want is an issue with loud noises becoming a problem in your home. Problems with noise can come from pipes vibrating or even two sink basins next to each other. If you have this issue, you might consider hiring a plumber. Instead of doing this, try using some expanding foam. This can be sprayed in the problem area and then left to dry. Afterward, excess amounts can be cut away with a knife to keep things neat and tidy.

Check out the Hidden Spaces

If you are completing home improvement jobs, you might impact the spaces inside walls and under floorboards. That’s why it’s important to make sure you know what lies inside these areas. A plumber will often do this when completing leak detection or issues with drain lines.

Avoid Mess When Pulling out a Kitchen Sink Trap

You might need to remove a sink trap in the kitchen at some point. This will be necessary if the drain lines have become clogged. You can do this yourself instead of hiring drain cleaning services, but you need to make it as easy as possible. To do that, use a bathroom plunger to relieve some of the pressure. This should clear out the trap before you remove it to take care of the blockage. If you have a double sink you’ll need to hold your hand over one while using the plunger on the other.

We hope this helps you with some of the issues you can have with sewer lines and drain lines on your property. Remember, while these tips can help you solve most issues, for some, you will need plumber services. Tree roots damaging pipes, full leak detection and a chemical drain clear out will all require the work of an expert plumber who will complete a great job for you.

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