Wait – don’t call the plumber just yet! There are non-emergency plumbing issues that you can fix yourself if you’re willing to put in a bit of work.
And if you’re willing to read the rest of this article.
Below you will find 5 essential plumbing tips and tricks to fix common issues yourself.
1. Invest in Plumber’s Tape
Minor cracks and leaks can be frustrating to manage. But once you have located the issue, you can use plumber’s tape around the area as a quick fix.
Plumber’s tape is usually used around joints and fittings where pieces of pipe come together. Apply a generous amount of tape securely around the leak and use a paper towel below to double-check your work.
2. Use a Sink Plunger Before Cleaning the Sink Trap
A sink plunger looks a lot like a smaller version of a toilet plunger and it works the same way.
If you are going to clean the sink trap in your kitchen or bathroom use a sink plunger first to forcefully push the water out of the trap. This will allow for a cleaner process when you remove the trap.
3. Exchange Chemicals for a Drain Snake
To take DIY plumbing to a new level, consider purchasing your own drain snake. This tool is far more effective in removing hard objects or build-up than traditional chemical products.
You can pay a professional plumber to come and use this tool, or you can try it for yourself! It is a simple-to-use tool that offers a long term solution instead of a temporary fix.
If the drain snake still proves ineffective you can try a wet or dry shop vacuum remove whatever is causing the problem.
4. Fix the Leaky Showerhead Yourself
A leaky showerhead is a common household plumbing problem. But it’s not that hard to fix on your own. All you need is thread tape and vinegar.
You can start by unscrewing the showerhead and looking for damage to the existing tape that is preventing the threads from connecting. Apply the new tape and test to see if it still leaks.
If you notice that the showerhead is clogged, you can try removing it and soaking it for about an hour in a bowl of warm water and household vinegar. Once you have soaked the showerhead, you can scrub it with a toothbrush to remove deposits that may be contributing to the issue.
5. Optimize Kitchen Sink Sprayer
Have you ever had to tug or wiggle the hose of the kitchen sink faucet to get it to come out? It’s a common issue with a simple fix.
Below the sink, there are shutoff valves and handles. By attaching a piece of foam insulation you can prevent the hose from catching on the valve or handles.
Plumbing Tips for Non-Plumbers
You don’t have to be an expert to try the plumbing tips above. You might surprise yourself with how handy you actually are!
However, if you run into any serious issues, you should always have an experienced plumber on speed dial.
Questions or concerns about your plumbing? Contact us today!