A few basic Strongsville Plumbing repair skills can reduce your dependence on plumbers for small issues like clogged drains and leaky pipes. Preventative maintenance also helps.
If you are tackling a major repair, it’s worth investing in the right tools. Having the right equipment makes it easier and safer for DIYers to work on plumbing.
Turn Off The Water
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners can make when doing DIY plumbing is forgetting to turn off the water supply before working on any pipes or fixtures. Forgetting this step can result in flooding and severe water damage. This is especially common when changing a sink faucet or toilet fixture, and the result is expensive repairs.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this problem. Learn how to locate your home’s main water shut-off valve, which should be located in a utility space in the basement or crawlspace. It’s also a good idea to know how to use this valve, just in case the worst happens and you are faced with a serious water emergency.
Another important thing to remember is not to over-tighten any connections. This can cause pipes and fittings to deform, which in turn causes leaks. When making connections, tighten them only enough to secure the parts, and then be sure to loosen them slightly before proceeding with the next steps.
If you don’t have a main water shut-off valve, there is likely one on the side of your house near the water meter. Many homes have these, and they can be easily turned off with a wrench or pliers. Some may even have a small lever you can push to shut off the water completely. Once the water is off, it’s a good idea to open a faucet on the lowest and highest levels of your home to drain any standing water out of the pipes before you start your plumbing project.
It’s also a good idea to turn off the water supply to any specific plumbing fixture you are working on, including a toilet or sink. If you’re unsure how to do this, refer to your owner’s manual or ask a plumber for advice. This can save you time and money, as well as prevent unnecessary damage to your home’s plumbing system.
For many people, DIY plumbing projects are a great way to save some money and feel more confident about their home repair skills. But if you’re not sure about a particular plumbing issue or are facing a major problem, it’s always best to call in a professional plumber like the team at Goodbee Plumbing. Our skilled technicians have the knowledge and specialized tools necessary to handle any plumbing repairs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Remove The Clog
Clogged drain pipes are one of the most common plumbing emergencies and can be expensive to resolve if left unattended. While many people reach for chemical clog removers when this happens, these aren’t the best solutions. They can damage your drain pipe by eating away at the metal. Instead, try a natural drain cleaner like baking soda or vinegar.
If this doesn’t work, try plunging the clogged drain. This can often dislodge blockages caused by grease. To do this, stuff a rag in the tub or basin overflow drain hole or close the other side of a double sink with a stopper. Then, plunge vigorously several times, adding water as needed to maintain a seal and deliver force directly to the clog. After plunging, flush the drain with hot water.
Another option is to use a household drain snake (also known as an auger). This is available at most hardware stores and is designed to be inserted into a pipe without the need for tools. Plug in the motor and position it near the clogged drain. Turn the knob on the top to start the cable spinning. Feed a few feet of the cable down the drain and turn the motor back and forth to help dislodge and clear the clog.
You can also use a wire coat hanger to fish out the clog. Straighten out the hanger, bend one end into a hook, and push it past the drain cover to fish out any hair or gunk. This method is most effective when the clog is located in the first 5cm to 10cm of the pipe.
If these methods don’t work, consider hiring a professional plumber to clear the clog. More serious clogs can cause drain backup and lead to costly damage to your home.
It’s important to learn the basics of plumbing repairs so you can tackle minor issues yourself and save money. These are just a few of the most valuable tips that every homeowner should know. For more information on DIY plumbing, contact Horizon Services, the area’s leading plumbing and drain cleaning company.
Tighten The Clamp
A leaking pipe is a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when it happens after hours. You might not be able to get an emergency plumber out as quickly as you would like, and after-hours calls are almost always more expensive than a regular plumbing appointment. However, if you have the right tools in your toolbox, there are some quick DIY pipe repair tricks that you can try to keep your home water-free until you can schedule a plumber for a permanent fix.
The first step is to shut off your water supply, which is usually a valve in the garage or basement, or by turning off the main water valve located outside of your house. Once the water is shut off, flush all your toilets to drain and relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes.
Next, if you have PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe, you’ll need to remove the damaged section with a hacksaw or tubing cutter. You should also cut out any rust, corrosion, or dried gunk that’s clogging the area around the leak. After removing the damaged section, you can use a PEX crimp tool to replace the faulty connection. You’ll need a special crimping attachment and a PEX test gauge, or go/no-go gauge, which will tell you whether your crimped connection is good or not.
With a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe, you can replace a damaged section with a PVC coupling that you can tighten with two wrenches. Before installing the coupling, you’ll need to cut out the damaged section of the pipe with a saw or tubing cutter, then de-burr the new ends of the pipe with emery cloth or fine-grade sandpaper.
Once you have a new coupling in place, you can simply back hold the compression nut and ferrule with one wrench while tightening it with a second wrench. When you’re finished, turn the water back on, wait a few minutes, and check for any signs of a leak.
You can also make a temporary repair with a hose clamp if you have copper waste pipes with hairline cracks or holes that won’t accept a PVC patch kit. First, clean and dry the leaky section of the pipe thoroughly. Then, wrap a rubber patch with a hose clamp, centering it over the leak. Tighten the clamp evenly to ensure a strong seal.
Check For Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common and potentially damaging home plumbing issues. They waste water, add to your monthly water bill, and can cause mold or mildew growth, structural damage, and compromised foundations. The good news is that they’re also relatively easy to detect and fix. Many leaks are visible, such as puddles or stains on ceilings and walls, while others are more subtle like unexplained increases in your water bill.
To detect a leak, it’s important to regularly inspect the inside and outside of your home for any signs of moisture. It’s also a good idea to check your water meter periodically. Make sure that no one is using any water in your home, then take a reading. Wait an hour and then compare the numbers to your last reading. If the number has increased, then there is a leak in your system.
It’s also a good idea to listen for any unusual sounds, such as hissing or dripping. These could indicate a burst pipe. Feel the back of your cabinets under sinks and in the basement for dampness or discoloration. These are all signs of a hidden leak.
While it’s tempting to attempt a DIY repair, it’s always best to call a professional plumber if you notice any of these signs. The longer you leave these problems untreated, the worse they will get and the more expensive they’ll be to repair. Moreover, you should never try to tighten a pipe that has already sprung a leak. You could worsen the problem by applying excessive pressure and causing the pipe to crack or rupture.
There are many different types of plumbing repairs that you can do on your own, but it’s always best to call a plumber if you suspect any type of major plumbing issue. In addition, you should always be careful not to over-tighten fittings or use the wrong glue when doing a DIY project. By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of plumbing disasters and save money by doing simple repairs on your own.
