There may be some plumbing issues in your home that don’t require you to call a plumber.
These minor issues can usually be fixed easily with tools you can find in your house.
Given below are some plumbing repairs which any homeowner can do.
1. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is an annoying problem but the good thing is that most cases of low water pressure can be easily fixed.
- If the water coming from faucets has lower pressure compared to normal, the majority of the time it is due to a clogged or dirty aerator. Before you freak out and start thinking that you might have to replace your faucet, check the aerator. It is a mesh piece which is located inside the faucet. Clean out the aerator using a toothbrush to get rid of the debris stuck in between the tiny holes.
- If you are experiencing low water pressure in the shower, cleaning out your shower head might solve the problem. Your shower head can get clogged with calcium and mineral deposits over time so clean it with some vinegar and warm water.
2. Removing The P-Trap
The curved pipe under your sink which connects to two other pipes is called the P-trap. You might have to remove the P-trap in case you drop something in the sink and have to retrieve it or you experience a clog.
- Place a bowl under the pipe to catch run-off residue.
- Using pliers, loosen the nuts and bolts which secure the trap by twisting them counterclockwise. The trap should come off easily.
- If there is a clog, clean it out thoroughly using a coat hanger or a bottle brush. On the other hand if you have dropped something in the sink, you will find it in the trap.
- Reattach the clean P-trap and secure the bolts in place.
3. Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common occurrence which can be prevented by taking proper precautionary measures. But if you do experience a clogged drain, don’t panic just yet.
- If there is standing water in the sink, take a plunger and place it over the drain and create a tight seal. Plunge vigorously for a few times to dislodge the clog. This method usually works for small clogs.
- Take a cup of boiling water and pour it down the drain. You might have to repeat it a few times. You can also mix baking soda and vinegar and pour it down the drain followed by hot water to loosen the clog.
If none of these methods work, there might be a big clog which needs to be checked by a professional. In this case, you should call a plumber to perform any plumbing repairs if necessary.
4. Overflowing Toilet
If your toilet is clogged, water can overflow from it and this needs to be fixed quickly.
If you experience this, remove the lid of the toilet tank and raise up the bar which has a floating balloon on it. Once you do this, the water should stop flowing from the tank.
If the toilet bowl doesn’t unclog and rain, then turn off the water at the base of the toilet. You can use a plunger to unclog the toilet.
5. Clogged Garbage Disposal
If you put items which are not supposed to be put in the garbage disposal, your disposal might get clogged or jammed.
This can also happen if you fail to follow the proper sequence of operating the disposal.
This can usually be fixed with a hex key or Allen wrench. You will find an opening for the hex key at the bottom of the disposal and turning the key in both directions will free the motor.
6. Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets can be the result of worn out parts in the faucet like the O-ring, valve or washer.
If you experience drips, unscrew the handle and the tap. Check the different parts for any sign of wear and tear.
If you come across parts which have worn out, replace them with new ones. This should solve the issue of dripping in most cases.
Conclusion
While most of the above problems can be easily fixed, there might be cases where there is a deeper problem within the plumbing system. In this case you should always call a plumber since it will require professional inspection.
