You might think you should always leave the plumbing to the pros, but we’re here to tell you that some of the easiest plumbing fixes are things you can do yourself.
Outline:
Here are five of the easiest plumbing fixes that professional plumbers vouch you can fix yourself at home.
- Toilet Flush
If your toilet flush doesn’t work, open the water cistern to check if the float is stuck. If so, pull it up and down a few times to reset the mechanism and see if this fixes the problem. You can also try adjusting the float level by turning the knob beneath your toilet cistern. If that doesn’t work, try adjusting the chain that connects the handle to the flush mechanism. If it’s too long or short, it will cause flushing problems.
Moreover, don’t forget to check for leaks in or around your toilet bowl. If you see water spill out from beneath your toilet, there may be a leak in the supply line or other parts of your plumbing system. If so, contact a plumber to check if you’re dealing with a slab leak or a less serious problem.
- Clogged Toilet
You can usually unclog your toilet without calling in a professional by pouring baking soda down the drain. Next, pour in the vinegar and wait for a few minutes until it foams up. Then flush the toilet to see if it works!
If it’s really bad, you’ll probably need a plumber’s snake, also called a drain auger. The snake is a long, flexible wire with a rotating head that can be inserted into your toilet to clear debris from the pipes. You can usually find a hand-held plumber’s snake at your local hardware store for around $15 to $100, depending on the brand and specifications.
- Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is a common problem . A leaky faucet is actually very easy to fix. The first thing that you need to do is to check where the leak is coming from.
If the water leaks out at the joint connecting your faucet to your water supply, try to tighten the connection using your hands. These leaks are often caused by loose pipe connections, a broken washer, or improperly installed plumbing joints. If that doesn’t work, use pliers to turn the connections tighter until they stop leaking. Wrapping the threads of the faucet with a plumber’s tape can also help seal the connection.
If the water leak comes from the faucet itself, try tightening the valve that controls water flow. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace your faucet entirely.
- Leaky Shower Head
If your shower head is leaking, there are several things you can do to repair it. You could try tightening up the screws or bolts that hold it in place and make sure they’re properly tightened before putting water pressure back on. You could also use a plumber’s tape to seal around any joints where water might leak out.
If you have a double-headed showerhead, you can also try taking off the top part of the showerhead and screwing it back on tighter. Another option is to replace your old showerhead with a new one. To make things easier, you can bring your old shower head to the hardware store to get the right size and model of shower head that will fit your shower.
- Clogged Sink Drain
You can try clearing the clogged drain by removing the stopper and putting a plunger over the drain. Then, push down on it and pull up quickly to create suction. Check to see if there are any hairballs or other items stuck in your pipes, then use a snake or plumber’s auger to remove them.
If you don’t have a snake or plumber’s auger, you can use a coat hanger. Bend the hanger into an “S” shape and push it through the drain until you feel resistance. Then turn it to break up any clogs in your pipes.
When to Call the Professional Plumbers
For minor problems, DIY plumbing and pipe repair can be a good idea. However, you should always call a professional plumber if any of the following issues arise:
- Your toilet is overflowing;
- You have a broken or burst pipe;
- Your water pressure has dropped significantly;
- Your clogged drains aren’t clearing;
- You have standing water in your basement or crawl space.
- Water coming out of your faucet is discolored;
- You notice bubbling or hissing sounds coming from your pipes;
- Any other issue that you’re not confident dealing with by yourself;
In addition, it is wise to have your plumbing system inspected by a professional plumber regularly, even when no problems are apparent. By doing so, you will be able to catch any potential problems before they become big, expensive issues. It’s also important to have your pipes checked for corrosion and leaks when moving into a new home or installing new appliances.
Plumbers in Waco, Texas
If you live in Central Texas and are looking for plumbers in Waco, Texas, or nearby areas, call us at Smelscer Plumbing. We have been providing plumbing services to Waco, Texas, and surrounding communities for many years.
We are a locally-owned company, so residents in Waco can feel confident that we can be there for them anytime they need us. We are also very much committed to serving all our customers with the highest quality service possible while delivering great customer service.
We are experts in all areas of residential and commercial plumbing, including slab leak repair and trenchless sewer repair. We also install, repair, replace and maintain water heaters, and offer 24/7 emergency service for your urgent plumbing needs. To get your free cost estimate or to talk with one of our experts, please call 254-749-7955. We look forward to serving you.
