Plumbing For The Home Owner: What To Know To Complete Most Repairs On Your Own
Most people do not realize that many plumbing repairs can be completed on their own in a short amount of time with little effort. This article will point out a few repairs that can be made and a brief description on how to do so. These are the most common issues and they are simple to fix. By following the suggestions offered here, you can bypass the need for an expensive plumber to come in and save quite a bit of money now and in the future. Continue reading to learn how to make most of the common repairs yourself.
Replacing the flapper valve when the toilet keeps running is not difficult at all if that is the problem. Look to see that the ball is not too high first and the water isn't running into the overflow tube. If it is, simply adjust the screw to lower the ball level to keep the water from running. If it is the flapper, make sure the excess chain is not keeping it from seating properly. Make sure the flapper is not sitting off center from the drain. This is corrected by twisting the flapper slightly until it seats properly. If the flapper is bad, you simply need to pull it off the two tabs and slide it off the tube. Installation is the reverse and once you hook the chain back up, the job is done.
Snaking a drain is not too difficult and while a coat hanger can do the job, a plumbing snake is suggested for length and it will reduce the risk of damage to pipes. You can pick up a hand held snake for under 20 dollars that winds in and out of a case/. This will help push through any debris that may be clogging the drain. You simply remove the water stop and start working the snake down the pipe. Work it back and forth once you feel any obstructions, pushing a little further and backing it up each time. Before long the debris will break through and follow on through the pipe, meaning the clog is now gone.
Dripping faucets are usually caused by a worn washer and o-ring. These are easily replaced by turning off the water to the sink. Next remove the handle and with a wrench, unscrew the faucet stem from the fixture. The washer or ring is located on the bottom and replacements are around 2 dollars for a package of several. Replace the washer or o-ring, tighten the stem back in the fixture and re-install the handle. Once the water is turned on, you will see that the drip is most likely gone.
Water thermostats are easily adjusted by removing the small covers on your water heater. If this does not solve any hot water issues, you need to replace the elements. Under those same covers, you will notice what looks to be a large hex head, like the top of a bolt. There is one under each cover and these are the elements. Drain the tank and turn off the power to the heater. Remove these and take them to a hardware store for replacement. Re-install the new ones, refill the tank and give it time to heat up. When you check the water, you will notice a significant difference.
These tips will allow you to fix a few of the issues that occur with our plumbing. They are not difficult to repair and with a little patience as it is your first time, you will be making repairs that in the past cost you a lot of money and grief.
