Practical DIY Plumbing Tips For Homeowners
When plumbing disaster occurs it is always safe to call an expert to perform repair works to be sure everything is taken care of. There are times, however, that a qualified tradesman may not always be readily available leaving you with no choice than to put the situation on hold. Luckily, there is no need to watch precious water leaking, dripping, or flooding your home because with the help of some DIY plumbing tips you can tackle minor repairs or installations that can save you lots of time and money.
Homeowners can undertake many simple plumbing projects. In truth, there are helpful DIY plumbing tips that can teach one to fix things without having to pay prohibitive plumber’s fee. Make sure to have the right tools and materials on hand before embarking on any plumbing task to finish it smoothly.
Common Plumbing Projects at Home
The plumbing system in the house is a network of simple pipeline made up of the water supply and the drain system. With the use of some basic tools and supplies, homeowners can be able to deal with some plumbing issues that are typically experienced by the household, namely:
• Replacement of water filter for drinking water
• Clearing of clogged toilet using a plunger or running a snake through it
• Clearing jambs in the garbage disposal
• Replacement of interior components of the toilet water tank
• Changing of faucet aerators
• Setting water temperature of the hot water unit
Maintaining Toilets
Leaks and drips are the usual complaints about toilet faucets. If not repaired immediately, the household ends up paying high water bill for water not consumed wisely. To prevent this, make sure to have an annual inspection of faucets and other water outlets to look for possible leaks. One way of finding out is to add a small dose of red food coloring to the toilet’s water tank. If the water in the toilet bowl turns red then it is an indication of seepage and letting you know that it is time to replace the tank ball.
Dealing with Faucets and Sinks
Small drips may seem harmless, but when allowed to continue can mean wasting thousands of gallons of water. Imagine having to pay for 150 gallons a day without even benefiting from it. Leaks and drips are not always visible in exposed surfaces. Unknown to homeowners, there may be a number of leaks behind, under, or over some hidden parts of the house. Be concerned when water stains appear in the wall, ceiling or under the sink because these are clear signs of water seeping from unseen leaks. Always repair defective faucets immediately to avoid further damages. Clean or replace the faucet aerators to enable water to flow smoothly.
Taking Care of Your Water Heater
Read the water heater’s manual before attempting to tinker with it. Make sure to turn off the power for the regular maintenance of the unit. Drain water from the tank to prevent the build-up of sediment and mineral deposits at the bottom, which are mainly the deterrent factors for the efficient performance of the unit. Regularly inspect the water heater burner, paying attention to the color of the flame, which normally appears blue with yellow tips. A yellow or sooty appearance is a dangerous sign that must be immediately referred to a professional plumber.
Preventing Clogs
Place a fitting strainer to cover all tubs, shower, and sinks to filter debris and other particles such as hair, soap residue, or food pieces from entering the drain system. Avoid throwing in grease, fats or cooking oil as well as “add-only water” instant food items down the kitchen sink. In time, these are bound to harden along the pipelines and can create clogs. If there is the need to remove clogs, do not use caustic liquid drain openers. Instead, use a plunger or snake for draining. Do not use cleaning solutions that can corrode the pipes.
Water is a necessity in life. Nevertheless, it can also be man’s greatest nemesis when allowed to go beyond our control. The same is true in the home front where water is both useful and dangerous. If you want water to be an ally, consider these DIY plumbing tips to stave off potential damage this liquid can potently cause you.
