Simple Solutions For Your Plumbing Problems
When you need to renovate your plumbing system, you may have to call in a plumber. When you have a common issue with your current system, it is likely that you can fix it yourself. Follow this article to find out a variety of easy answers to the most commonplace problems homeowners face and how you can fix them in a jiffy.
When your pipes aren't adequately insulated, they may freeze over the winter. This is especially true if you go away for a while and they sit with water inside them. Thankfully, as long as they haven't burst yet, you can remedy the problem. All you need is a hair dryer and some patience. Plug it in and then turn it up on high and aim it at the pipes. In no time you should find that the exterior warms enough that the ice can pass through and your water begins to flow again. You should then insulate the pipe to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Fixing a leaky faucet begins with determining which type of faucet it is. If it has two handles, it is compression. If it has a single arm, it could be one of three other types: if it has a ball at the base of the arm, its a ball faucet; cartridge means cartridge faucet; and ceramic cylinder means its a ceramic-disk faucet. Now that you know what it is, turn off your water to the sink. Now, plug the drain. For a compression faucet, take off the handles, remove the nut, remove the O-ring and then take off the faulty seat washer. It is likely best to replace both the seat washer and O-ring to be sure you fix the problem. For a ball faucet, you will need a replacement kit which is available at any big box home store. For a cartridge faucet, take off the handle and retaining clip. Pop out the cartridge and O-rings, then replace them all. Lastly, for a ceramic-disk faucet, take off the handle and escutcheon cap. Now remove the cylinder and clean it, then remove the neoprene seals. Replace the seals and the cylinder.
If it's time to replace your tub faucet, the job is super simple. First, pop off your current faucet. Next, remove the nipple. Wrap thread tape around the new nipple and screw it onto the fitting in the wall. Seal it with silicone caulk to ensure it's water tight. Screw on your new spout and you're good to go!
To unclog a drain, create a snake out of old coaxial cable. Pop off the screw end and pull out each individual wire. Splay them out like a star and ensure they're long enough to catch whatever is down your sink. Slowly rotate the cable down the drain until you hit the block, then push a bit to get the wires into it. Slowly pull back and the clog should come with it.
It isn't hard to fix your common plumbing problems, especially after reading this article. Start fixing your own issues today to save money and time. You'll be so proud of yourself after you complete your project!
