Knowhow-Now Article

What You Need To Have On Hand To Make Minor Plumbing Repairs In Your Home

Plumbing repairs are not to difficult when it comes to the most common issues such as drips, running toilets or slight pipe leaks from the drain pipe joints. The key is to ensure that you have the proper tools and parts necessary to tackle these jobs in an efficient manner. This article will point out those that you need to have on hand in case of small plumbing emergencies which can be repaired in only a few short minutes from the time you are able to turn off the water to the problem area.

Tip: If your water pipe has frozen, start water running in the faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will give excess water somewhere to drain as the ice in the pipe thaws.

Obviously we need to have some parts on hand for emergency repairs as it is easier to have them sitting in the junk drawer than having to turn off water and run to your favorite store only to discover they are out of the parts you need. It is a good idea to simply pick up two packs of assorted washers and rings. These are under 3 dollars each and you need to ensure you have enough of the particular washers required on hand which is why two packs are suggested.

Tip: Pump your septic tank about once every five years, to make sure it is working well. Having it cleaned out prevents the sediment from accumulating in the septic tank and creating a sewage backup in your house or triggering the meltdown of the entire septic system.

In most cases, a flapper is required for running toilets and in other cases the tower valve that fills the tank is the issue. While flappers are a great piece to have lying around, it is recommended to simply have a full flush repair kit on hand. A cheaper old school system will be less than 10 dollars while a low flow will cost a bit more. This is ideal as the internal pieces should be replaced at once just to save from future issues. If the flapper has gone bad due to rot or damage from hard water, you can be assured in knowing that the other components are also suffering from the same problem. It is just easier to replace all of the working parts in the tank at once.

Tip: Don't pay a plumber midway through the job. You may need to pay some money in the beginning, though you should not pay the full cost until you can be certain that the job was done correctly.

Fix it manuals for plumbing, while not necessary for those mechanically inclined, are highly recommended. These manuals are a comprehensive how to on all aspects of plumbing repair, including some that should be left to a professional. These will cover leaks, fixture replacement and pipe cleaning among others that you should be educated on. You do not need to be sweating in new piping or replacing water tanks in your first or second endeavors so keep the big jobs for a professional who will be responsible for any installation issues.

Tip: If your toilet happens to be clogged, and the plunger is not working, you can pour a bucket of hot water down the toilet, but be sure to pour it from a height that is waist level or above so you do not flood the bathroom. You can repeat this procedure once the water returns to a low level.

Pipe wrenches are a must and a full set is recommended. There are tool stores and flea markets that have these at great prices and are of a quality that will get the job done for a nice price. This is mentioned as many will buy a high dollar item only to realize they are not doing the work that would require a high end pipe wrench. In most cases, you will be dealing with PVC or flex line and simply want a big wrench to give you proper leverage.

Ensuring that you have these items in stock will guarantee that you are prepared for any plumbing emergencies that occur on a regular basis in the home. The repairs themselves, as mentioned, are not difficult and the right tools will only make the repair that much easier to complete.

Comments
Order by: 
Per page:
 
  • There are no comments yet
   Comment Record a video comment
 
 
 
     
Related Articles
“Home sweet home.” Does that describe how you feel about the house or apartment in which you live? Or is your current housing situation simply a place you dwell out of necessity; a place to store your clothes, bathe, eat meals and lay your head at night? If the...
30.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Homeowners never have to dig deep into their pockets to improve the value of their house. They can make significant improvements on an affordable budget, it just takes a bit of skill and decision-making in deciding which projects are the most equitable to the value of...
30.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Chandeliers typically bring to mind images of wealth and grandeur. Once reserved for high-end homes, these traditional light fixtures have recently gotten a modern makeover. Mini-chandeliers, a current trend in the decorating industry, capture the grace and elegance...
29.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
The exterior of your home says a lot about your personal style. Whether the architecture of your house is modern and minimal or detailed and extravagant, choosing the right paint colors can accentuate key details while at the same time creating a beautiful backdrop...
28.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Home improvement projects always start out fun and with a great vision of what will come. Perhaps there is a new child on the way and the parents want to add an extra room to their house or expand then nursery. (...)
27.05.2014 · From TheAuthor
Ads
Article Info
339 Views
0 Subscribers
All Articles by TheAuthor
Sharing Is Good!
Rate
0 votes