By learning some DIY plumbing tips, you would be able to fix most minor plumbing problems around your home without necessarily involving a professional plumber. With that in mind, here are some DIY plumbing basics every homeowner should know:
Fixing A Running Toilet
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Some of the common causes of a running toilet include high water level and worn out tank flapper. To adjust the high water level is easy, simply turn the adjustment screw and flush the toilet to check if the problem is resolved. You may need to repeat this procedure several times until you solve the problem. To replace tank flapper, turn off water valve below toilet and flush toilet to drain water in tank. Remove the worn out flapper by detaching it from the flapper chain and install a new one. Turn on water and flush the toilet to make sure the problem is resolved.
Dealing with Drippy Faucet
An effective way of repairing a dripping faucet is replacing its washer with a new one. To do this, start by removing faucet handle cap and use socket wrench to remove valve from faucet. This gives you access to faucet washer, which you should remove and replace with a new one. Screw everything back on and check the new faucet for signs of new leaks.
Turning Off Water Mains
When dealing with a major water leak, the first thing you need to do is to turn off the valve located near your home’s water meter. At this point, it is worth noting that some utility companies bury water meters underground, so you may have to do some digging. Alternatively, you can turn off the secondary valve if your home has one. In cases where it is impossible to locate mains water meter, contact relevant local utility company and ask for help.
Fixing Leaky Piping
Fixing leaky piping depends on the severity of the problem at hand. To start with, find source of leak and turn off mains water supply. If the leak is minor, dry the point where the pipe is leaking, apply epoxy putty around pipe, and then let it dry. What’s more, remember to check for leaks after turning on the water. You can also use a pipe repair clamp for same purpose. Place it around point where pipe has developed leak and tighten screws to ensure rubber gasket prevents further leakage.
Turning Off the Water Heater
If you have to repair or diagnose a faulty water, it is wise to switch off it energy source first (electricity or gas). This is to avoid nasty incidents like electrocution or triggering a gas explosion. In most homes, this is quite easy: just flip the circuit breaker to “Off” position if you use electricity or turn gas supply knob off. In addition, remember to turn off water supply to your water heater.
Conclusion
Some minor home plumbing problems do not require the expertise of a professional plumber. Some of the plumbing problems that you should be able to fix easily include turning off the water mains, turning off the water heater, and fixing leaky pipes.
For any questions on your plumbing system or any of your other pluming needs, Robinson Plumbing is a local, family owned company that services Lehigh Valley, PA. We offer both residential and commercial plumbing services. Our quality service is fast, clean, and available 24/7.