Plumbing is a skill that every DIY enthusiast should have, because certain plumbing issues can be fixed on our own and others require expert assistance. These plumbing issues can sometimes appear when you least expect them. Even if it’s a major plumbing issue, there are things you can do to help solve the problem before calling for help. So, what plumbing advice do you need to keep in mind?
Do your home plumbing the right way
Easily solve any basic plumbing issue by knowing what to do. Follow these tips and know the steps to solving basic plumbing woes so you won’t need to call for help and pay for their service. Wouldn’t it be fulfilling to know the ins and outs of the system in your house? Here are some basic tips and instructions for common issues.
1. How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Save water and stop leakages in your home by knowing how to fix leaky faucets. It’s not as hard as you think. Here’s a quick tip: start with the handles. Sometimes, loose handles can cause leaky faucets. Simply tighten the area around the handles to get rid of the leak. This is one of the best plumbing tips around.
2. Fix a Clogged Sink or Tub Drain
You don’t need a drain cleaner to get rid of a clogged drain or sink. There’s an easy way to solve this type of issue. Get a plunger. Secure the drain/sink area with its suction and start plunging. This helps loosen the debris and get water trapped inside the pipes circulating again.
3. Replace Metal Drain Lines with Plastic
While metal pipes are stronger, I prefer plastic pipes. Plastic pipes are cheaper and they are easier to install too. A plastic pipe makes it easy to detect and troubleshoot leaks and other piping problems.
4. Remove the faucet this way
Don’t know how to remove a faucet? Do it just like how the plumbers do. This will require you to crawl under the sink, so get ready to get down and dirty. First, shut off all the valves to cut off the water supply to the faucet. Look for the retaining nuts that secures the faucet and remove them. Next, pull the faucet underneath the sink and through the mounting holes. It’s that easy.
5. Know what a Pop-up Drain Stopper is
The mechanical devices that use a system of links and levers to move a drain stoppers up and down is called a pop-up. This actually helps seal the toilet bowls and sinks.
6. Fix a Clog in Seconds
A clogged sink is problematic, but you can solve it easily with this nifty trick. Grab a thin wire and make a hook at the end of it. Drop it down the drain and simply pull. This helps you get rid of hair, paper, and other solid objects that get stuck down a drain. If the drain is big enough, you can use a wet/dry shop vac to get rid of clogs.
7. Know the difference between PVC and CPVC
Yes, they are different and not just because the other name has one more letter in it. CPVC pipes are a lot tougher and more durable than PVC pipes.
8. Don’t Overtighten Supply Lines
It’s actually risky to overtighten, compared to undertightening, your supply lines because it can destroy your rubber seals.