As a homeowner, you rely on your plumbing to deliver clean water to your home. Knowing the ins and outs of your plumbing system can save you money in the long run.
There are some simple repairs you can do yourself that don’t require special tools or training. These include clogged drains, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues, etc.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing repairs every homeowner encounters. A clogged drain can lead to many issues, including water backups, leaky pipes, and even damaged septic systems or sewage lines.
Knowing what causes clogs and how to detect them is essential to prevent a clogged drain from becoming a costly emergency. This can be a daunting task, but learning the basics about clogged plumbing helps to narrow down potential problems and avoid disasters in the future.
A clog can develop at any point in your home’s plumbing system, from the P-trap of a sink to the main sewer line that takes waste from your entire house to the sewer or septic systems. Taking the time to learn about clogged drains can be a crucial step toward preventing them from becoming an issue for your home and family.
Leaky Faucets and Pipes
One of the most annoying plumbing repairs is a leaky faucet or pipe. The drips can be a nuisance, leading to costly water bills and damaging your home.
A homeowner can often quickly fix a leaking faucet with some essential tools. However, hiring a professional from a reputable plumbing company to handle more complicated issues is a good idea.
A leaky faucet can be caused by various things, including water pressure changes, worn seals and o-rings, gaskets, corrosion, or mineral deposits.
To fix a leaking faucet, plug the drain and cover it with a rag. Next, remove the handles, packing nut and stem to access the parts that must be repaired.
Water Heater Issues
Running out of hot water is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues a home can experience. This can happen for various reasons, from faulty thermostats to undersized heaters.
If you don’t have enough hot water, try adjusting the temperature dial on your heater until you get more water flowing through the faucets. If that doesn’t help, your tank could be undersized, or the dip tube may be cracked.
If you notice a leak in your water heater, it’s best to call a professional plumber to inspect and do the necessary plumbing repair. Minor leaks can be fixed by tightening screws and pipe connections, but if the damage is severe, it may be time to replace your water heater.
Sewer Line Issues
Your home’s plumbing fixtures, drains, and pipes connect to a single infrastructure – the main sewer line. Over time, a lot can happen to this pipe, eventually leading to major repairs or replacements.
Among the most common plumbing problems are sewer lines that clog, break, or collapse. This can be due to several things, including tree roots and ground settlement.
When a sewer line clogs, it often causes drains to bubble up and emit strange sounds. These sounds are usually air rushing back to the surface.
Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes are an annoying problem that can cause significant water damage to your home. They can also encourage the growth of mold and mildew, which is an unpleasant and potentially costly nuisance.
If you notice a leak in your home, there are a few ways to fix it. One option is to use epoxy putty to seal the leak.
Another is to apply pipe clamps around the leaking section of the pipe. This will stop the leak while you wait for a plumber to come out and repair the leaky area.
However, repairing a leaking pipe can be tricky, so it’s best to call a plumber as soon as possible. A professional can find the root of the problem and repair it in no time.
