6 Plumbing Fixes You Can do by Yourself
From leaky faucets to clogged toilets, plumbing issues are an everyday problem experienced in any typical home and you may not always require a professional plumber to fix even the smallest leak or clog as you can do many plumbing jobs on your own. Depending on how handy with DIY repairs you may be, you can solely carry out many minor plumbing jobs using the appropriate tools along with following laid-down regulations and procedures.
Many of the plumbing jobs you can accomplish all by yourself include repairing simple leaks, unclogging toilets and bathtubs, installations, replacing taps and showerheads among other simple repairs as discussed below.
#1. Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet can easily be fixed depending on the type of faucet. Leaking in the faucet could either originate from either a drip from the spout or a small crack at the base which results in leaking. While fixing a leaky faucet may seem like a straightforward job, it all depends on the type of the faucet. Start by shutting down your home’s central water supply system and find out if the washer is worn out.
#2. Replacing a Showerhead
You really don’t need to call a plumber to replace a damaged showerhead. It is as simple as unscrewing the old showerhead and replacing it with a new one. The tools involved include a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers used for unscrewing. It is crucial to ensure that the showerhead fits tightly to avoid leakages which waste a lot of water.
#3. Fixing a Running Toilet
Running toilets are widespread in homes and usually render the toilets unusable and damage the house floor due to overflowing water. Fixing a running toilet using the hand jiggling method is usually a temporary technique as the toilet will be back to leaking. To fix this problem, start by replacing the valve or the floater valve after you have shut the main water supply. The valve package usually provides well outlined pictorial directions on how you can replace the valve; therefore, it should not be a cause of worry.
#4. Replacing a washing machine hose
A washing machine house should be replaced after every five years to ensure that it does not clog and spring a massive leak while you are away on vacation. To replace it, start by turning off the main water supply and then unplug the washer’s power supply. Finally, disconnect the old hose and connect the new one to the washer and the valve. You may want to test for any leakages by having the water supply back and flowing through the newly installed pipes.
#5. Caulking Bathtubs and Showers
This job involves merely placing caulk to seal bathtubs and shower joints, and you can easily accomplish without much help from a plumber. It is, however, essential to ensure that you use the right type of caulk especially the ones designed for tubs and showers to achieve the best results.
#6. Installing a Gas Cooker
It is crucial to replace your gas cooker especially if you have repaired it too many times. When installing a gas stove, it is recommended to use a new conductor within the recommended range. Next, pull out the range, wrap the pipe threads and attach the connector to the gas line and screw it to the gas line. Make sure to tighten the connector nuts to the two end connector fittings making sure to hold the tube straight against the fitting to avoid gas leakages which can be deadly. However, if you are unsure of yourself, its best that you hire gas cooker fitters to assist you install the gas cooker safely.
Conclusion
Basic plumbing works can easily be undertaken without necessarily having a vast experience in plumbing. However, it is crucial to use only the right equipment for each job and follow the steps procedurally to uphold safety.