Handy Beginner DIY Plumbing Tasks for Around the House.
October 14, 2020
Handy Beginner DIY Plumbing Tasks for Around the House.
Maintaining the plumbing in a house can be a bit tricky. There are a seemingly endless amount of ways that pipes can become blocked,leaks can manifest,damage can occur. Luckily, many home maintenance tasks don’t require the help of a professional--if you have a bit of knowhow.
Here are a few common plumbing tasks around the home that a handy DIY beginner can figure out how to fix.
- Fix a Leaky Tap.
Leaky taps can be absolutely mind numbing. The slow dripping can be enough to drive anyone mad! Luckily fixing a leaky tap can often be a very simple process. Generally, all that needs to be done is to replace the washer and/or the rubber mixer.
To do this, simply cut off the water to the tap, and go about removing the tap itself. This will require you to unscrew the tiny screw that is located on the back of the tap or underneath the hot/cold water knobs. Replace the tap with another tap from the house to see if the leaking stops. If it doesn’t, then replace the sealing washer. You can find these online for very cheap, or at your local hardware store.
- Clean your Sink-Trap.
Underneath your sink is a J-shaped bend in the piping. That is known as the ‘sink-trap’. This little area often gets clogged with gunk over time. Luckily, it’s very simple to clean! Remember to cut off all water to the sink, and get started!
You will begin by unscrewing the slip-joint nuts from the sink-trap on the outside. This can be done by hand in almost all cases. Once you are able to remove the pipe, you will see a soft little ring known as the O-ring. Keep this side and safe from damage!
Finish up by tapping and spraying out any gunk that has collected in the J-pipe, and return it to its place by putting the O-ring back and screwing the slip-joint nuts back into place. There you have it! A cleaned sink-trap!
- Unclog a Drain.
Clogged drains make themselves known very quickly. This can be evident by showers backing up and filling into baths… Yikes!
The simplest way to clean this is with a solution of bicarbonate and vinegar. Pour the bicarbonate down the drain, and follow it up with a bit of vinegar. This will help to dislodge gunk and hair pockets and send them on their way! Do this regularly for best results.
If this doesn’t work, you can also take a metal coat hanger, unfolded, and slide it down the drain to help remove hair or gunk pockets as well. Works like a charm!
- Final Thoughts.
Not all plumbing work should be handled by a beginner. However, some minor plumbing issues are easily fixed by anyone who has a can-do attitude and a bit of elbow grease to spear.
If you are struggling with minor plumbing issues in your home, and don’t feel capable of fixing them on your own, contact our team at Flow Sure Drains. We are more than capable and willing to help keep your home plumbing running efficiently at all times!
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