Emergency plumbing problems can be a pain, especially if you are a homeowner or if the problem occurs in the middle of the night. To avoid an expensive visit from the plumber, you can use a variety of simple tools or widely available treatments to fix your plumbing problems without an expensive professional. With a bit of knowledge about your plumbing system, you can choose the right plumbing accessories to help you perform basic plumbing repair on your own. Does this Spark an idea?
Combatting Leaks
If you have a very small leak, you can plug it with plumbing epoxy or duct tape as a temporary fix until you can repair or replace the part of the fixture that is leaking. When you are ready to do a full repair job on your plumbing, an important first step is to shut off the water to the affected fixture. Cutting off the water at its source will stop the leak in its tracks and give you a chance to find out where the leak is. To turn off the water, rotate the handle in until the water shuts off. Most shutoff valves rotate clockwise to turn the water off.
If your home was properly plumbed, every fixture should have its own shut-off valve. Whether it is a sink, shower, toilet, tub or washing machine, locate the shut-off valve, usually underneath or near the back of the fixture, before starting any work on it. If you don't shut off the water before working on your fixture, you may make a mistake that leaves your room very wet.
Once the water is cut off from your leaky fixture, inspect the pipes and connections, including the condition of the washers and gaskets and the integrity of the pipes to determine the location of the leak. Using your adjustable wrenches, gently tighten any connections which might be loose, allowing water to escape.
Plumbing Tools
Do-it-yourself plumbing repair requires the same basic tools as a lot of other construction projects. In a pinch, you can use epoxy seal or duct tape to stop small leaks. For more permanent repairs, a hammer, a plunger, a set of wrenches--particularly adjustable wrenches--pliers, screwdrivers and a pipe wrench will go a long way in preparing you to have the right tools available for a basic emergency plumbing job.
Clearing a Clog
When you have a clogged toilet, sink or other nasty wet clogged drain, a simple plunger will be your best friend. Plungers come in different sizes for different types of drains. Choosing the right size plunger for your drain can make it easier to clear the drain, but larger plungers will often work in a pinch on smaller drains.
To get a plunger to work, get a good seal going around the clogged drain. Then start pumping the plunger. You should be able to hear the water sloshing around inside the pipes. If you have a good seal on a clogged drain, the plunger should be somewhat difficult to pull and should not be squirting water back into the toilet or sink when you plunge. Use quick, repeated thrusts to chip away at the clog. If you start getting better drainage, you are on the right track.
If plunging doesn't work, try a gentle chemical treatment for your clogged drain. Harsh chemicals are dangerous for your health and should be a very last resort before calling the plumber. Gentle chemical treatments for clogged drains can be made of simple household chemicals you already have, like baking soda and vinegar.
Tags: clogged drain, your plumbing, duct tape, good seal, plumbing problems, plumbing repair
