It’s common to have some plumbing problems at home from time to time. Luckily, there are some DIY plumbing repairs you can try out before calling a local emergency plumber like Fast Plumbers.
In case these repair options fail to resolve the issue, or you don’t have the confidence to apply these DIY ideas, then contact a local emergency plumber for professional assistance.
Problem #1: Clogged Kitchen Drain
Every kitchen requires a fully-functional kitchen drain. Its role is to drain wastewater from the dishwasher and kitchen sink. It also drains churned food items from the kitchen garbage disposal.
However, items that are larger in size than food scraps can clog the drainpipe since they may be too huge for it. You can unblock a clogged kitchen drain by following these tips:
Step 1: First, remove the drain strainer. Take a plunger and place it over the sink drain opening. Next, open the sink faucet and allow the water level in the sink to go above the plunger cup. Plunger the sink repeatedly until the water drains smoothly.
Step 2: In case the plunger fails to unclog the drain, then try a drain snake.
Step 3: In case the drain snake also fails to unclog the drain, then it means the drain clog is more stubborn and lodged deep in the drain. In this case, call your local plumber as soon as possible before wastewater backs up to the sink and ends up flooding your kitchen floor.
Problem #2: Leaking Faucets
A leaking kitchen or bathroom faucet is another common plumbing issue at home. Different faucets have their own different ways of repairing them.
For instance, a ball or cartridge faucet comes with a single lever for cold and hot water. On the other hand, the compression type of faucet comes with two levers. The levers rise up upon turning the faucet on.
The reverse compression type of faucet comes with a handle puller that goes downwards upon turning on the water. When repairing a leaking ball or cartridge faucet, you’ll first turn off its water supply. Then remove the handle using an Allen type wrench.
Problem #3: Lacking Hot Water
The water heating system usually has a hot water tank that gets water through an inlet. It heats the cold water using electricity or gas and outputs hot water.
The hot water is usually kept at the set temperature. In case you fail to get hot water, then the water heater may be having a problem. Be extra cautious when examining and repairing your water heater.
Faulty relief valves and thermostat can allow the internal pressure and heat to rise. When the pressure rises beyond safe levels, the hot water tank may explode. Here’s how to examine the hot water system:
Step 1: Check whether only one or all faucets are lacking hot water. If only one faucet is affected, then it might be linked to a broken pipe. If all faucets are affected, then the problem is with the water heater.
Step 2: Next, touch the heater carefully. In case it’s hot, then it’s an indicator that it’s functioning. In this case, check whether the pilot lights for the gas heater are lit. In case they’re off, follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to light the pilot lights.
If you’re using an electric water heater, check whether the fuse or circuit breaker is working. Replace any damaged fuse or circuit breaker.
Problem #4: Clogged Toilet
If your toilet clogs, then you need to have it repaired soonest possible. A clogged toilet should be treated as a plumbing emergency.
You should always avoid flushing items other than toilet paper and human waste. Flushing foreign items can clog the toilet. Here’s how to unblock a clogged toilet:
Step 1: In case the toilet bowl is almost overflowing, don’t attempt to flush it again. First, empty its contents up to halfway. In case the toilet bowl is totally empty, then add some water until it’s halfway full.
Step 2: Next, take a plunger and work it on the toilet drain. Work the plunger until the water starts draining smoothly.
Step 3: In case the plunger fails to unblock the toilet despite numerous plunging, then try to use a plumber’s snake (auger). Simply push the auger through the drain. Once it hits an obstacle, rotate it to get rid of the blockage by breaking it up.
Step 4: In case the snake is also ineffective, then the clog might be sitting deep within the drain and may require removal by a professional plumber.
Tip: Avoid health hazards by using the right tool for every job. For instance, only use the kitchen plunger when unblocking your kitchen sink and only use the toilet plunger to unblock your toilet.
Kitchen plungers resemble a ball that is cut into a half. Toilet plungers resemble a somewhat distorted ball and have a hole at the bottom.