3 DIY Plumbing Tips
A plumbing problem can happen at any time, so it is important to make sure you are prepared to make temporary fixes until a professional plumber can come and solve the problem. Here are some common life-saving fixes you can complete before your superhero in overalls and holding a wrench can truly save the day.
1. Toilet That Isn’t Flushing
Everyone has been there, and everyone dreads the moment. When you click the flusher on your toilet, and nothing happens, except the “Oh no what am I going to do” panic setting in. Take a deep breath, center yourself, and follow these simple steps to alleviate one of the most common flushing problems.
One reason why your toilet might not be flushing is because the flapper isn’t working properly. The flapper’s purpose is to regulate the water level of the toilet. If the flapper isn’t functioning properly, open the top lid of the toilet and examine the flapper. In some cases, you can DIY and adjust the flapper, so it is properly sealed over the hole. Sometimes, the flapper might appear to be warped or misshapen. If this is the case, it is time to call the plumber to get your toilet in working order.
2. A Leaking Faucet
Drip, drip, drip. We all know what this means. Somewhere, somehow, water is dribbling out of a faucet, one expensive drip at a time. Not only do you have to deal with the incessant noise, but you also have to remain calm when you see your high water bills.
The most common cause of a leaking faucet is that the seat washer needs to be replaced. To make this fix, you have to get into the faucet. To get into the faucet, first, unscrew the cap at the base of your faucet. Inside, you will find a few different caps and rings. Remove all of them, and then replace the remaining piece, the seat washer. After you have inserted the new part, close the faucet and slowly turn the water back on. If it continues to leak after you have replaced the seat washer, then it may be time for a professional to take a look.
3. Low Water Pressure
Nobody wants to shampoo his or her hair for what feels like an eternity, but with low water pressure, that’s exactly what one gets. One way you, as a homeowner, can try and alleviate this problem is by double checking that all the water valves are open. This will provide a quick solution if some are closed or only partially open. If you’ve checked all of the valves in your home, then it could be an issue with the city’s water supply. Call your city to figure out if the issue is only with your home, or other homes as well.
If the problem seems specific to only your home, you should call a plumber to check your pipes. They could also install a system that is designed to enhance the water pressure in your home if you want to fix this common household problem.