Plumbing - Avoiding a Professional

Plumbing is one of those areas of home maintenance that we tend to take for granted until something goes wrong. Flushing the toilet, turning on the tap to brush our teeth or wash the dishes, taking a shower, and watering the garden are all activities that we don’t think twice about. Until the toilet won’t stop running, the faucet leaks, the shower drain gets clogged or the sprinkler doesn’t work. This article will cover three common areas of home plumbing concerns: drain repair, sealing a leaky faucet, and general installation tips.

A simple drain blockage can quickly turn into one of the worst nightmares of a home plumbing system. Whether or not you choose to consult a professional, there are a few things to keep in mind when examining and repairing a drain. First, check the pipe system for the fault area. This could be something as simple as a loose P trap screw. Broken components and cracked seals are other common problems. Confirm your diagnosis and stop the water supply. Once the water has been shut off, inspect the rest of the pipes for potential problems. Lastly, determine the solution and install replacement parts. A single component may be to blame or you may have to replace several areas of the system. Tighten all nuts and add joint compound if needed. Turn the water supply back on with low pressure and check for further leaks or problems.

Leaky faucets are another common home plumbing issue that can easily be resolved without the assistance of a professional. Whether the dripping is getting on your nerves or running up high water bills, a little patience can go a long way. Common causes of leaking faucets that are easy to check for include loose nuts and worn out washers. Remove the decorative faucet handle to tighten a loose nut and replace inexpensive washers in minutes. If the problem is more in-depth, ensure the water supply is shut off before proceeding. Take any old hardware with you to the store to ensure you purchase the right size and shape. Perform a leak test before putting everything back together and add a little petroleum lubrication to keep the faucet handle feeling like new.

Lastly, there are a few easy tips that will help plumbing installation. Ensure pipes are strapped correctly with a 4-inch space between them and adequate room away from wood or heat sources. Limit the use of glue to prevent dissolving of the pipe or joint. If glue is necessary, be sure to choose the correct glue for the type of pipe and job. Incorrect glue can lead to pipe blockage. Installation of quality copper or brass adapters for threaded connectors will go a long way to saving money and time in the future. Bath and shower valves should be secure enough not to wiggle when used. CPVC piping is the most common and recommended material for home plumbing. However, CPVC valves are prone to leaks. Consider brass instead. Lastly, it is important to look at all of the products used in the home plumbing project and ensure each component is compatible.