Considering the frequency with which many homes and buildings experience plumbing problems, many people attempt to fix the issues themselves. Even if you are especially handy, attempting a complicated repair without a professional can cause more severe damage and it is always a good idea to call a trained plumber. There are, however, some plumbing repairs that you may be able to do without professional training or experience. Following are some DIY plumbing repairs that most people can do themselves.
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing issues. To prevent a drain from clogging in the first place, you should use guards to catch hair in your shower drain and be careful what you try and wash down your kitchen sink.
If your drain is already clogged, however, there are things you can try before calling in a professional. If the debris is not too deep in the drain, you may be able to use a sink plunger to clear the clog. You can also try snaking the drain with an auger. Avoid using conventional drain cleaning substances, as most of them contain harsh chemicals that can harm your plumbing system. If the clog is severe and neither a plunger nor an auger can remedy the situation, consider calling in a professional.
Leaking Faucet
Leaky faucets are another extremely common plumbing problem. The method for fixing them depends largely on the type of faucet that you have. If your only issue is a slow drip, you may be able to solve the problem by replacing a washer in the faucet. There are many instructional videos online that can take you through the steps of fixing your faucet.
Running Toilet
Many people claim that juggling the handle of your toilet will stop it from running. However, this is only a temporary fix. The root of a running toilet problem is often a faulty stop valve or floater switch. Consider replacing the entire system in the tank. Similar to a leaking faucet, there are many videos online that can help you.
Installing a Faucet
Though installing a faucet is more difficult than some other DIY plumbing repairs, it is manageable if you have instructions, which come with the new faucet when you buy it. Be sure to take your time with the process and keep track of each part so that you do not lose something important, and don’t hesitate to call the professionals if you find the problem too big too tackle.
Sources:
http://www.wisebread.com/10-easy-plumbing-repairs-that-dont-require-a-plumber