While electrical work around the home should be left to the expert, there are certain simple plumbing jobs that you can take care of yourself in an emergency. In this article, we look at what those emergencies might be and 7 tools you will need to fix the problem, at least in the short term.
Plumbing Problems You Can Fix Yourself
There are lots of little problems that can arise in your home plumbing system. While some of these should be left to a qualified plumber, there are also some you can attend to yourself including:
Dripping Faucet - A dripping tap is not only an annoyance, it can add a big chunk to your water bill. If not taken care of, it could mean hundreds of extra dollars a year and the unnecessary waste of a precious natural resource. The most common cause of a dripping tap is a leaking washer which can be replaced easily if you have the right tools.Running Toilet - This equates to a leaking faucet on a larger scale. It can result in a big jump in your water bill. The most common causes are a leaking seal, a leaking fill valve, or the length of the flapper chain. An easy way to detect a leak is to add food colouring to the cistern and see whether it finds its way down to the bowl.Clogged Drain - Blockages can occur throughout the home including the kitchen sink (usually caused by grease and food scraps), the shower (commonly build-up of hair, skin, and soap suds), and the toilet (too much toilet paper, materials that shouldn’t be flushed). A plunger can often fix all of these clogs, but if stubborn blockages occur, the use of a drain cleaner or a drain snake may need to be employed.Leaky Pipes - If you discover water pooling inside kitchen cabinets or beneath a vanity, this could indicate a leaking pipe. While it may be necessary to affect an emergency repair, it is recommended that you contact a qualified professional as soon as possible. Failure to fix a leaking pipe could lead to serious structural damage in your home.
7 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have
The following list of tools are items every homeowner can afford, can easily use, and has access to at any hardware or plumbing supply store:
Plunger – this is the iconic plumber mate everyone should be familiar with. It can be used to unblock clogged drains and toilets simply by applying to the opening and using a pumping action to loosen the clog. Plungers come in two main types (flange and cup) and several sizes depending on the job. If using a plunger doesn’t help, using a drain snake or commercial drain cleaner can often be the solution to the problem.Pliers – A good pair of pliers (preferably needle-nose) can have a multitude of plumbing uses, from pulling hair and debris out of a clogged drain when you can’t open the drain cover to removing the circlip from the faucet prior to changing the washer.Wrench – You will need at least one reliable wrench if a plumbing emergency arises, whether it’s a pipe wrench for loosening pipe fittings or an adjustable spanner for tightening any size nut or bolt. A long-handled wrench is also useful for accessing hard-to-reach places.Tape – Duct tape, thread tape and electrical tape can all be good tools to have in a plumbing emergency. As DIYers are fond of saying “if it moves and shouldn’t, use duct tape and if it should move but doesn’t, use WD40”.Caulking gun – If a leak can’t be reached to tape it, applying a sealant with a caulking gun can be another option. This provides a water-tight sealant, but this should only be regarded as a temporary measure until a plumber arrives.Flashlight – A reliable torch with fully charged batteries is a must-have in many household situations, but can be particularly useful in a plumbing emergency. Plumbing fittings are notoriously out of sight and hard to reach and putting some light on the subject will make things easier.Goggles – If you are wondering why goggles are included in this list of essential tools, it’s because splashes from drains and toilets can occur while attempting to fix blockages. Goggles can prevent harmful substances from accidentally getting into your eyes.
It’s important to remember that plumbers spend years learning their trade, and many plumbing issues require their professional expertise, such as low water pressure, leaking sewers, and problems with hot water heaters.
While there are some small jobs you can do yourself, you should only attempt them if you feel confident to do so, have the right tools and treat them as temporary solutions in an emergency situation.
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