Every homeowner has to deal with some house problems. It could be leaky kitchen pipes, a broken toilet, or chipped tiles. Most of these can be fixed on your own; there are plenty of tutorials online. However, it is still better to contact a professional plumber for your plumbing issues to ensure that the job is done properly and complies with safety standards.
Plumbing repairs usually involve pipes. It won’t be bad either to be familiar with how a plumbing system works, the common plumbing issues, and fix it. Here are the dos and don’ts of plumbing at home.
How to fix plumbing problems
Safety should be one of the major priorities in fixing plumbing problems. You should be aware of any legal requirements needed before a plumbing installation. Also, it would be best to consider what is in the pipe or whether you have to shut off the water flow will spell the difference between a job well done or a disaster waiting to happen. Here are tips to fix plumbing issues the right way.
Shut off the water flow.
It is best to shut off the water plumbing system for any home improvement task that involves working on a water supply. Some pipe parts may seem like some decoration but control water pressure. One wrong move could spell disaster. Better yet, hire a plumber to help you out in this situation.
Start with small repairs and fixes.
It would save you hundreds of dollars from hiring plumbers for the job. However, ensure to be careful when doing plumbing tasks by yourself. Start by small and less complicated tasks such as replacing a faucet or a showerhead. So don’t just dive in on DIY plumbing, repairs, and installations. Learn from the experts first and take time to practice before taking on more complicated plumbing tasks.
Don’t use commercial cleaners as much as possible.
Most drain cleaners and other similar products contain harsh chemicals that will damage your pipes and the environment. Instead of using such products, you can use tools such as an auger snake or a plunger to solve the pipe issues.
Make sure to have the necessary tools and equipment.
If you plan to fix your plumbing system on your own, ensure that you have everything you need. Among the most important plumbing tools every plumber should have include:
- Pipe wrench
- Hand auger
- Plunger
- Tubing cutter
- Hacksaw
- Adjustable, basin, and pipe wrench
- Teflon tape
- Flashlight
- A sturdy stepstool
Turn off the water supply before a repair.
Make sure to turn off all the water supplies before starting a plumbing task. Be familiar with the water supply system and the main water pipe.
Take photos of the plumbing setup.
It is also a good idea to take photos (with different angles) of the plumbing setup you are about to work on. This will help you remember which plumbing part goes where and not panic when putting the pieces back.
Do hire a professional for your plumbing needs.
If you are unsure of what to do, don’t risk it. Better if you call a professional plumber in Franklin, TN, for your plumbing issues.
