Plumbing issues are some of the most common problems homeowners have to deal with. Whether it is a dripping faucet, a clogged drain, or a running toilet, these problems can be very irritating and costly if not addressed sooner. Fortunately, many problems in plumbing can be repaired to your very own without needing to call a professional plumbing service in phoenix. Here are some easy steps that should allow you to fix not-so-uncommon plumbing issues on your own and save a buck or two in the process.
Fixing a Dripping Faucet
A dripping faucet is an issue that may seem minor but causes a lot of water to go to waste over some time, which ultimately increases the water bills. Fortunately, you can repair it yourself more often than not simply by replacing the worn-out parts.
What You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement washers or cartridges (relying on tap kind)
- Screwdriver
- Plumber’s tape (optional)
Steps:
Turn off the water deliver: Reach under the sink and turn the water valves clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Remove the cope with: Take a screwdriver out and remove the screw that holds the handle of the faucet in its place. The screw may be hidden. You may have to pop off a cover cap to reach it.
Disassemble the tap: Carefully remove, using a wrench, the nut or cartridge holding it in place. When removing any part, remember the sequence.
Replace the worn-out elements: An exhausted washing machine or a broken cartridge are some of the most common causes of a leaky faucet. You may use old parts to visit the hardware stores and find an exact replacement if needed.
Reassemble the tap: Everything goes back in reverse order and the nuts should be tightened securely.
Test the tap: Turn the water supply back on and check to see if the faucet still leaks. If it does, go back through the parts again to make sure that everything is correctly installed.
Unclogging a Drain
Clogged drains are the most common problem most people encounter in kitchens and bathrooms. Hair, soap scum, grease, and food residue collect over time and cause blockages. Thankfully, most simple blockages can easily be cleared by hand tools, or at least by natural means.
What You’ll Need:
- Plunger
- Baking soda and vinegar (for natural cleaning)
- Plumbing snake (non-obligatory)
Steps:
Use a plunger: A plunger is the simplest appliance to rid blockages. Ensure enough water is in the sink or bath for the plunger to work effectively. Provide an exceptional seal and push down and up quickly repeatedly. Repeat as necessary.
Try baking soda and vinegar: To rid yourself of chemicals, simply pour ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, run warm water through the drain. This works very well in cases involving soap or grease.
Use a plumbing snake: For more serious blockages, you could use a plumbing snake. Set the snake into the drain and then twist it until you feel some resistance. Carefully push forward in order to break up the clog and pull out.
Flush the drain: After the use of any of the above methods, with warm water, flush the drain to take out remaining debris.
Fixing a Running Toilet
The other more common 24/7 emergency plumbing service in phoenix to resolve issue involves the running toilet, which may just about waste a great deal of water. Causes most likely involve issues with either the flapper valve, the filling valve, or the float.
What You’ll Need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement flapper or fill valve (if wished)
- Screwdriver
Steps:
Shut off the water supply: First, locate the water valve behind the toilet and turn it counterclockwise to shut off water supply to the toilet tank.
Inspect the flapper: Take off the toilet tank lid and inspect the flapper at the bottom of the tank for chips or wear. It will not seal well, and that means the water will continue running into the toilet bowl. Install a new flapper from your local hardware store.
Check the fill valve: If the flapper seems fine, then the problem is with the fill valve. It has probably gone bad and is letting too much water flow inside the tank. Remove and replace it with a new one, using an adjustable wrench if needed.
Adjust the float: The go with the flow controls the water level inside the tank. If the go with the flow is about too excessive, water will continue to circulate the overflow tube and motive the toilet to run. Adjust the glide to a lower role in order that the tank fills up properly.
Fixing Low Water Pressure
If you find that your water pressure is lower than usual, then there is some blockage or the possibility of mineral buildup in the faucet aerator or showerhead. This is actually not uncommon for those areas where hard water exists.
What You’ll Need:
- Pliers or adjustable wrench
- Vinegar
Steps:
Remove the aerator or showerhead: Take the pliers or wrench and begin unscrewing the aerator from the faucet or the showerhead from the hose.
Soak in vinegar: Place the aerator or showerhead in a bowl of vinegar and let it soak for a few hours. The acid content in the vinegar will break up any mineral deposits or debris that may cause the clogging.
Clean and reinstall: Once soaked, take an old toothbrush and scrub off any leftover residue. Place the aerator or showerhead back onto its base and then check the water pressure.
Fixing Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes can cause massive water damage if left unattended. If you notice a leak, it is essential to make the repair as soon as possible to save you from further headache.
What You’ll Need:
- Pipe wrench
- Plumber’s tape
- Epoxy putty (for brief fixes)
Steps:
Turn off the water supply: Turn the main water valve to stop further leaking.
Locate the leak: Identify the point of leakage in the pipe. If it is a minor crack, you will be able to apply an epoxy putty to temporarily fix it.
Wrap the pipe with plumber’s tape: To temporarily fix this issue, wrap plumber’s tape tightly around the leaking portion to seal it.
Replace the pipe phase (if needed): To effect a permanent repair, you may have to replace that part of pipe. It could involve cutting out the old pipe and becoming a new one using a pipe cutter and connectors.
Conclusion
You need not be a professional plumber to take care of ordinary plumbing problems in your house. The straightforward procedure outlined above can cure dripping taps, clogged drains, strolling toilets, and coffee water pressure. Always keep in mind to turn off the water supply before starting repairs, and if the problem seems too complicated or even dangerous to you, it is great to call an authorized plumber for assistance. This will save you money from the professional plumbers and give you the satisfactory feeling of maintaining your property on your own.
