Plumbing Repair Tips
5 Easy DIY Tricks to Know
If a water pipe bursts in your home or the sump pump stops working, it’s always best to call a plumber for repair. But at Pride Plumbing of Rochester, we know there are easy DIY ways to clear clogged drains, fix leaky pipes, and perform other small repairs.
If you want to try to tackle a problem before calling in a professional, here are DIY tips for general plumbing repairs:
1. Leaking Toilet Tank
To fix a leaky toilet tank, first shut off the water valve under the tank and use a sponge to soak up any remaining water in the tank. Next, unscrew the tank bolts and remove the tank from the bowl. Remove old spud washers, bolts, and gasket. Insert new spud washers and clean around the holes on the tank. Place the new gasket onto the bolts and place the tank back on the bowl. The plumbing supplies you’ll need for the project include a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench and the new spud washers and gaskets.
2. Cleaning Faucet Aerators
You may be asking, what is a faucet aerator and why do I have one? Faucet aerators are small mesh screens placed on the end of faucets to break up the flow of water. By adding air between the flow of water, they actually help to save water, money, and reduce the splash in your sink.
Aerators can become clogged with debris. To clean the aerator, place tape around the jaws of a pair of pliers to avoid scratching the aerator. Use the pliers to loosen the aerator, and then take the aerator apart and use a small brush to clean its parts. Put the aerator back together and reinstall it on the faucet.
3. Using A Plunger To Unclog Drains
If you have clogged drains, the first thing you need to do is remove the drain stopper. Block the overflow hole with a wet rag and cover the drain with a plunger. Make sure the plunger is secured on the drain and move it up and down. Release the suction and remove the cause of the blockage. If this method doesn’t work, the clog may be further down in the pipes and you’ll want to call a plumber to snake the drain. Do not use drain cleaners as they can be dangerous and could even make a hole in a weak or thin piece of plumbing, which will require extensive replacement.
4. Unclogging Garbage Disposals
In order to unclog a garbage disposal, first turn off the electrical power switch before beginning any repair work. Next, look inside the disposal and use pliers to remove the blockage. Wait 15 minutes for the disposal motor to cool and then turn the power back on. The only plumbing supplies you’ll need is a pair of pliers. If you can’t reach the blockage, call a professional plumber for help.
5. Removing Debris From Pipe Vents
The plumbing vents are in the pipes located on the roof. These vents can become clogged with leaves, dead rodents, and bird nests. If you do not have a vent cap, this can help protect the vent from debris and clogging in the future.
You will need a flashlight and garden hose to clear the vent, and a screwdriver if you have a vent cap. Remove any visible obstructions that are in reach. Spray the hose directly into the pipe and the water pressure from the hose should push out anything stuck in the vent. If water fills up the pipe and backs out, you will need to use a plumbing snake and may want to call a professional for this.
If you have any questions about DIY procedures, or prefer to hire a professional plumber in Rochester, NY, call your neighborhood plumber, Pride Plumbing at (585) 271-7150 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
