Simple Plumbing Fixes to Try at Home
Clogged Drain
A clogged drain is not as serious as you may think. There is no need to call a plumber when you have a clogged drain. Instead, you can remove the clog with several tools you can buy at a hardware store. Just look in the plumbing section for these special kits that allow you to stick down the drain and pull up anything that could be clogging it. These are similar to the tools plumbers use when they come by except using these are much cheaper. It is also smart to keep a few around your house to prepare for a clogged drain.
Install a New Shower Head
Looking to upgrade your bathroom? Installing a new shower head is actually easy to do yourself. The first and most important step here is to turn off the water at the source as this could make it difficult. Then, check to see if you have the right tools and find the instructions. In fact, many shower heads that you purchase in store contain do-it-yourself instructions to make this task even easier. Many people think you need to hire a plumber for this sort of job but that is no longer necessary. In fact, you can do it yourself in under an hour.
Caulking a Shower or Bathtub
Caulking is an easy task that you can do yourself without the help of a plumber. The trick is finding the right type of caulk. This would be one made for a bathtub or shower. These will have more water resistance and fit this type of project. Doing this in your bathroom will make it more visually appealing and help seal any leaks. When doing the caulking, use tape around the areas that you don’t want to be caulked. This is recommended if you do not have experience doing this. Overall, caulking a bathroom by yourself is an easy task.
Fix a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet is not only annoying but it could be costing you money. A faucet leak can waste water and even overflow if a drain gets clogged. To fix a leaky faucet make sure you first have the right tools. Then, you can check the washers to see if any of them are loose. In most cases, a loose bolt or washer is the cause of a leaky faucet. Many plumbers will charge by the hour so hiring one to fix this can be expensive but you can easily fix it yourself. Sometimes, the fix will take under 10 minutes.
Install a Toilet
This is a big project but it can be done without the need of a plumber if you purchase the right kind of toilet and get the right tools. Many people see this as the most complicated plumbing project but in many cases that isn’t so. Speaking with someone at your hardware store can put you on the right path. They can help you find a toilet that will fit your bathroom and help you find the tools that you need to complete this project. Instructions for this can also be found online. Many people claim it takes under a few hours and this could save you hundreds if you hired a plumber instead.