While some plumbing problems are best handled by professionals, for smaller problems, a toolbox, some forethought, and a rudimentary understanding of plumbing repair can be sufficient in emergency situations.
To minimize the inconvenience of calling a plumber every week or so, these are the x plumbing repairs every homeowner should know.
1. Understand water mains
Your home’s water supply enters at the water main. Typically, it is found in the basement next to the water heater. If necessary, the water main can block the flow of water into your house.
2. Dealing with blocked drains
Clogged drains are frequently the result of hair, food particles, and waste materials. If your drain is clogged, it’s crucial to employ the right technique to unclog it. Avoid using liquid drain cleaners since they could cause more harm than good.
3. A leaking toilet
Some reasons why a toilet keeps running could be because of a broken floater switch or stop valve. Carefully remove the lid and set it aside in a secure location to fix it. A sizable bulb will be visible inside; this is the part that needs to be changed in order to make a long-lasting repair.
4. Low water pressure
The first thing you should look for when you have low water pressure is whether both the hot and cold water is affected. If they are, the faucet’s aerator most likely has calcium deposits inside it. However, unclogging an aerator is simple. Simply remove the component, then use vinegar and water to clear the debris.
5. Be careful with the trash disposal
The garbage disposal is similarly solely built to handle specific items. Some of the worst offenders include grease, oil, and coffee grounds.
6. Change the sink aerators
Sink aerators accomplish three tasks. They soften, conserve, and very softly filter water. They ultimately deteriorate and get dirty. Understand how to change the aerator on each sink faucet. Don’t worry, it’s about as simple as switching the bottle caps.
7. Identify and address issues with hard water
White stains on your stemware from hard water are a minor inconvenience, but persistent drain clogs and broken appliances have major consequences. When your home runs hard water through the faucets, know how to recognize it and fix it. It’s just minerals in the water and breaks up with vinegar.
8. Scrub the shower drain
The accumulation of hair can seriously clog your drain, costing you money for something you could have avoided. Every time you use the shower or bath, make a habit of clearing the drains of hair. You should also pour a solution of bicarbonate of soda and cider vinegar down the drain once every few months.
9. Clean your shower and faucets
Mineral buildup can be readily prevented, but it is a problem for shower heads and faucets. Filling a small bag with vinegar and tying it to the faucet or shower head for the night is a helpful preventative precaution. The buildup is easily removed in the morning.
10. Hand-tight is perfect
Make sure not to overtighten fittings and connections if you intend to undertake certain smaller plumbing chores on your own, including clearing out sink traps. Follow the maxim “hand-tight is just right”: To avoid stripping screws, breaking nuts, or cracking pipes or porcelain, tighten plumbing connections by hand.
Final Words
You can go through the 10 plumbing repairs every homeowner should know. But it’s crucial to understand that some crises are best handled by a specialist. Contact a plumbing contractors in NYC right away to get everything back up and running.