Plumbing repairs can seem like a challenging task, and you wouldn’t know where to start. There are many rules and regulations, tools to buy and various procedures that must be followed to become a professional plumber. However, familiarising yourself with the plumbing system and having the proper tools is all you need to tackle minor repairs, such as repairing a leaking faucet or emptying a blocked drain. In this article, you will learn some basic plumbing repairs that every homeowner should know.
Descaling the shower head
If your shower stops pouring enough water, it can be because the holes where it comes out, are plugged by the mineral residues of the water. To clean them, loosen the head of the shower and place it inside a vessel containing water with vinegar. Leave it there for a few hours and then rub it inside and out with a brush.
Fixing loose toilet bowl
When you see water around the base of the toilet bowl, inspect it, as it’s likely that the toilet bowl is loose and leaking water. One way to check if it’s loose or not is to try to move it sideways. If it’s loose, then, it’s necessary to proceed with the repair. To do this, remove the cover that hides the screws holding toilet bowl to the floor and tighten them more. Remember not to exert too much pressure, because the screws can split. Also, much pressure can crack the base of the bowl. Additionally, it would be best if you were careful not to hit the bowl or to put too much pressure on it because the base may crack. If after doing this the water doesn’t stop flowing, the seal connecting the toilet bowl with the floor might be broken. To repair it, you should better call for a professional plumber to do it in the right way.
What to do if the water is returned to the bathtub when the washing machine is used?
In many homes, the washing machine and the bathtub share a common horizontal drain. The wool, hair and other objects often block the vertical pipe, and this can cause jams. To solve this, you have to use a plumbing snake and slide it through the drain. To find the vertical fall, bend the tip of the snake’s cable to a 15-degree angle. After passing the snake, let the hot water run to remove any dirt. Some problems can be repaired by yourself, but sometimes the best option is to call for the help of a professional. Never hesitate to contact a plumbing specialist. Doing this can save you much money in the future.
Retouching porcelain of bathroom pieces
If you see that the porcelain of any of your bathroom pieces splinters, you can repair it by retouching it with the special paint that is manufactured for that purpose.
What else should you remember about?
- When it gets freezing, your pipes can freeze. That is why, consistently keep the temperature in the house beyond freezing to prevent your pipes from getting frozen, and make sure that all pipes exposed to external elements are well protected.
- Do not put oil or grease in your drain. These materials can be liquid when you pour them, but they can solidify and cause problems.
Conclusion
As you can see, some plumbing repairs can be done by anyone. Just always remember to do proper research before you start. Of course, in case of emergency boiler repair, you should contact a well-qualified specialist instead of dealing with it alone.