A do-it-yourself attitude can be practical and cost-efficient when plumbing concerns arise in your house. Homeowners can tackle common repairs such as minor clogs or install a new faucet; however, it is important to know when to contact a professional plumbing company to protect your house’s plumbing system.
Quality companies like GNG plumbing strive to guide homeowners with informative websites offering tips and tricks on DIY care and upkeep specific to house plumbing. Additionally, these businesses regularly inspect fixtures and pipes to prevent costly complications from developing within your house down the road.
When getting started with house plumbing DIY, it is essential to learn where the main and individual water shutoff valves are located and become familiar with your house’s plumbing components – including the type of pipes your house has, whether flexible PVC, plastic, corrugated stainless steel, or copper.
Once you understand how these parts function together and have gathered essential tools, you’ll be ready for effective DIY plumbing that helps maintain your house.
The Fundamentals of Performing DIY Plumbing Repairs in Your House
Successfully completing DIY plumbing projects in your house can give new homeowners a rewarding sense of accomplishment, but it can sometimes feel intimidating. The first step before diving in is to schedule a professional plumbing inspection to ensure your house’s plumbing system is functional and in good condition.
During this inspection, a professional plumber will point out key details about your house plumbing to be aware of, including the location of shutoff valves.
Turning off the water immediately when a leak develops is vital to prevent water damage inside your house. In fact, the water should always be turned off when performing any repairs on your house plumbing.
Visit The 10 Most Common Plumbing Mistakes DIYers Make to learn common DIY mistakes to avoid. Consider the following tips for efficient and effective house plumbing DIY repairs.
The Right Tools for House Plumbing DIY
Licensed and professional plumbers have extensive knowledge and come prepared with specialized tools essential for inspecting and repairing house plumbing. A quality plumber will teach homeowners which simple repairs they can do themselves and suggest must-have tools to keep your house plumbing safe, including:
Drain snake
Plunger
Pipe wrench
Basin wrench
Adjustable wrench
Tubing cutter
Propane torch
Pipe tape
Avoid Overtightening in Your House Plumbing Repairs
DIY plumbing can be a highly cost-effective approach compared to calling professionals for simple house plumbing issues. However, work must be done carefully to avoid secondary damage such as increased leaks and water damage inside your house.
A common mistake new house owners make is overtightening fixtures, which can damage or break pipes and parts. While small repairs like replacing a faucet or toilet handle are encouraged, you must handle screws, bolts, and pipes gently in your house plumbing to avoid ensuing problems.
These simple house plumbing projects help keep sinks, showers, and tubs functioning well for the long term. However, recognize when a plumbing company’s expertise is needed for more complex problems like pipe replacements.
Extensive damage and expensive repairs can result from DIY projects done without the right skills or tools. You can learn more about plumbing secrets professionals want homeowners to know here.
Choosing the Right Plunger for Your House
Plungers vary in design and quality, offering different price points and performance levels. Higher quality plungers generally provide better results when clearing minor clogs in your house plumbing.
If you don’t have a plunger, there are some DIY unclogging solutions. For toilets, a mixture of half a gallon of white vinegar and a box of baking soda left to sit for an hour or more before flushing can help. A drain snake can also break up blockages inside your house plumbing.
If these simple remedies fail, avoid persistent attempts that could damage your house plumbing further and lead to costly repairs. Contact a trusted plumbing company for professional diagnosis and efficient drain clearing.
Quick House Shower Fix
Shower water pressure issues can be an annoying problem in any house. Causes can vary, but if your shower is relatively new and well-maintained, the showerhead is often the culprit.
Try replacing the showerhead to resolve the problem, but also remember to clean showerheads periodically. Mineral buildup from hard water can clog holes and reduce pressure. Remove the showerhead carefully and soak it in a vinegar-water mix to clear the deposits, restoring normal water flow.
Final Thought on House Plumbing DIY
Whether your faucets leak or the toilet runs constantly, addressing even minor house plumbing issues promptly and correctly is crucial. DIY troubleshooting can be effective with the right knowledge and tools.
If a quick fix in your house plumbing doesn’t work, professional plumbing companies can quickly find and repair the root cause.
These experts aim to keep your house’s plumbing system in good working order, handling urgent repairs, installations, and regular maintenance to protect your valuable home.
