With the right tools, you can save money by doing your own plumbing repairs. However, you need to know the local regulations and codes because some jobs require a certified plumber. Here are some tools that you might need to do DIY plumbing:
* Plunger
* Caulking gun
* Pliers
* Adjustable wrench
* Utility knife
* Plumbing tape
* Screwdriver
Here are some simple plumbing repairs that you can do for yourself:
Running Toilet
A floater switch or a defective stop valve can cause a running toilet. The floater switch is the big bulb that stops water from flowing into the toilet bowl as soon as the tank fills up. To solve the problem of a running toilet, you should consider replacing your floater switch. If you have no idea where to start, you should consider hiring a plumber residents can trust.
Caulk Showers and Bathtubs
To make sure that you do a good caulking job, you should look for the right kind of caulk. Do not buy caulk that is meant for filling drywall cracks. You should look at the label carefully to make sure that you purchase the right product for showers and tubs.
If you do not know the right caulk to buy, you can always ask the hardware assistant for help. When it comes to choosing a caulking gun, you should choose high-quality ones – they are not that expensive and last longer.
Garbage Disposal Repair
A clogged up garbage disposal is easy to fix. Every garbage disposal comes with a hex wrench, but if yours does not have one, you can always rent it. Your garbage disposal should have a manual with repair instructions.
The most important thing that you should remember is to turn off the power before you start your repairs. You need to research the type of foods that should go down a garbage disposal to prevent future clogs. Moreover, you need to run it as many times as possible to prevent jams.
Clogged Drain
According to a plumber Sydney based expert, knowing how to unclog a drain is just as important as keeping it clog-free. In your bathroom drain, you should use a hair catcher to prevent hair from going down the drain. You need to avoid putting food particles and grease in your garbage disposal to avoid blockages.
A plumbing vent issue can also cause a slow drain – a plumbing vent regulates pipe air pressure. You should not attempt to handle this kind of plumbing issue. However, you can use a plunger to unclog a drain that is clogged up by debris. You can also use a snake to remove the clog from your drainpipes.
Make sure that you avoid normal drain cleaners, which can ruin your plumbing system. Moreover, a drain cleaner is just a temporary fix. You should consider using natural solvents such as vinegar regularly to clear up blockages.
Leaky Faucet
You can fix a leaky faucet easily depending on the kind that you have. Look for the specific type of faucet that you have online and follow tutorials to fix a leak. If your faucet has a slow drip, you only need to replace the washer. However, you have to know the size that you need.
Upgrading Showerheads
Installing low-flow showerheads can help you to save on water bills. This simple upgrade will help you to reduce water consumption thus reducing wastage. You can get a low-flow showerhead at your local hardware store.
Conclusion
The above tips will help you to save money. However, you should understand your limits – if you make the plumbing problem worse, you will spend more to repair it.
