Living on your own for the first time can sometimes feel like a constant adventure. Just when everything seems to be going fine, life throws a curveball your way. Exploring how to fix common plumbing problems can help you restore your home’s safety and functionality quickly, or at least mitigate the damage while you call for a professional plumber to help.
1- Unclog a Drain or Toilet
Most clogged drains are preventable by avoiding putting large food items down the kitchen sink. But, clogs can still sometimes happen by accident, and even a little too much tissue paper can stop up a toilet. For toilet clogs, a little elbow grease and a plunger will usually do the trick. Just don’t flush the toilet until you see the water going down to prevent overflows. For clogged sinks, you can sometimes use a drain snake or baking soda and vinegar. However, you want to be careful not to push the clog further down the line. If gentle de-clogging methods don’t work, then you may need to call a plumber.
2- Shut Off Water to a Leaky Pipe or Fixture
Unfortunately, broken pipes and fixture seals can sometimes lead to massive amounts of water pouring out in a short period of time. Learning how to shut off the water can save you money on future water damage repairs. Most homes have a main shut-off valve located somewhere on the outside of your property that will halt water flow to all of the fixtures in your house. You’ll use this valve when the leak is hard to nail down to a single fixture. Alternatively, you might be able to stop water flow to a sink or other part of your home by using the valve next to the fixture. Once the water is shut off, call a local plumber for emergency repairs.
3- Fix a Running Toilet
The best way to fix a running toilet isn’t to catch it. If following along with a joke was that simple, then no one would be frustrated by this common plumbing issue. A toilet that is constantly running might still be somewhat functional, but the wasted water can quickly add up to expensive utility bills. Taking a peek in the tank can often reveal the culprit. Usually, a running toilet is caused by a flapper that is wearing out and doesn’t seal properly. There could also be issues with a faulty fill valve or the float. After assessing the issue, a simple toilet repair kit or part might be available in a local hardware store. If replacing a component doesn’t work or it’s hard to tell what’s wrong, then a professional plumber can fix the problem.
Plumbing problems rarely occur at a convenient time. After all, most people use toilets and sinks throughout the day. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a professional out. As a young adult living on your own for the first time, it’s always a good idea to keep the contact information for a local emergency plumber handy. While it’s great to give DIY projects a try, it’s also important to know when a professional can save you from dealing with a water-related catastrophe.