There are many situations where experts are needed to provide solutions for plumbing repairs. However, in some situations why hire a plumber to overcharge for a repair you can handle yourself as they are straightforward and simple.
In the 21st century, we are very fortunate to have the internet at the tips of our fingers that enable us to do it ourselves.
1. You Can Turn Off the Water Supply
It is of the utmost importance that before embarking on this plumbing journey, that you locate the water supply and know exactly how to turn it off when doing this maintenance. This is usually very easy, as within the home the water supply is easy to spot and even easier to access. The professionals of All Service Plumbers state that the compression or gate valves can be simply turned off by hand. The water will turn off by twisting the valve completely clockwise, to turn the water back on, simply grip the valve and turn it all the way anti-clockwise.
2. Unclog Bathtub Drain
A clogged bathtub is frustrating in any circumstances, especially when you want to take a relaxing bath after a long, hard day. The simplest way to unclog the drain is by using chemical cleaners that have been specially formulated to clear away and remove the build-up of gunk. You must buy a cleaner that is suitable for bathtubs and is intended to clean the drain. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the product and always use gloves and protecting goggles as the chemicals can cause harm if it comes into contact with you. Once you have poured the designated amount of cleaner into the drain it must cure to allow the chemicals to burn off the limescale and grime build-up. Once you have waited for the correct amount of time, you must flush out the chemicals with cold water.
3. You Can Unclog Your Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink is one of the most important utilities in a house, when the kitchen sink becomes clogged up it can be a nightmare for everyone. A simple solution to unclog your sink is by the use of two very common products that can be found in your pantry; vinegar and baking soda. Pour one cup of baking soda through the strainer and into the drain, it if is tight use any utensil to force it down to get it as deep as possible. Next, pour an equal amount of vinegar into the drain and then cover it with the sink blocker, and wait 10 minutes for the drain to unclog, you can then proceed to run water straight into the drain to flush out the solution.
4. You Can Unblock Your Toilet
This task is quite simple once you know exactly how to do it, it is beneficial for houses where there are many people as more often than not you will find yourself on your hands and knees unblocking the toilet every few months. Albeit it is not the most glamorous job, but it does have its rewards… once you get past the smell and dirt. You will need a plunger to firmly press against the blockage, it would be ideal to have one that is shaped correctly and seals the toilet bowl. This allows the correct pressure to be used to vacuum the blockage. Press down firmly a few times and flush the toilet, you should now have an unblocked toilet.
5. Increase Pressure of Showerhead
It can be irritating when your shower doesn’t fully rinse off the soap on your body when in the shower. This may be due to the pressure of the shower being low, which can easily be resolved by cleaning and changing the showerhead. To do this you must first unscrew the showerhead from the unit. This can be done by twisting it anti-clockwise using your hand until it detaches itself. The filter can then be taken out and cleaned using warm water and a scrubber. Once this has been done, the showerhead should be submerged in vinegar for around 9 hours to dissolve lime-scale and mineral growth. Finally, the showerhead should be cleaned to remove any remaining lime-scale, and then re-attached by twisting clockwise until it is secured.
6. You Can Replace a Showerhead and Decaulk Your Shower
This is one of the easiest projects you can take on, it will save you money and reduce your water consumption by up to 30% per user. This is useful at times when there is a leaky shower head that wastes water when used and only takes a few minutes to do. You must make sure the shower is turned off and secured to prevent any water from leaking out and soaking you. Turn the old showerhead anti-clockwise to unscrew it and it will detach from the arm. Once you have taken it off, you should clean the arm with a cloth to clean out the grime that has built up in the surrounding area, you can then proceed to attach the new showerhead by twisting it clockwise with your hand until it is secure.
This will satisfy you and is aesthetically pleasing as it fills in any gaps or cracks you have that may irritate you every time you get in the shower. This is done using a sealant and caulking gun; it must be noted that it would be in your best interest to invest in a good quality sealant as it makes all the difference in the world. To start with, you must clean out the area you would like to caulk, and then let it dry. You can then proceed to seal the gaps and cracks with the sealant via the gun and remove any excess with a cloth. Before using the shower you must wait for the caulk to cure – if in doubt follow the recommended time on the instructions.
Plumbing repairs may seem intimidating at first, but once you have come to terms with how to do the repair yourself and become familiar with the tools you need, you will be able to succeed in the home improvement department and save yourself money. Always use protective gear and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If the problems persist, please contact a licensed plumber.
