Common DIY Plumbing Fixes
Posted by austin in Article, on March 9, 2018There are days when you will need the emergency services of a plumber, but they will not be available. Simple plumbing problems can easily be fixed at home without the need of a plumber by following simple tips. If your drains are clogged, taps blocked or your shower won’t produce enough pressure, you may have to fix the issues when a plumber in Austin is not available. These tips should assist you to perform some of the most common plumbing fixes.
Unblocking Traps
Traps are prone to clogging, and most of the times, you only need a snake tool to unclog them. For you to do that, however, you will need to dismantle the whole sink from the bottom, a process that is simple. When dismantling the sink, ensure that you place a bucket beneath it to ensure that water that runs out is collected in the bucket.
After dismantling, remove all debris and clean the trap thoroughly into the bucket with water. You can use an old toothbrush when you are cleaning the trap making sure you scrub the sides clean. If you notice worn washers when the trap is dismantled, replace them with new ones to ensure there are no leaks in future.
Unclogging the Sink Drain
Clogged bathroom sinks are pretty common, but this should not be cause for alarm. Clogging mostly occur near the drain’s pop up assembly. To unclog the drains, you will only need a drain plug adjustment arm. To unclog, start by removing the spring tab from the plug adjustment arm of the drain and then remove the ball valve from the trap in the sink.
Remove the pop-up plug, and you will have access to the debris that is clogging your drains. Remove the debris and ensure that the drain is thoroughly clean and unclogged. Once you have removed debris, re-assemble the whole system and check whether it has been unclogged by running water into it.
This process will take you a few minutes, and you will save money that could otherwise go to a plumber. If you are stuck in the process, call your plumber.
Clearing Stopped Toilets and Fixing Weak Water Pressure in Showers
If, after flushing, water runs slowly in the toilet bowl, there is a chance that the toilet drain or trap is clogged. To unblock the toilet, you will need to use a plunger and then move on to use a snake. The snake loosens up the blockage.
When limescale builds up in the shower plumbing system, there will be reduced water pressure from the shower. To remove the scale, you need to use a descaling product, but you need to unscrew the shower first. Leave the shower head in the solvent for some time.
Other Fixes
If you can spot leaks, you can fix them by replacing the parts that are causing the leak. Again, broken parts can easily be replaced with a few handy tools and the willingness to get dirty. However, a plumbing system that works s expected will be your reward. By fixing your own plumbing system, you also save money.
For complex problems, always call your plumber.