Nearly every homeowner has had to deal with a plumbing issue at one time or another. And while some problems require the help of a professional, there are plenty of easy plumbing projects that you can do yourself, with no experience necessary. Discover some examples of ideal DIY plumbing projects.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
A leaky faucet will not only annoy you, but the leaks can also cause significant water waste. Luckily, unless you have other underlying plumbing issues, you can quickly rectify a dripping faucet.
First, identify the source of the leak. Check if the leak's source is the handle, the spout, or other components before you start the repair process.
If leaks come from the handle, tighten the set screws that hold the handle in place. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the O-ring, a small rubber ring that seals the connection between the handle and the valve stem.
On the other hand, if the leaks originate from the spout, you may have a problem with the packing nut, which is a large nut that holds the faucet together. Unscrew the packing nut and replace the washer — a small, flat disc — underneath.
Changing a Showerhead
Whether you want to minimize water usage or to enjoy a better showering experience, you can easily replace your showerhead without prior experience.
First, use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the metal plate that holds the showerhead in place. Once the plate is out, you should be able to twist off the showerhead.
To install the new one, reverse the process. Screw on the new showerhead — hand-tighten it first, then finish tightening with a wrench or pliers — then screw on the metal plate to hold it in place.
Unclogging a Drain
A clogged sink or shower will annoy, frustrate and inconvenience you. You cannot carry out your daily routine as fast as you would when your sink refuses to drain. If the clogs are in an accessible spot, you can try a few things to unclog the drains yourself before you resort to calling a professional.
The first thing to try is a plunger. Put the plunger over the drain and rapidly pull the handle up and down. This step should create enough suction to dislodge the clog.
If that doesn't work, you can use a drain snake. First, push the end of the snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Then, turn the handle clockwise to spin the snake and break up the clog, then remove it as you can.
Replacing a Toilet Flapper
If your toilet runs constantly, the flapper might be the culprit. The toilet flapper is the rubber seal that covers the opening of the flush valve. If the flapper is faulty, it cannot seal properly and will cause your toilet to run nonstop. Fortunately, this issue is an easy fix.
First, turn the knob behind the toilet clockwise to shut off the water. Then, flush the toilet to empty the tank. Next, unscrew the flapper's retaining clips and lift the flapper from the flush valve. To install the new flapper, put the flapper in place and screw on the retaining clips. Finally, turn the water back on and test the toilet to ensure proper flushing.
Insulating Pipes
If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, you should consider pipe insulation to prevent the pipes from freezing. To do this, measure the circumference of your pipes and cut pieces of foam pipe insulation to size. Then, slip the insulation onto the pipes and secure the insulation in place with tape or zip ties.
Above are just a few examples of easy plumbing projects that you can do yourself. With a bit of time and effort, you can save a lot of money by avoiding costly repairs. Contact Koontz Hardware for plumbing accessories and supplies to make your task easier. We will help you select the best supplies to meet your needs and budget.
