When it comes to plumbing issues, there aren't many problems you can't solve with some basic DIY know-how and the right tools (plunger included). But no matter how much you know about pipes and fixtures, there are bound to be situations where things go wrong. That's why it's important to know some general tips and tricks when it comes to plumbing repairs. Luckily, there are plenty of them out there. From locating leaks to choosing the right tool for the job, here is a list of helpful plumbing advice you can use when things go south. Whether you're doing these tips at home or in a rental property, we hope they come in handy!
Find the source of the problem
Before you even begin to look at what tools you'll need or how to solve the problem itself, you have to figure out what's causing it in the first place. Finding the source of the problem isn't always easy, but it's critical for solving the issue and preventing it from happening again. You can do this by asking yourself a few questions. Where is the problem most likely to be? What tools do you have available? What other tools could you use to figure out where the problem is located? Is there anything you can do to isolate the issue?Once you figure out where the problem is, you'll be able to tackle it more efficiently and get to a solution faster.
Plumbers' tape
If you're dealing with a really stubborn leak, you may want to try covering the area with some plumber's tape before tackling it with other tools. The tape will help keep the surrounding materials from getting wet while you figure out a better solution. You can also use it to protect unfinished drywall when you're working on a pipe behind it. If you're repairing a faucet, you can cover the threads of the pipes in the sink with the tape. This will help keep water from getting onto the wood and causing it to rot. It also keeps the surrounding area cleaner and makes it easier to replace the pipes if necessary.
Change the washers before replacing the faucet
If your faucet is leaking, you may want to replace it. However, before you do that, you should change the washers. The washers are found under the faucet handles and are responsible for channeling the water flow. If the washers are worn out, you may experience issues with your faucets leaking. You can usually buy new washers at your local hardware store.
Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve
If your pipes are leaking, you'll want to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve as quickly as possible. This will help stop the leak and prevent damage to the rest of your house. You can usually find a shut-off valve in the basement or another convenient location in your home. Once you have the valve open, the water will be diverted to another pipe and away from your home. This can help you avoid any damage to the rest of the plumbing in your house.
Only use what's needed
When you're plumbing in a rental property, you may be tempted to buy everything at once. However, you don't always need all of the tools. You should only buy what you need for the job. This will help you save money and prevent unnecessary clutter in your home.
Only use what you need to open a pipe
When you're dealing with a clogged pipe, you may want to open it up with a plunger or a snake. However, you don't necessarily have to use the whole thing. You can use just the end of the rod to unclog the pipe. You can also put a cap over the end of the rod to keep dirt and other debris from getting into the rest of the pipe. This way, you can use less of the tool and get to the clog faster.
Check for leaks under the floor
If you're renovating and want to avoid damage to the rest of your house, you may want to look for leaks under the floor. This can happen when pipes burst and cause water to seep into the ground. You can usually find these leaks by putting plastic sheeting under the floor and then checking for water on the other side. If you find any leaks, you can fix them before the rest of the house is damaged.
Summing up
There are a lot of ways that a plumbing issue can occur. It's important to know how to find the source of the problem and how to fix it. If you've followed the tips above, you'll probably have no problem getting the plumbing issue resolved. But if you ever have an issue again, you'll have a better idea of what to do.These tips won't solve every plumbing problem, but they are a good place to start when trying to fix a problem.