There are a lot of plumbing problems that can occur in any home. However, many of them can be fixed by yourself without hiring a plumber.
For instance, if you have a leaky pipe, you can use epoxy putty to seal the leak. You can also wrap the leak with a strip of rubber or hose and clamp it with a metal hose clamp.
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. They waste water, corrode metal, and create breeding grounds for bacteria and insects. Luckily, there are a few easy plumbing repairs for leaking pipes that you can do yourself to save money and prevent damage.
First, shut off the water supply. You can usually find the shut-off valve under sinks, in the basement, or near the meter outside. Locate it and turn it counterclockwise to turn off the water flow. This will stop any further damage while you repair.
The next step is to get a pipe repair kit or a set of pipe repair sleeves from your local hardware store. These are typically made of rubber and have a clamp-like mechanism that seals leaky sections of your pipes. Line the sleeve over the damaged area and tighten the included bolts to secure it. If you have PEX plastic pipes, use a PEX test or go/no-go gauge to ensure the crimp is secure.
Clogged Drains
A slow-draining sink or tub, backed-up sewage or toilets, or smelly, overflowing drains indicate a blockage in your pipes. A few simple steps can clear these up without the use of chemical drain cleaners that can damage your pipes.
Hair, soap scum, food scraps, and paper products can all create clogs in your home’s drains. Installing strainers over bathtub and shower drains can help collect these items before they can enter your pipes.
Foreign objects flushed down your toilets can also cause serious clogs, leading to overflowing and potentially dangerous waste. Making sure that children and pets know not to flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste can prevent these types of clogs. Regularly pouring hot water down your sink and toilet drains can help keep them clean. And finally, keeping nearby trees trimmed and well-maintained can reduce the likelihood of their roots growing into your pipes.
Frozen Pipes
Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes, mainly if they’re located in unheated areas like attics and crawl spaces. When water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the line until it bursts. If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, shut off your water supply and call a plumbing repair professional.
Frozen pipes can be challenging to spot. Start by identifying the area where the frozen pipe is located. You can do this by following a running water line to the affected area or inspecting pipes in cold places like basements, attics, and unheated crawl spaces.
Once you’ve found the frozen section, gently warm it with a blow dryer or electric heating pad. Avoid using a torch or open flame, which could cause the pipe to burst. Leaving a faucet open also helps, as moving water thaws the line faster.
