5 Easy Plumbing Fixes

Transcription

1 5 Easy Plumbing Fixes HOW TO SAVE BY DOING BASIC REPAIRS YOURSELF

2 As a homeowner, there are all sorts of maintenance you will need to perform to keep the many systems in your home in working order. Many times you will have to get out your stash of tools and make a repair. One of the most common problems you will encounter is plumbing issues. Fortunately, there are many easy plumbing fixes you can do yourself.

3 Here s a list of the basic tools you should have in your home to take care of easy plumbing fixes: 2 plungers (one for the sink, another for the toilet) Adjustable wrench Screw driver Pliers Utility knife Plumbing tape Caulking Gun Caulk Cable auger

4 1. Leaking Faucet Leaking faucets are usually easy to fix, but the approach is slightly different depending on the type of faucet. The four types are: ball, disc, cartridge, and compression. Ball, disc, and cartridge faucets do not use washers while compression faucets do. The following chart provides helpful descriptions of each type of faucet: Type of Faucet Description Commonly Found Ball A single handle moves over a ball socket Kitchen sinks Disc A single lever handle sits over a cylindrical base Kitchen sinks Cartridge Compression Single handle cartridge faucets operate with an up and down motion. Double handle cartridge faucets look very much like compression faucets but turn off without added pressure. The oldest type of faucet, turns off only with force. Most prone to leaks. Kitchen and bathroom sinks Bathroom sinks, older homes, utility sinks First things first, turn off the water. You should be able to find the shut-off valve right under the sink. Then test the faucet to remove pressure and make sure that the water is off. It s also a good idea to plug the drain so that you don t lose any parts during your repair. Make sure that you pay attention to the order in which you remove parts so that you are able to put things back together correctly. Take a few photos if you need to. Refer to our blog about fixing leaking faucets for more instructions.

5 5 Easy Plumbing Fixes Get Your House Spring Ready 2. Clogged Drains Remove the pop-up drain to see if there is any debris at the entry of the drain. If you can t see the cause of the problem, clear the debris using a sink plunger or cable auger. Drain cleaners can cause damage to your pipes and may only fix the problem temporarily. You can use baking soda and vinegar on a regular basis to keep drains clean. 3. Running Toilet Typically a running toilet is caused by a faulty flapper or tank float. You will need to open up the tank to diagnose the problem. Flush the toilet and observe the parts in the tank. You may see that the flapper may not be closing properly due to a broken chain or the float may not be rising at it should or some other internal issue. You may be able to adjust the mechanics but sometimes a repair can require replacing the entire assembly Rockford Grand Rapids info@blakesleeandson.com

6 4. Low Water Pressure Water pressure can be affected by calcium build up in your faucet s aerator or showerhead. To fix, remove the showerhead from the hose, remove the spray plate and let it soak in warm white vinegar for minutes. Remove the softened mineral deposit with a toothbrush, rinse, and then reassemble. 5. Caulking Caulk is used to seal joints or cracks to prevent water intrusion. When caulk is cracked or missing, you expose your home to water damage and mold. When re-caulking is needed, make sure to purchase caulk for use in the bathroom. To caulk an area, you must first remove the old caulk. Once removed, using your caulk gun, apply new caulk with even pressure and run your finger along the caulk to achieve a smooth look. You will need to wait at least 24 hours before you can allow any water into the area that you caulk. Be sure to read the instructions on the caulk label for specifics. We hope these easy plumbing tips are helpful for you. If you ever encounter a plumbing issue you can t fix or are uncomfortable attempting to do-it-yourself, call the pros at Blakeslee & Son. Blakeslee & Son have been the go-to plumbing experts for homeowners in Grand Rapids for over 65 years. Contact the licensed professionals at Blakeslee & Son today for an in-home plumbing appointment today.

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