subject: Diy Plumbing: Can You Fix The Problem Yourself? [print this page] If you are a fan of doing things yourself around the house then you may want to have a go at some of the plumbing problems that crop up from time to time. If you live in Northern Virginia, plumbers can always be called out at quick notice to help you solve your issues. However, there are a few jobs where you can certainly have a go yourself if you know a bit about DIY.
First Things First: Build Your Tool Collection
Before you start to try and fix and pipes or drains, it is important to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. Many tools are specific to the trade, so you will probably have to go out and buy a few things yourself. If you want to build up your tool collection, make sure you have the following at the very least: plunger; wrench; pliers; Teflon tape; rodding auger.
Which Jobs are Suitable for DIY?
The question of which jobs are suitable for DIY really comes down to how good your own DIY skills are. If you've put up a few shelves in the past that does not necessarily mean that you can fix complex plumbing problems!
For residents of Northern Virginia, plumbers are essential when problems arise due to the age and state of disrepair of some houses. However, there are certainly a few smaller jobs that you might want to have a go at yourself if you have a few basic skills.
Lime Scale
Clearing lime scale is a great DIY job for beginners. Lime scale can very quickly build up in your shower and in your faucets, so if you want to get started with some DIY then this could be a great place! With all the great tradesmen in Northern Virginia, plumbers could obviously be called out to help with this, but by regularly cleaning your faucets, shower heads and dishwashers with a lime scale remover or vinegar, you can keep this under control and prevent it from becoming an issue.
Blocked Toilet
A blocked toilet can usually be fixed with a plunger. Simply pump the plunger a few times and wait until the water starts to go down the pipe, which means the blockage has been removed. If this does not work, use a rodding auger to stick down the toilet and manually try to unblock it this way.
Faucets
If your faucet is dripping, this can not only be annoying but can also waste a lot of water. If you feel comfortable taking the faucet apart you can do this to change the washer. However, for anything larger than a broken washer you may find that professional help is required.
Have a Go at DIY
You may well want to have a go at some DIY if you know the basics. If you live in Northern Virginia, plumbers are always on hand for the larger jobs, so never take on anything that you cannot manage easily. But if you think you know what you are doing, it could be fun to fix the basic problems yourself.
