subject: Everyday Plumbing Issues That Anyone Can Handle [print this page] As a homeowner, you are sure to encounter a plumbing problem at one time or another. The most common plumbing problems occur in either the kitchen or the bathroom near sinks and drains. Luckily, the most common concerns are also the easiest to repair. I've listed some do-it-yourself repair tips to help you get through some of what's sure to be a problem during the life of your home-ownership.
Clogged Sink : Clogged sinks are usually due to a blockage of food or grease in the drain pipes. At first , try and employ a plunger to loosen up the blockage and see whether that will help clear your sink. You may wish to stuff a wet dishcloth into the drain on the opposite side of the sink ( in kitchen ) or in the overflow drain ( in toilet ) to form suction.
If that does not work, you may also try and snake a chunk of wire down the drain to displace the block. Ultimately , if that fails, take away the drain plug ( attached to the u-shaped pipe under the sink ) and snake a wire into each side of the pipe to loosen any debris. If all else fails, try removing the whole pipe and clearing the blockage employing a plumbing snake ( wire ).
Blocked Toilet : Any blockage is mostly due to something lodged in the drain pipes. If you see water rising after you have flushed the can rather than going down, straight away switch off the water supply to the can to prevent it from overflowing. Next use a plunger to unblock it. A wire snake might be required in some examples. You would use the snake the same way you would in a sink.
Dribbling Tap : Leaky taps are typically due to corroded valves or worn washers. Replacing worn washers should clear up your leaky faucet problem. Always make efforts to turn off the water supply to the sink FIRST.
Running Toilet : The culprit of a running toilet can usually be found in the toilet tank. Lift the lid and observe the rubber tank ball and rubber flapper. Usually if the toilet is constantly running, the flush valve is not fully closing or the tank ball is sticking. Replacing the rubber flapper and adjusting the alignment of the ball usually solves the problem.
Costly repair and utility bills could occur if left unattended. So be sure to solve these plumbing problems quickly to save a lot of time and money in the future.
