subject: Plumbing Maintenance Is Important - Don't Wait [print this page] A properly designed and installed home plumbing system is almost trouble-free. Should issues happen, there are standard techniques for coping with them for the do-it-yourselfer. And there are real reasons as well - a neglected leak within a wall, on the floor, or in the ceiling may result in major damage.
Most plumbing systems provide many shutoff valves for controlling water flow in the supply system. Sinks and lavatories have individual shutoffs for cold and warm water ; toilets have only one. The very first thing to do in an emergency at a fixture is to shut the shutoff valve.
Whether the home has individual fixture controls for the water supply, you'll always find a main shutoff close to the water meter or at the wall where the primary water line enters the house. Leaks and overflows can be stopped quickly at the key shutoff, getting shot of a search for individual shutoffs. Become acquainted with all shutoffs so that you can get to them quickly in an emergency.
What to do in an emergency : Pipe leaks - Joints that have corroded or frozen ( and burst ) will leak. Tightening a threaded joint or re-soldering ( or re-gluing ) it may cure the leak. Busted pipes can be mended with a clamp-on pipe patch. If not, they've got to be replaced.
Leak in a wall - most frequently due to a defective riser pipe to a shower or to fixtures on a higher floor. With this situation it's better to get professional help. A credible plumber might be able to tell you whether he needs to cut into the wall to make the repair .
Overflowing toilet tank - A toilet tank overflowing into the toilet bowl will be heard long after flushing. Close the tank shutoff valve. Access the water closet where the flapper valve is located. Lift the float by hand. If the water stops, bend the float arm slightly to lower the float. Flush and test again. Adjust as needed. If the flowing persists I suggest replacing all the components in the water closet. It fairly cheap and easy to do this.
Stopped up sink drain - First try a rubber plunger. If this doesn't break the clog then try a chemical drain-opener following the directions on the container. If this fails put a bucket under the trap (the U-shaped pipe), loosen it and remove it. Most home improvement stores sale a clog removal device made just for this problem. Remove the clog, usually hair and soap. Replace the trap and run hot water for a few minutes to flush everything.
There are a couple of the common plumbing emergencies you may face. Most can be corrected by the householder without turning to a plumber. If you come across an issue you are feeling is more than you can handle then call a pro instantly. The more you wait the more high-priced damage that will happen.
