When you own your home, dealing with plumbing issues isn’t a matter of simply calling the landlord or caretaker. However, you don’t always need to call a plumber either. If you know the basics of plumbing, you can prevent and fix many common problems yourself and save hundreds of dollars.
1. Know Where to Find the Water Main
When you need to fix a plumbing issue, the first step is usually to turn off the water main. This is the main supply line of water to your home. Know where this line runs as well as where and how to turn it off and back on again.
2. Know Where the Main Sewer Line Clean Out is
The clean out is the pipe that allows you to get to the main sewer line so you can fix blockages or do routine maintenance. It’s usually located near the house or at the property line, but in some houses, it’s in the basement. The clean out can have a threaded steel cap or a plastic cap that may be green, white or black.
3. Know Where the Water Supply Valves Are
The toilets, sinks, and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines normally have a water supply valve near them. This allows you to turn off the water supply just for that spot.
4. Don’t Block Water Supply Valves or Sewer Clean Outs
In an emergency, you’ll need to be able to turn off the water supply or get to the sewer clean out very quickly, or you’ll end up with flooding. Don’t block these points with furniture, plants or anything else that may slow you down.
5. Know What Kind of Seals Your Taps Have
A Tap has different parts, including seals that cut off the water supply when you close it. Some taps use a ceramic disc as a seal while others use a rubber washer. If you turn the tap’s handle and it only rotates a quarter or a half turn, the tap probably most likely uses a ceramic disc. If the handle can rotate further, the tap probably uses a rubber washer.
6. How to Fix a Leaky Tap Step 1
When a tap is leaking, it’s usually because the seal is worn out. To replace the seal, turn off the water main first, then open the tap to let any residual water run out. Next, unscrew the handle. Then unscrew the flange, which is located just underneath the handle, and remove the tap bonnet and spindle, which are underneath the flange. Check whether the O-ring, the washer or the jumper valve is worn out. If you’re unsure about which parts to replace, take them to the hardware store for advice. Once you’ve replaced the worn parts, reassemble the tap by replacing the spindle, tap bonnet, flange and handle.
7. How to Prolong Life of your Taps
Don’t close a tap too tightly or the seal will wear out faster. A bit of waterproof lubricant will help to make the O-ring and spindle last longer.
8. How to Unclog a Blocked Toilet
We all know how to use a plunger. But if your toilet is blocked, wait until the water level has gone down as much as possible. Then use the plunger to try and push out the blockage. Flush with a bucket of water so that you can control how much water goes into the bowl. You may need to repeat this a few times. Wish some patience, you should be able to remove most blockages.
9. How to Prevent Clogged Toilets
To prevent toilets from clogging, only flush items that are actually flushable, such as human waste and toilet paper. You should also flush only small amounts at a time, so keep the kids from trying to flush huge wads of toilet paper.
10. How to Fix a Running Toilet
There are different things that can cause a toilet to keep on running. To check which of these it is, first close the toilet’s water supply valve. Then open the tank. Check the chain. It may be broken or it may need to be adjusted. Also check the arm that is holding up the chain to see whether it’s still in good condition. Flush the toilet to clear the water in the tank. Then check the flapper for signs of wear. To replace it, remove the chain from the flush lever first and then slide the flapper upwards. Remove it and slide a new flapper down the overflow tube until it reaches the bottom of the tank. Replace the chain. You may need to adjust the water level in the tank by lowering the float. To do this, slide the rod or turn the adjustment screw, depending on the model. Then flush the toilet and check that the water level doesn’t go over the top of the overflow tube.