We’ve got it all in this article, in which we tell you how to avoid plumbing mistakes fix plumbing, and avoid emergencies.
This is a complete article for DIY plumbing fixers. Fixing plumbing mistakes is great as long as you get it right first time. In the later sections we cover those general plumbing and emergency fixes. But, first we want you to avoid the common rookie plumbing mistakes which are so easy to make.
All too often novice DIY plumbing fixers cost themselves more than they save by damaging things, while they try to repair them. So, here are 4 steps to avoid some of the worst of those potential errors rookie plumbing fixers make.
How to Avoid Plumbing Mistakes
1. To prevent pliers and wrenches from scratching the finish on plumbing fixtures, use a strap wrench.
2. Wrap the flexible strap around the fixture, securely lock the strap in place, then slowly pull on the handle to turn the fixture.
3. To prevent a pipe wrench from deforming a pipe, be sure the wrench contacts the pipe in three places: at the top jaw, at the bottom jaw, and at the back of the wrench.
4. When fastening plumbing fittings, such as radiant-floor heat plates, to the underside of a sub-floor, be sure the screws or nails aren’t too long or they’ll poke through the surface of the finished floor above. via How to Avoid Rookie Plumbing Mistakes
Once you have noted the steps above, continue to check out the following sections, to find the right fix for your plumbing problem.
3 Suggestions How to Fix Plumbing When Under Pressure
You don’t need to be a pro to handle a plumbing emergency (though it’s smart to keep the number of a good one on hand). These quick fixes will buy you some time until help arrives
Pinhole Leak
When a nail gun misses its mark on a wall or ceiling, it can lead to a big mess. The long-term fix: Replace the damaged section with new pipe. But if you can locate the leak now, you can temporarily stop it by driving a self-tapping screw into the hole through a rubber washer.
Clogged Drain
The first line of defense is a plunger; spread petroleum jelly around its rim for a better seal. In double-bowl sinks, or with drains that have an overflow, stuff a rag into the opening you’re not plunging. For serious clogs, try a toilet auger, which has a rubber boot that won’t scratch the porcelain.
Leaking Toilet
When water pools at the base of the toilet, it’s often the result of a failed wax seal underneath. To be sure, dry the floor around the toilet and wait to see where the water leaks from. If the tank isn’t sweating, and the gasket between the bowl and tank is intact, try using a wrench to tighten the bolts on either side; turn a bit at a time so as not to crack the porcelain.
You don’t need to be a pro to handle a plumbing emergency (though it’s smart to keep the number of a good one like Tel: [phone] on hand). These quick plumbing fixes will often buy you some time until help arrives. via 3 Quick Fixes Under Pressure
How to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies
1. NEVER POUR GREASE INTO THE SINK.
Professionals say that kitchen sinks are typically where most [blockages] are found in the home. People tend to pour the fat run-off from cooking down the drain without realising that the lard will almost certainly stick around, hardening and narrowing pipes. Dispose of your grease in the garbage.
2. BE SCEPTICAL OF THOSE “FLUSH-ABLE” WIPES.
No one likes a ripe bottom, and so the market for pre-moistened wipes has grown over the past decade. But recently, news outlets like The Guardian have highlighted concern from municipalities that have experienced sewage back-ups and residential contamination from what they allege are wipes that don’t break down in the septic system. While manufacturers for the wipes contend that other items (baby wipes and paper towels) and poorly-labelled brands are at fault, it’s probably best to stick to toilet paper unless you’re certain a flush-able wipe is meeting water industry standards (not just manufacturer recommendations) for breaking down in water.
3. DON’T HANG THINGS FROM EXPOSED PIPES.
This is a problem most often found in basements, where plumbers are surprised to see homeowners hanging wet or pressed clothes from the exposed plumbing. These pipes are not meant to support weight, and you’d be surprised at how heavy a few pants or shirts can get, especially when wet. The strain can cause the pipes to burst. Don’t use them as clothing racks.
4. AVOID DROP-IN BOWL CLEANER.
While cleaning your toilet bowl the old-fashioned way is no one’s idea of a party, using the drop-in style cleaners in the tank or bowl can be problematic. The corrosive chemicals constantly leaching into the water can damage pipes and even prompted some toilet manufacturers to void the warranty for using them.
5. USE STAINLESS WASHER HOSES.
Some washing machines are installed with black rubber hoses that have been known to burst. To avoid a tsunami of water—up to five gallons a minute—from flooding your laundry area, use stainless braided hoses.
6. DON’T ABUSE YOUR DISPOSAL.
While certainly dangerous and ravenous for food debris, garbage disposals are not designed to eat everything. Bigger chunks of food should go into the garbage; never try to choke it with a ton of waste, either. Try slowly scraping plates to avoid a clog.
AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS…
Before you call a professional, try plunging the drain using a conventional (and hopefully clean) manual plunger. The suction might loosen a clog and allow it to drain. For shower drains, you can try a plastic stick with “teeth”—usually just a few dollars at hardware stores—that you can snake into the pipe to try and remove hair. And if water is gushing from anywhere, hopefully you’ve made sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut-off valve is. Usually, it’s next to, or under, the kitchen sink. Find it before you need it. via 6 Easy Ways to Avoid Plumbing Emergencies
We hope that you found this article useful. If the plumbing fix you need was not provided here, we apologise. In many cases, an emergency plumbing fix will only be temporary and need to be repaired fully at alter date, by a professional plumber.
Plumbing DIY is not for everyone, and in many cases your problem most likely needs a professional plumber to put it right.
So, we suggest that Shropshire residents call us during office hours on Tel: [phone] for a quote from our plumber.
Related
Avoid mistakes, fix things (for ever?), “never have emergencies”. Who are you trying to kid? It’ll never happen. No emergencies. How boring… Get real…….
No harm in trying is there?
If you have ever had a washing mashing hose fail you will want a Stainless Steel Braided Washing Machine Hose by Spes, available on Amazon. They cost a lot but many say they are the only solution to the pathetic plastic connectors that come with appliances like water softeners and washing machines.
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