DIY Plumbing Repairs and When to Call a Professional

Plumbing problems can arise anytime in one’s life. From leaky faucets to clogged drains and running toilets, many owners experience best plumbing company in phoenix. A few repairs can be quite easily managed with no need for outside interference and with just a couple of tools. Other complex scenarios might necessitate a professional plumber. Herein, this guide will take you through the repairs that you are able to carry out unassisted concerning plumbing and those that surely need the magic touch of a professional.

Common DIY Plumbing Repairs

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

A dripping faucet is annoying and serves as a tremendous waste of water. Here’s how to fix it, including the following steps:

• Turn off the water supply:  Look for shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise.
• Remove the handle: Depending on your faucet type, you may need a screwdriver or an Allen wrench.
• Replace washers or O-rings: Many leaks result from worn-out parts. Take the old washers or O-rings with you when you go to the hardware store so that you know what to replace.
• Reassemble the faucet: Reattach everything in reverse order and turn the water supply back on, checking the faucet for leaks.

Unclogging a Drain

Clogged drains are common but often can be cleared with just a few easy steps to get your drain flowing freely again:

• Use a plunger: A good plunger usually is all you need to unclog sinks, toilets, or tubs. Make sure it creates a good seal and plunge a few times.
• Try a drain snake: Still not flowing? Try using a drain snake, otherwise known as an auger, to remove the clogs from your drain line. Feed the snake into the drain, and use the turning handle to break up the blockage.
• Baking soda and vinegar: For minor clogs, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, then half a cup of vinegar. Allow to fizz for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.

Replacing a Toilet Flapper

A running toilet wastes water and can drive up your bill. Here’s how to fix it:

• Remove the tank lid: Take the lid off and have a look at the flapper-the rubber piece at the bottom of the tank.
• Check the chain: Sometimes the chain is too tight, or too loose. You need to adjust it so that the flapper closes completely.
• Replace the flapper:  If it is damaged, first shut the water supply off, then remove the old flapper and install a new one by following the instructions on the package.
• Turn the water back on: Turn the water back on at the supply stop and check for leaks, making sure the toilet doesn’t continue to run.

Fixing a Running Toilet

Many running toilets can be fixed simply by adjusting the float:

• Adjust the float: A float set too high won’t allow the flapper to shut properly. For some you may find a screw to adjust the height; with others, you may simply bend the arm.
• Check the fill valve: If adjusting the float doesn’t work, then it is time to replace the fill valve. Turn off the water, remove the old valve, and install a new valve following the package instructions.
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When to Call a Professional

While DIY emergency plumbing service in phoenix can save time and money, some issues are better left to the experts. Here are situations where you will need to call a professional plumber:

Major Leaks

If it is a big leakage or the bursting of a pipe, you will immediately have to call a plumber. In such severe leaks, repairs other than by professionals will cause further damage.

Low Water Pressure

If low water pressure exists throughout the house, it may be due to some underlying problem which might be in the form of some hidden leakage or blockage in pipes. Such conditions can be effectively treated by a plumber who traces the problem and prescribes remedies.

Clogs in the Main Sewer Line

If multiple drains clog at the same time, this means the problem area is your main sewer line. This is rather serious, and to find and correct it, certain tools are needed that only professionals possess.

Plumbing Emergencies

In case you have a plumbing emergency, like sewage backup or flooding, then it is time you call a plumber. These can be health hazards and need to be handled without any delay.

Installation of New Fixtures

That is where the services of a plumber can be helpful to anyone installing new fixtures, say, a sink, shower, or toilet. In that way, everything gets hooked up correctly, with no possibility of leaks or any other problems arising in the future.

Conclusion

For the majority of homeowners, minor repairs-like fixing a leaky faucet or unclogging drains-are projects that do not break the budget and can even yield a feeling of accomplishment. However, knowing when to call in a professional is just as important. Major leaks, low water pressure, and plumbing emergencies need expert help.