6 Plumbing Fixes You Can Do Yourself

6 Plumbing Fixes You Can Do Yourself

We try to do as many jobs as possible ourselves. My husband does all of our vehicle maintenance. We raise our own chickens and beef cows. We do routine home maintenance.

This helps us to save money. It also gives a great sense of satisfaction. And, we live in a very rural area. Having the knowledge to be self-sufficient is a necessary component of rural, farm living.

The time to think about major jobs is before they are necessary. Like with most things, when it comes to plumbing issues, they usually start out small and grow worse without repair. By tending to those issues as they arise, you will save money and time.

Before you can tackle any home repair tasks, you need to have a tool kit. While you may need specific tools for some jobs, these tools should cover the basics. For plumbing repairs, your tool kit should include:

2 Plungers (one for the sink and one for the toilet)
Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Pliers
Utility Knife
Plumbing Tape
Caulking Gun

Learn where your water supply shut off is located. Many simple plumbing repairs will require you to turn the water off, either at the source (such as a sink) or at the main home supply. Knowing where these shut-offs are located is important. You can typically find shut-offs near the sink or in your home’s basement, and you’ll usually find your system’s main water shut-off where the water line enters your house.

Now that you have all of the tools you need, let’s tackle these plumbing fixes you can do yourself!

1 Fix a Leaky Faucet-
Most faucet problems result from either a drip from the spout or a leak at the base of the faucet. Before beginning the repair, turn the water supply off. Next, determine the source of the leak. If it is a drip from the spout, tightening the spray head should solve the leak. If not, you may need to replace the screen. If it is a leak at the base of the faucet, tightening the faucet base should solve the leak. If not, you may need to replace the seal. If neither plumbing fixes solve the issue, you may need to replace the faucet.

2 Stop a Toilet From Running-
A running toilet is an annoying problem that can waste a large amount of water over time. Most of us are familiar with the handle jiggling method, but that only stops a toilet from running temporarily. A running toilet is usually this is the sign of a broken float valve, which you can replace. Shut off the water to your toilet first, and replace the setup by following the directions on the new assembly.

3 Repair a toilet that won’t flush-
This is a sign either the drain is clogged or the toilet trap is blocked. Use a plunger first to try to loosen the clog. If that doesn’t have an effect, use a snake to help break up the blockage.

4 Unclog a Drain-
Many times clogged drains are a result of soap, hair, and other such things making a “dam” in the pipe. Using a commercial drain cleaner such as Roto-Rooter drain cleaner typically clears that dam and allows your pipes to run clear in a short time.

Avoid drain clogs by taking a few easy precautions. Place a hair catcher in the shower drain. In the kitchen, be aware of what you’re washing down the drain. Don’t pour fat or grease down the kitchen sink, and avoid washing large pieces of food waste down as well. Make sure you know what your garbage disposal can handle before you use it.

5 Replace a Washing Machine Hose-
At least once per year, you’ll need to inspect your washing machine hose. Replacing it every five years or so (unless needed sooner) will prevent it springing a massive leak. To replace the hose, begin by turning off the water supply to the washer and unplugging the power supply. Then disconnect the old hose and connect the new one to the washer and the valves. Be sure to tighten both the hose and the valves well. Turn the power and the water supply back on and make sure the water flows smoothly without drips or leaks.

6 Replace a Showerhead-
If your showerhead is not flowing well, it may need to be cleaned. The easiest way to do this is to pour vinegar into a gallon size zip-top bag, then attaching the bag over the shower head and tie it in place. (Or, remove the shower head and soak it in a bowl of vinegar) If the shower head needs to be replaced (or you want to update it), this job is as simple as unscrewing the existing showerhead and carefully screwing on the new one. If you run into a lot of resistance or is particularly difficult to remove, you might need to use a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers. This tool has a great grip and allows you to work from a variety of angles.

What are some home repair tasks that you do yourself??

Do you have clogs that need to be tended to? Check out this post for tips!