Learn these 4 Quick Fixes for Plumbing
Plumbing problems can be a real pain, and they always seem to happen at the worst possible time. Whether it's a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a running toilet, these issues can be frustrating and expensive to fix. However, there's no need to panic. With a little know-how, you can tackle many plumbing problems on your own. In this article, we'll share 4 plumbing quick fixes you should learn. These tips are simple, effective, and can save you time and money in the long run.
When a pipe bursts or an appliance leaks, you can't always afford to wait for a plumber. Water damage quickly takes its toll. Knowing a few basic but important plumbing skills can make a world of difference when recovering from a plumbing disaster.
Here are some simple repairs you can make to minimize the damage before your good plumber arrives on site. These simple workarounds might seem small, but they could save you money and your home from a major disaster.
Leaking Pipe
No matter the size of a pipe leak, you don't want water getting into your home. Even small drops can become big problems. Fortunately, there are many household plumbing tools designed to help you find quick fixes to avoid disasters.
Whichever method you choose, start by turning off the water. and measure the circumference of your leaking pipe.
How to Turn Off the Water
To shut off water from a leaking pipe, locate the nearest shut-off valve. Sinks and toilets have a small button at the bottom where the water supply is connected. Showers and tubs often have an access panel on the opposite side of the wall. Simply turn the shut-off valve counterclockwise to prevent water from leaking out.
If your leak isn't near a local shutoff valve, you may need to shut off water to your entire home until the leak is fixed. Locate your water line where the city water supply enters your home. It features a button or lever valve that allows you to turn off the water supply to your home.
Right Repair Supplies
Your nearest hardware store should have everything you need to temporarily stop leaking pipes until they can be replaced. If you have iron pipes, buy an epoxy compound. If you have copper, PVC or something else, buy a hose clamp or hose.
To fix a leaking iron pipe: Apply epoxy directly to the leaking pipe like you would use putty or plumber's putty. The epoxy temporarily seals the leak.
To fix leaking PVC or copper pipe: Secure or wrap the hose clamp around the leak. The pressure should stay in the water until you can replace the hose.
Keep in mind that none of these three products offer a permanent solution. While they work admirably as quick fixes, the only surefire way to permanently fix a pipe leak is to replace the pipe.
Leaking Pipe Joint
Leaky pipe connections are a bit trickier than regular pipe leaks. The angle of the joint can make quick repairs difficult or ineffective. Luckily, there are a few tools specifically designed to provide quick fixes to pesky leaks like these.
Repair sleeves and rubber hose connectors are flexible enough to wrap around a leaking connection and squeeze against it to force water back into the hose.
To use a rubber hose connector or repair sleeve: Measurement is important here. Cut the rubber hose connectors to fit snugly around the leak. The connecting rubber is waterproof if tightened enough, but it won't last forever. Repair boots work well on small gasket leaks. Add a clip to your rubber sheet to hold it in place.
However, over time, the leak can grow larger than the cuff. In a pinch, you can supplement one of these tools with duct tape, but remember how temporary that would be.
Cracked Porcelain
Toilets, tubs, sinks and showers can crack or break like anything else. However, unlike anything else, these devices are sometimes filled with water. It's easy to panic when your toilet floor opens up and your bathroom starts to flood. In such cases, you should prevent the leak from damaging the floor as soon as possible.
That's where our old pal's plumbing putty comes in. Apply plumbing putty to the leak first. Try to squeeze it as hard as you can. Plumber's putty is naturally waterproof, so it should last quite a long time. After squeezing out the sealer as much as possible, simply apply the sealer over it. The putty helps form a secondary seal and lasts longer than a plumbing putty, but it would be difficult to install without the putty. However, neither putty or putty lasts forever, so consider replacing your toilet, sink, or bathtub soon after.
Faulty Water Heater
If your water heater isn't working well, chances are sediment has built up in the tank. When a layer of sediment forms at the bottom of a water heater tank, it blocks the heating element. The water heater wastes time and energy trying to heat the sediment. You won't get hot water as quickly and your water heater will be strained. All water heaters will eventually need to be replaced, but flushing your tank can greatly extend its life.
To Flush your Water Heater
Turn off the water heater first. Run hot water in a sink for about 10 minutes to empty the hot water tank. Turn off the cold water supply to the top of the tank, then connect a garden hose to the drain valve. Make sure the pipe goes to the nearby floor drain. Turn on the cold water supply WITHOUT closing the drain valve or disconnecting the hose. Watch the water flow until you can no longer see the sediment changing color.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a plunger to unclog a toilet?
A: Yes, a plunger can be used to unclog a toilet. However, make sure you use a toilet plunger, which has a flange that fits into the toilet drain, rather than a sink plunger.
Q: Are chemical drain cleaners safe to use?
A: Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at removing clogs, but they can also be harmful if not used correctly. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and use protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when handling these products.
Q: When should I call a professional plumber?
A: If you're unsure about any of the steps or the problem persists after trying these quick fixes, it's best to call in a professional plumber. They have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix plumbing problems quickly and efficiently.
For Plumbing Emergencies in Texas
Plumbing problems can be a headache, but they don't have to be. With these 4 plumbing quick fixes, you can tackle common plumbing issues on your own and save time and money in the process. Remember to always turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs, and if you're unsure or the problem persists, call in a professional plumber. With a little know-how and the right tools, you can become a plumbing pro in no time!
Try these quick fixes to any of the plumbing emergencies above, then call us right away. We solve your emergency qui
