Plumbing Repair

Big house, small house, old house, new house, we all suffer our fair share of plumbing nightmares. Most of the times, we may not have contact details of a good plumber and before we end up in a bigger mess, it is crucial to learn a few skills in plumbing repair. If you know that the problem is beyond your capability, do not attempt to DIY. You will only waste your time and end up paying more to the plumbers who come to fix the mess. Word of caution: Always wear thick, rubber gloves that are resistant to chemicals when doing plumbing repair.

For those plumbing repairs, most plumbers suggest owning some basic plumbing tools. These are:

* An adjustable wrench
* Basin Wrench
* A pair of pliers
* Screwdrivers
* Philips head and common kinds
* Pipe Dope/Teflon Tape
* Pipe Vises
* Toilet plunger
* Toilet auger
* Washers

Common plumbing problems are found below:

Clogged drains:

How are you going to retrieve a family heirloom or your engagement ring if you accidentally dropped it into the sinkhole? The situation could pose a bigger problem. Say, your main drain is blocked. In this case, if you do not know what to do, it is always wise to call in the experts. But before calling in the plumber you should try the following first:

1. Beneath the sink, is the 'P' trap or the 'S' trap (these are both shapes of plumbing fittings). Before proceeding wit the task, wear thick chemical resistant gloves and wear protective goggles to safeguard your eyes. Place a chemical resistant bucket under the trap to catch any liquid so you will not mess up your place.
2. Release the two nuts of the 'P' trap's couplings by using a wrench. After the pipe is released, you can now retrieve the item.
3. Before reinstalling the trap, this is a good opportunity to check the washers and replace them if necessary. These washers tend to corrode over time. This may help in preventing future leaks etc.

Simple Ways of Cleaning a Sink Drain:

* Pour in a good quantity of hot water in the drain hole after each single use. Check to make sure that there are no clumps of hair, dirt and other particles blocking it.
* There are two simple and easy ways to clean drains and avoid odors. Once every week clean it by dropping a handful of baking soda into the kitchen drain. This should neutralize any odor present inside the drain. And on the other hand, you can also use hot tap water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar or lemon juice poured in the drain and let it stand for 30 minutes. Rinse it well.
* Purchase a drain cleaner liquid. Make sure the chemicals that you will use in the solution are compatible to the materials of your bathroom pipes, fittings, etc. Read the manufacturer’s guide before using any chemical. Once a month application of a chemical drain cleaner should be sufficient to keep your drains clean and unclogged.
* Go online and search the web for any natural cleaning solution to unclog your drains. You should be able to find resources for finding ingredients to make a homemade natural drain unclogging solutions.

How To Tackle Noisy Pipes:

* When water pressure is more than 50 pounds psi, this may cause noisy pipes. Loose pipe fitting can be a source of noise or even air chambers that are filled with water.
* Avoid using galvanized straps on copper pipes.
* In case pipes are loose, fix them up with straps or hangers as required to stop movement.