Serious plumbing issues such as burst pipes, sewage backup, and pipe corrosion should be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do yourself to keep your plumbing in good shape. You could save a lot of money by learning simple tasks such as fixing a clogged toilet or a dripping faucet. Fixing a small problem early on can keep it from becoming a bigger, more expensive one.
Plumbing might seem daunting, especially to beginners, but leaks and minor clogs can be fixed without the help of a professional. Of course, it’s always handy to have a plumber’s contact details on hand for problems you can’t solve. It’s easy to find plumbing services in Millcreek or in Salt Lake City.
Improve your water heater’s efficiency
Water heater leaks and other issues aren’t something you can fix yourself. You can make it run more efficiently, though. Check the water heater and see if the temperature isn’t set too high. One hundred twenty degrees is the ideal temperature setting for your heater. At that temperature, the water is still hot enough for everyone.
Installing insulation is also another cheap and easy way to improve efficiency. Exposed water heaters lose as much as 45% of its heat to the environment. Insulating the tank saves energy from heat loss and can cut down your power bills. Insulating blankest can be bought for cheap from any home improvement store.
In some areas, sedimentation can also become an issue. They often collect in lines and well systems. Draining water from the tank every quarter should help with that issue. Turn off the water heater and let it drain out into a bucket. Deposit near the bottom of the tank should flow out. Let it drain until the water is clear.
Replace faucet or toilet parts
You might not be ready to replace a pipe, but you can change a broken faucet or toilet part. They’re straightforward to repair, and little damage is done if you do somehow mess it up. One of the most common reasons why toilet tanks leak is a deteriorated flapper. They’re very cheap, and the box should come with replacement instructions.
All you have to do to repair a faucet leak is to replace the cartridge. All you have to do is to unscrew a few things and follow the instructions on the box. It’s a good idea to have a few replacement parts on hand in case the issue recurs.
Fix a leaking showerhead
A leaking shower head can quickly drive you crazy. Thankfully, they’re straightforward to replace. A leaking head means the thread has gone loose or disconnected. To fix: Remove the showerhead, replace the old thread tape, and wrap the new one clockwise. Once you’ve reattached the head, the dripping should stop.
A clogged showerhead is often caused by mineral buildup. To fix: Unscrew the head and let it soak in a bowl of vinegar and hot water. The minerals should dissolve after an hour. Use a brush to dislodge any remaining buildup in the spray.
By following these simple steps, you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction from fixing things without anyone’s help. With the help of the right tools and some elbow grease, you can become your own home plumber.
