Plumbing is something that we all should be familiar with as it’s something that we use every day of our lives. We use plumbing when we shower in the morning, when we turn the faucet on in the sink to make our coffee, when we use the restroom, and countless other times throughout the day; therefore it’s important that we know the basics of plumbing in case something goes wrong.
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians
Now, with the internet being so resourceful when it comes to providing tips and tricks on how to fix plumbing issues, more and more people are learning how to DIY their plumbing projects. Fixing or installing plumbing yourself can save you thousands of dollars, and will allow you to get the job done right away, rather than forcing you to find and wait for a plumber. There are a number of plumbing projects that can be DIYed; however, there are just as many plumbing projects that homeowners should know to avoid. How does one know projects that are okay to DIY and which to hire a professional for? Simple, by doing research. This post will detail the top 3 plumbing projects you can DIY, and the top 3 plumbing projects to avoid doing on your own at all costs.
DIY Plumbing Projects
DIY plumbing projects can make your life easier and more convenient, and you can learn how to do them by simply watching videos and tutorials online. Here are some of the easiest DIY plumbing projects to learn how to do.
1. Turn Off Your Home’s Water Supply
Turning off your water supply is something you should know how to do in the event of an emergency or if you are traveling. Turning off your water supply will protect your home from severe water damage. This straightforward task simply requires you to locate your water shut-off valve on the property by turning it 90 degrees, so that it’s perpendicular to the pipe. Your water shut-off valve is likely located in your basement, crawl space, or on the exterior of your house.
This simple plumbing task can save you thousands of dollars in damage and unfortunately, not many people are aware that they can do this task on their own.
2. Replace Faucet Fixtures
Replacing faucet fixtures is another simple task that all homeowners should know how to do. There is a step by step instructions on how to perform this task that can be found online, depending on the kind of sink that you have. However, overall, these are the main steps you will need to take to replace your faucet fixture:
- Turn your hot and cold water valves off underneath the sink
- Unscrew the water lines
- Disconnect the piece that opens and closes the drain
- Remove the nuts at the base of the faucet
- Unscrew the plastic slip nut on the bend in the drain line and disconnect the drain
- Insert the new faucet into the sink mounting holes and tighten
- Install the faucet handles and tighten with a hex wrench
- Screw in the drain nut and fit tightly with the base gasket
- Apply plumber’s putty to the drain flange and screw on over the drain body
3. Repair Toilet Valve Problems
When your toilet stops working, it will be beneficial to you to know to fix it on your own right away. Here are the steps you will need to take to repair your toilet’s valve problems:
- Shut off the toilet’s water, flush, and disconnect the service line
- Dry the inside of the tank with a rag and remove the old fill valve; you may want to bring it to the hardware store to make it easier to find a suitable replacement
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the replacement
Plumbing Projects You Should Call a Professional For
Though many plumbing issues can be handled by the homeowner and do not require a plumber, it’s important that you are familiar with the kinds of plumbing jobs that do require professional assistance. Be sure to have a plumber on hand that you can trust and that offers 24-hour plumbing services in the event of a severe plumbing emergency. If you try to fix a severe plumbing issue, you can end up making the problem worse and not only inconveniencing your life more, you could cost yourself thousands of dollars. Here are some plumbing projects to never try to do on your own.
1.Unclog a Blocked Sewer Line
This is an intense job that will require a professional plumbing service. If your toilet is backing up, or your drains are running slowly, it’s likely that you have a blocked sewer line. Blocked sewer lines will require a plumber/plumbers to examine the sewer line and locate and remove the blockage, and sometimes these blockages are not easy to get rid of. It’s important to note that before your plumber comes to your home to fix the blockage, you should turn off your home’s water.
2. Pipe Replacement
Pipe replacement is an involved and intricate process that requires one to cut open the walls and floors in order to access the pipes. Unless you have a plumbing certification, do not try to do this on your own. Contact a plumbing service that specializes in replacing pipes in homes.
3.New Water Heater Installation
Water heaters must be installed the correct way to ensure that they work properly, as they are essential to your home; therefore you should hire a skilled professional to do the job. Likewise, when you hire a professional, you won’t have to worry about transporting the water heater from the hardware store.
Understand Plumbing Problems and When to Ask for Help
After reading this post you should have a more in-depth understanding of the kinds of plumbing projects you are capable of doing, and which ones to hire a professional plumber for. Furthermore, make sure that you have a knowledgeable plumber on hand in the event that you do need assistance. If you don’t have a plumber, look online and read reviews of plumbers in your area, or ask family and friends for recommendations.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
