Plumbing emergencies can occur at any given moment. You can’t predict when your kitchen faucet will leak or when one of your home pipes will burst. When some of these plumbing emergencies occur, it’s natural to panic. You can fix some plumbing emergencies on your own, however. Such emergencies require little to no prior experience in fixing them. With simple plumbing tools, you are good to go.
Fixing Common Plumbing Problems
Given that plumbing emergencies can even strike at odd hours of the night, you should always be ready for any occurrence. Regular maintenance of your plumbing system and plumbing fixtures prolongs their lifespan. If you spot a cracked pipe, have it replaced as quickly as possible by your pro. Delays in fixing the pipe can result in a burst pipe. The preventable financial damages that you will incur will be immense. Flooding can ruin your entire home furniture, walls, and floor.
Be sure to stock plumbing repair tools, such as a pipe wrench, auger, plunger, and adjustable wrench. In addition, you should have a hacksaw, a nut driver, and a screwdriver set. With these tools in your stock, you can quickly fix the following plumbing emergencies:
1. Clogged Drains
A clog is a relatively minor plumbing emergency compared to other plumbing disasters, such as a burst pipe. Do not, however, underrate it. It can cause untold inconveniences and quickly mutate into a bothersome clog. A one-size-fits-all approach does not exist when it comes to fixing minor clogs. You can try different approaches, which will still clear the clog.
With a plunger, remove the blocking food particles in your clogged sink drain. If your clogged sink drain is due to hair, grease, and debris, you can still use a plunger to clear the clog. Be careful while using a plunger. Instead of clearing a clog, there is always the risk of pushing the clog down the drain.
If the plunger fails to clear the sink drain clog, remove the trap below the sink. You can then search for the clog and remove it. After clearing the clog, check the sink trap for stuck materials. Use a brush to clean the sink trap before attaching it again. Sometimes the clog may not be in the sink trap but down the drainpipe. Use an auger to clear it.
In some instances, the above measures may not be effective in removing the clogs. You can now opt to use non-toxic drain cleaning agents, such as vinegar and baking soda solution. Pour the non-toxic cleaning solutions down the drain. Wait for about five minutes, and then pour a cup of boiling water down the drain. Using a plunger, check if the drain is clear. If partially unblocked, repeat the process. Avoid using chemical drain cleaning agents at all costs.
2. Burst Pipe
You can fix a burst pipe in your home, even if it’s messy. A burst pipe may be a result of aged, corroded, or frozen pipes. Whatever the reason, you can still fix it, provided you have the right tools. First, turn off the valve supplying water to the pipe. Identify the damaged part and possible cause. After spotting a crack, a hole, or a break on the pipe, fix the problem as follows:
- If it’s a hole in the pipe, wrap it with electrical or duct tape. Then open the water valve and check for any leaks.
- Use a pipe clamp if the pipe has a crack. Place the clamp over the crack and tighten the two sides using screws. Ensure the tightening force is enough to hold the clamp firmly in position.
- If you have a plumber’s putty, use it to patch a leaking pipe. Before applying putty, always ensure that your water valve is turned off. Clean the leaking area of any debris and apply the putty. Let it cure for the recommended time. After curing, open the water valve and check for leaks.
- For large cracks on your pipe, turn off the water valve first. Then consider hiring your professional plumber from teamemergencyplumber.com.
3. Low Water Pressure in the Shower
It is disappointing to take a shower while the water sprays are weak. The good news is that you can fix your low water pressure shower. Detach the shower head and remove the spray plate. Dip the plate in a descaling solution. Ensure all scales are removed and then reassemble the showerhead.
4. Leaking Faucet
A leaking faucet can be annoying. In addition, it can result in increased utility bills. Given that inflation is rising rapidly, measures to reduce financial costs are welcome. Start by shutting off the water valve if you are dealing with a leaking faucet.
Replace the faucet stem if the leak is at the handle. Replace the washer if the leak is from the tap. If you do not have a spare washer, visit your nearest store and buy one. They are affordable and will ultimately reduce utility bills in the long run.
