Plumbing issues arise at any time, leaving homeowners scrambling to fix leaks, clogged drains, and more. While calling a professional plumber is sometimes the best option, there are many do-it-yourself (DIY) plumbing projects that homeowners tackle. Doing it yourself saves money on plumbers’ fees but also gives you a sense of accomplishment and greater knowledge about how your home’s plumbing system works.
Clogged drains
Clogged drains are the most disruptive plumber Sydney issues. Standing water in a sink or tub is not just inconvenient, but also leads to leaks and water damage if not addressed quickly. In many cases, clogged drains are cleared with a simple plunger. Place the plunger over the drain opening and plunge up and down rapidly several times to dislodge the clog. Covering the overflow drain hole with a wet rag ensures pressure builds up to loosen the clog. For bathroom sink clogs, try snaking a wire coat hanger down the drain to grab hair and debris – just be cautious not to scratch your sink with the wire! If plunging and snaking doesn’t work, use a drain snake or liquid drain cleaner. Just be sure to follow product instructions carefully.
Leaky faucets
The constant drip of a leaky faucet drives homeowners crazy. It is annoying, but it also wastes gallons of water. The good news is that fixing a leaky faucet is often a quick and easy DIY project. Start by identifying the type of faucet – compression, cartridge, ball, or disc – then look up a YouTube tutorial for how to take it apart and replace any worn washers or O-rings that are causing the leak. Make sure to turn off the water supply lines before taking anything apart. Most hardware stores sell faucet repair kits with all the small parts you’ll need. And don’t be intimidated about taking apart the faucet – faucet designs are straightforward, and it’s simple to reassemble once you replace the worn parts. Pro tip: soak any stuck parts in vinegar overnight to loosen mineral deposits before trying to take them apart.
Clogged toilets
Few things are more annoying than a clogged toilet that won’t flush. Don’t immediately reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners – try a plunger first. Place the plunger over the drain hole to create a tight seal, and then quickly plunge up and down to dislodge the clog. Repeat several times. Pouring a kettle of hot water into the toilet bowl helps dissolve a stubborn clog. If that doesn’t work, use a closet auger (sometimes called a “toilet snake”) to reach and clear debris in the drain. Ensure it goes down at least 3 inches. Check that the water in the toilet bowl is clean after plunging and auguring to make sure the drain is fully cleared. As a last resort, try carefully using a drain cleaner made specifically for toilets. Never mix chemical drain cleaners! With a little DIY effort, you save the embarrassment and expense of calling a plumber for many minor toilet clogs.