If you own a home, plumbing problems are to be expected. However, most plumbing repairs are simple enough that they can be resolved without calling a plumber. Fixing a leaking toilet or changing a shower head is a breeze if you have good enough repair instructions. Instructions for many do it yourself plumbing problems can easily be found online. To ensure you have the right tools for the job, a good Plumbing Supply in NYC can also prove very helpful. Many hardware stores cater to the do-it-yourselfer by offering resources to make projects simpler to manage.
A constantly running or leaking toilet is probably one of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners face. Calling in a professional plumber for such a small job can be very expensive. Plumbers generally charge by the hour. The hourly rate for most local plumbers is usually very high. Many even require a two to three hour minimum hourly rate, regardless of the length of the job. However, in most cases, all you will need to fix a leaky toilet are a set of pliers and perhaps a new flapper. The flapper controls the amount of water flow in a toilet’s tank. The chain on a flapper can easily be tightened or loosened to adjust the tank’s flow No matter your skill level, replacing or adjusting the flapper only takes a few minutes. Flappers can be typically be purchased for under $10 and can be purchased from any Plumbing Supply in NYC.
Another common, easy to repair plumbing issue are drain clogs. Most people grab a bottle of drain cleaner to combat clogs. However, when used excessively, over the counter drain cleaners can actually do more harm than good. Instead try a solution of two parts baking soda to one part vinegar to naturally clear minor clogs. If you are in need of something stronger, most plumbers recommend that the drain be snaked. A water jetting machine may work as well. Both snakes and jetting machines can purchased or rented from a hardware store. The coiling action of a drain snake helps to break up the obstruction, while a jetting machine uses pressurized water to force the clog through.
