Almost everyone has to deal with plumbing issues now and then, whether it’s a stopped-up toilet or a leaking faucet. While some repairs are complex and require expert attention, there are many simple plumbing fixes that most people can do on their own. The following are some tips for taking care of everyday plumbing problems.
Unclog A Drain Without Harsh Chemicals
Commercial drain cleaning liquids contain harsh chemicals, such as lye, caustic potash, bleach, and sulfuric acid. While such products generally do the job, there are more environmentally friendly approaches. Plumbers in Gig Harbor WA often use a plumber’s snake, which is a long, flexible drilling device that is inserted into a drainpipe. It extends until it reaches the clog and breaks it up or pulls it out. A shop vac can also draw water and clogging material out of a drain.
Use Plumber’s Tape To Fix Or Prevent Leaks
Leaks typically occur where two pipes join together. When pipe threads don’t form a tight seal, water can leak. Plumber’s tape, also known as thread-seal tape, is a polytetrafluoroethylene film designed to seal pipe threads and prevent leaks. The tape is wound counter-clockwise around a pipe thread three times to form the seal. Avoid using more tape than this, as overuse of thread-seal tape can prevent the threads of two pipes from making a tight fit when they’re engaged.
Replace A Float Valve To Fix A Running Toilet
Another simple plumbing repair is replacing a float valve, which is the bulb-shaped mechanism in the toilet tank that controls the flow of water. As the tank fills and the float rises, the valve shuts off the water flow automatically when it reaches a certain level. When a toilet continues to run after it has been flushed, the valve probably needs to be replaced. Replacing the valve requires removing the existing assembly and installing a new one by following simple instructions on the package. Shut off the water supply to the toilet and drain the tank before beginning.
These tips can help homeowners solve plumbing problems on their own. However, if these solutions don’t work, it’s important to contact Plumbers in Gig Harbor WA for expert assistance.
