Handyman Tips & Tricks

Easy At-Home Plumbing Fixes That Will Save You A Fortune!

Written By: KC Handyman Services of Independence MO

Publish Date: 01-24-2023

Table of Contents:

Introduction

  • The importance of knowing basic plumbing skills for homeowners
  • The benefits of being able to fix small plumbing issues at home (saving money, convenience, etc.)


Common at-home plumbing problems and solutions

  • Clogged drains: how to use a plunger and/or snake to clear the blockage
  • Leaky faucets: how to replace washers or seals to stop the leak
  • Running toilet: how to adjust the water level in the tank to fix the issue
  • Low water pressure: how to clean out aerators and/or check for leaks to improve pressure


Tips for preventing plumbing problems

  • Regularly check for and fix any small leaks
  • Use strainers in sinks to catch debris and prevent clogs
  • Don't flush large or non-biodegradable items down the toilet
  • Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain


When to call a professional

  • Major plumbing issues, such as broken pipes or significant water damage
  • Gas leaks or other potentially dangerous situations
  • If you are unsure of how to fix the problem or don't feel comfortable attempting the repair yourself


Conclusion

  • While it's important to know basic plumbing skills and be able to fix small issues at home, it's also important to know when to call a professional for more serious problems. By following these tips and being proactive about maintaining your home's plumbing, you can save time, money, and avoid potential headaches

Introduction

As a homeowner, it's essential to have a basic understanding of plumbing. Not only can it save you a significant amount of money in the long run by allowing you to fix small issues at home, but it can also provide a great sense of convenience. Imagine not having to wait for a plumber to fit you into their schedule or pay for their services when you could easily fix the problem yourself. In addition to the financial benefits, there's a certain level of satisfaction that comes with being able to tackle a task on your own. By learning a few simple tricks and techniques, you can become a DIY plumbing pro in no time. However, if you feel you need help from a professional handyman, you can always call KC Handyman Services of Independence MO! So, let's dive in and explore some common at-home plumbing problems and how to fix them.

Common at-home plumbing problems and solutions

One of the most common at-home plumbing issues is a clogged drain. Whether it's your kitchen sink or shower drain, a clog can be a major inconvenience. The good news is, it's usually a relatively simple fix. The first step is to try using a plunger to loosen and remove the blockage. If that doesn't work, you may need to use a drain snake, also known as an auger, to reach further down the drain and break up the clog.


Another common issue is a leaky faucet. This not only wastes water, but it can also drive up your water bill. To fix a leaky faucet, start by checking the washer, which is a small rubber gasket located under the handle. If it's worn out, you can easily replace it yourself. If the issue persists, it may be the result of a worn-out seal, in which case you'll need to replace that as well.


A running toilet can be a real nuisance, not to mention the fact that it's a major waste of water. Fortunately, it's usually a simple fix. First, try adjusting the water level in the tank by turning the adjustment screw located on the side of the ballcock (the valve that controls the flow of water into the tank). If that doesn't work, the problem may be a faulty flapper (the rubber valve that seals the opening between the tank and the toilet bowl). Replacing the flapper should solve the issue.


Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to take a shower or wash your hands. There are a few potential causes for low water pressure, such as clogged aerators or leaks. To improve the water pressure in your home, start by cleaning out the aerators (the small screens located on the end of your faucets). If that doesn't solve the problem, you may need to check for leaks in your pipes. A professional plumber can help you locate and repair any hidden leaks.

Key Takeaway:

Common at-home plumbing problems include clogged drains, leaky faucets, running toilets, and low water pressure, which can usually be fixed by using a plunger, drain snake, replacing worn out washer/seal, adjusting water level, replacing flapper, cleaning out aerators, or checking for leaks.

Tips for preventing plumbing problems

Preventing plumbing issues is an essential aspect of maintaining a functional and efficient household. One simple but effective tip is to regularly inspect your plumbing system for any small leaks and address them promptly. Ignoring even minor leaks can quickly escalate into larger, more costly problems. Another helpful preventative measure is to use strainers in your sinks to catch any debris that could potentially cause clogs. It's also important to be mindful of what you flush down the toilet. Avoid flushing large or non-biodegradable items, as they can cause blockages and damage to your plumbing system. Lastly, make sure to never pour grease or oil down the drain, as these substances can solidify and lead to pesky clogs. By following these easy tips, you can save yourself the headache of dealing with plumbing problems and ensure the smooth operation of your plumbing system.

Key Takeaway:

Preventing plumbing issues by regularly inspecting the plumbing system for leaks, using strainers in sinks, being mindful of what is flushed down the toilet, and avoiding pouring grease or oil down the drain can save oneself from dealing with plumbing problems and ensure smooth operation of the plumbing system.

When to call a professional

There are certain instances when it is imperative to seek out the assistance of a professional plumber. If you are faced with major plumbing issues, such as broken pipes or significant water damage, it is best to leave the repair work to the experts. These types of problems can be complex and attempting to fix them yourself could potentially cause further damage. Similarly, if you suspect a gas leak or are faced with any other potentially dangerous situation, it is crucial to immediately call a professional. Not only will they have the necessary training and equipment to address the issue, but they can also ensure the safety of you and your home. Additionally, if you are unsure of how to fix a plumbing problem or simply do not feel comfortable attempting the repair yourself, it is always better to err on the side of caution and call a professional plumber. Trusting a qualified and experienced professional to handle these types of issues will give you peace of mind and ensure that the problem is addressed correctly.

Key Takeaway:

Seeking out the assistance of a professional plumber is imperative in case of major plumbing issues such as broken pipes or significant water damage, gas leaks or other potentially dangerous situations, or when one is unsure of how to fix a plumbing problem or not comfortable attempting the repair oneself, as it can ensure the safety of the home and give peace of mind that the problem is addressed correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to strike a balance between being able to handle minor plumbing issues yourself and knowing when to seek out the expertise of a professional. Basic plumbing knowledge can be a valuable asset and can help you save time and money in the short term. However, attempting to fix more serious problems yourself can lead to further damage and ultimately cost you more in the long run. On the other hand, being proactive about maintaining your home's plumbing and following the tips outlined above can help prevent costly issues from arising in the first place. Ultimately, the key is to be mindful of your own capabilities and limitations, and to not hesitate to call a professional when the situation warrants it. By doing so, you can save yourself the hassle and stress of dealing with serious plumbing issues and ensure the smooth operation of your home's plumbing system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What are some common at-home plumbing problems?

    Common at-home plumbing problems include clogged drains, leaky faucets, running toilets, and low water pressure.

  • What are some ways to prevent plumbing problems?

    Preventing plumbing issues can be done by regularly inspecting your plumbing system for small leaks and addressing them promptly, using strainers in your sinks to catch debris, being mindful of what is flushed down the toilet and not pouring grease or oil down the drain.

  • How to fix a leaky faucet?

    To fix a leaky faucet, check the washer, which is a small rubber gasket located under the handle, if it's worn out, you can easily replace it yourself, if the issue persists, it may be the result of a worn-out seal, in which case you'll need to replace that as well.

  • How to fix a running toilet?

    To fix a running toilet, try adjusting the water level in the tank by turning the adjustment screw located on the side of the ballcock, if that doesn't work, the problem may be a faulty flapper, replacing the flapper should solve the issue.

  • What are the causes of low water pressure and how to fix it?

    Low water pressure can be caused by clogged aerators or leaks, to improve the water pressure in your home, start by cleaning out the aerators, if that doesn't solve the problem, you may need to check for leaks in your pipes, a professional plumber can help you locate and repair any hidden leaks.

  • When should one call a professional plumber?

    There are certain instances when it is imperative to seek out the services of a professional plumber, such as dealing with major leaks, gas line issues, or complicated sewer problems. Additionally, if you're not comfortable working on your own plumbing system, or you're unsure of how to proceed, it's best to call a professional.

Contact Us

KC Handyman Services of Independence MO

(816) 307-1203

We Service All of Independence MO

For more information about Independence MO, visit https://www.ci.independence.mo.us/