Plumbing problems can be costly, but most of the time, they are relatively easy to fix, especially if you know what you’re doing. You can save thousands of dollars every year by learning how to be your own plumber and you’ll be gaining knowledge that can help you, especially in an emergency. Here are some tips on how to tackle the most common plumbing problems that homeowners experience.

First, you will need to get some solid plumbing books or DVDs that will walk you through the most common jobs. You can refer to these if you get stuck during a project. Having these books on hand can really make a difference, especially when you are under the wire. If you already know how to do basic plumbing, you’re just one step ahead. Try to get a variety of different books that cover not only basic pipe and drain issues, but also how to fix toilets and fixtures to make sure you have a well rounded library.

Next, you will need to make sure that you have the right tools on hand for the job. Here’s what we recommend: a variety of different pipe wrenches, appropriately sized for your house’s plumbing. It sounds simple, but many people find out too late that they don’t have the right wrench on hand during an emergency. It is also a good idea to purchase what is called a plumber’s snake. These are tools that can be used to quickly unclog a drain and they are very helpful.

It is also a good idea to have a variety of caulks, sealants and silicone on hand. These are very helpful when it comes to fixing a leak, or putting in new tile. Make sure that they are all properly closed so that you don’t end up with a bunch of dried out tubes when you really need them. Next, you should have a good supply of pipe fittings for your different pipes throughout the house. The hardware store will have a variety of elbow joints, end caps and other things that you will need. Measure your pipes and get everything that you need.

You should also keep a supply of drain cleaner, empty buckets, gloves and other small items that are usually required during a repair session. Make sure your tool box contains a propane blow torch, a variety of pliers and wrenches and anything else that your house may require. Keep all of your tools in a safe, dry place where they can be easily accessed. That way, when something does happen, you’ll be able to grab your stuff and get right to work.

Finally, it is a good idea to practice your skills from time to time, so that they don’t get rusty. If you have an extra bathroom, you can use this to try fixing a leak, cleaning out a drain or replacing the workings of your toilet. You’ll stay fresh and you’ll be ready to handle anything that comes your way.

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Whether you’re dealing with a slow drip, or you’ve got a gusher, a leaky pipe can be a serious problem. If the pipe is dripping on electrical wires, it can be even more dangerous. It is important to fix a leak as soon as you discover it. You can waste hundreds of dollars in water costs every year from one leaky pipe, let alone the damage caused by the water.

So, locate your leaky pipe and determine whether or not you need to shut off any electrical circuits. If you are dealing with a pipe in a laundry room, it is best to trip the circuits to the washer and dryer before you get started, for safety. In serious situations, you may be best served by simply turning off your main breaker. Just make sure you have a battery powered light source if you need to do this.

Once you have your leaky pipe located, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to your house. In most cases, this should be located near the water heater. You should see a large pipe with a valve. Turn the valve in a counterclockwise direction until you cannot turn it anymore. You’ve now shut off the main water supply, but please keep in mind that you may have some water left in the pipes.

Now, you’re ready to get started. For the purpose of this tutorial, we’re going to deal with PVC pipes, since they are much easier to fix. If you’ve got metal pipes, it may be easier to call a professional, especially if you do not have any experience with welding. In order to fix your pipe, you’re going to need to have the following on hand:

• Pipe solvent (used to clean the ends of the pipes)
• pipe fittings (make sure you have the appropriate size - you should have a couple of joints and if necessary, an end-cap)
• an extra length of pipe that is the same size as your existing pipe
• PVC pipe cement
• if necessary, plumber’s putty
• a cutting device, such as a hacksaw
• a blowtorch to clean up the ends after you cut the pipe

Locate the leak and determine how much new pipe you will need to replace the old pipe. Cut this to size before you get started. Go to the existing pipe and cut out the section that has the leak. If you’ve got a bucket on hand, this will help catch any water that may be left in the pipe. Use your blowtorch to sear off any jagged edges. Coat both ends of the existing pipe in solvent to clean them. Take two joints, one for each end. Apply the solvent to the new pipe and the joints.

Take your pipe cement and coat both ends, and the joints. Quickly (less than 10 seconds) put the new joints on the new pipe. They should only need 15 seconds to set. Now, coat the other ends of the joints with cement and the ends of the old pipe. Quickly place them together and allow them to dry. You’ve fixed your leak! If temperatures are above 50 degrees, you should be able to run water through the pipes within a few minutes. If they are below 50, wait a few hours to give the cement time to completely set.

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If your showers are starting to feel more like a bath, thanks to the amount of standing water you have in your tub, it’s definitely time to address some clogs. Bathtubs and showers have to deal with a lot of hair on a daily basis and it doesn’t take much for a clog to appear. Even with the best maintenance, chances are you’ll have to fight one or two every year.

There are a lot of different methods for cleaning a clogged drain, and we’ll cover the ones that are most effective. However, since using drain cleaners is not only bad for the environment, but also for your health, we won’t be covering that method. It is possible to end up with drain cleaner coming back up into your shower and the health risks from breathing the fumes are injurious to the health of your whole family. There are plenty of other easy ways to clean a clog that don’t involve harmful chemicals.

Now, before we get started, you’re going to need a few tools. We recommend:

• a screwdriver
• a pair of pliers
• a coat hanger
• a plumber’s snake (for serious leaks - they’re available at most hardware stores)
• some gloves (if you don’t want to get slimy)

First, you’re going to have to remove the top part of your shower drain. Most are screwed in, so gently loosen that screw with the appropriate type of screwdriver. You’re not going to want to crank on this since you can damage your tub. If it won’t budge, try a little WD40 if necessary.

Once this top part is off you should be able to get a better idea of the kind of clog you’re dealing with. Most clogs will be in this part of the drain, so you can simply pick the hair out until the area is cleaned up. If you don’t see much hair or anything else clogging this area, you’re going to have to go a little bit further. Most modern drains have a pattern inside that is made of hard plastic, so you can’t exactly go sticking your hand down there. We don’t recommend prying this part out since you can permanently damage your tub.

Unwrap that coat hanger and try feeding it gently down the drain. Probe around until you feel like you’ve hit the clog. You can try to pull it back up towards you or push it down further until it reaches a larger area of the pipe where it can be flushed away. For serious clogs we really recommend a plumber’s snake since they are easier to use than a coat hanger. Get rid of the clog and then put the drain back together again and you’re set.

If you have frequent clogs there’s an easy little recipe that you can use to make safe drain cleaner. Get some baking soda and put it down the drain. Then, grab some white vinegar and pour it in. The chemical reaction will clean out the pipe and keep it clean for you. You can do this once a month as a preventative. After you use the mixture, run some hot water down the drain to flush away any excess power.

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