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.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2008-08-19 05:06:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Basic Home Repair: Home Improvement DVD The Basic Home Repair: Home Improvement DVD is designed to provide complete details and lessons on home repair topics including energy conservation, home security, replacing a faucet, sweating copper pipes, replacing toilets, unclogging drain clogs, replacing the caulk on a tub, replacing lighting fixtures, repairing broken lamps, replacing tiles that...... -
What Does Your Home’s Curb Appeal Say? Whether you are selling your home, or you just want it to look its best, curb appeal is something that must be focused on. You can add quite a bit of value to your home with just a few simple fixes, but before you start, it is important to think...... - The Official Rent-A-Husband Guide to a Safe, Problem-Free Home: Quick, Easy, and Effective Solutions for Do-It-Yourselfer Improvements and Repairs The company was founded by Kaile Warren Jr, who at the time had a car accident. It left him nearly homeless, sleeping on the couches of his friends whenever possible. It was at this low point that at he decided to start his rent a husband business. In 1996, a......
- Home Maintenance for Dummies by James Carey and Morris Carey The Carey brothers achieved great fame with their first Dummies title that focused on home renovation so hopes were pretty high with this latest book on how to maintain your home. This is an area that many people fail to understand how important it can be, which is why we......
-
How to Clean Your Own Gutters If your house is equipped with gutters and you can't remember the last time they were cleaned, it's best to get proactive and do it yourself. While there are services that can come do this for you, it's actually quite easy and just about anyone can do it safely. Before......
Related Websites -
Creating Eye-Catching Book Covers Have you ever wondered how publishers create book covers? I was trolling through YouTube the other day and found this video that talked about the process. It's a little dated but I'm positive that it holds true to today as well. Even better it looks at creating romance covers and...... - What Are the Right Plumbing Tools? By Dallas Plumbing Whether you are a pro plumber or you know the basic of plumbing, there aren't many tools crucial to help you do the plumbing effectively. Having these few basic tools available is an excellent idea to help you prepare and do the fixing in the event of any emergency in......
-
DIY Plumbing Repair: Now I Know Why Plumbers Are So Well-Paid A couple weekends ago our guest bathroom toilet developed a slow flush. I plunged a few times thinking someone was probably guilty of not being frugal with the toilet paper, but the problem seemed to be getting worse. This was the first time vigorous plunging was not a successful remedy...... -
Thinking Outside The Green Box. What different, wacky, strange, outside-the-box ideas do you have to help save our planet? There are hundreds of ideas thrown around in the media every day for "easy ways to go green" - but what about ways no one else might know of yet? Things you are trying at home...... -
Antique Books Antiques -> Books and Manuscripts -> American If you are interested in finding a collectible that has a true story to tell, antique books are the ideal choice. These offer the ability to collect something that has value, not only in the actual worth of the item, but in the......
- Wrenches Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement
- Showers Steamers Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures Home Improvement
- Vessel Sinks Sinks Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures Home Improvement
- Screwdrivers Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement
- Wrenches Air Tools Tools Home Improvement
Categories:
Bathroom, Bathtub, Fix, Handy Man, Sink, pipes, plumbing
Tags:
2 comments ↓
This is one of my jobs that always gives my tummy butterflies! I hate to fix toilets, not because of the oder, but water is a big no, no…. there is always a way for water to ooze through. Your tips are wonderful and one must just keep on trying with the correct equipment!
Great information – plumbers are just so expensive that if people even can only master small plumbing jobs they will be way a head of the game. I met one guy who wanted to do his own soldering – I recommended that he buy a piece of copper pipe and practice. He put in his own ice maker and the work came out great and he saved a small fortune in the process. Thanks again for the post! Scott
Leave a Comment