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

• Book Review: No-Fear Home Improvement: 100 Projects Anyone Can Do by Creative Homeowners The Creative Homeowner is one of today’s hottest resources for home improvement and this latest book produced by their editors addresses one of the biggest concerns that homeowners have. They want to start making improvements around their home, but they are too worried that they may mess something up. Considering......
• The Ultimate Guide to Plumbing By Merle Henkenius If you’ve always wanted to be able to handle the various plumbing projects that pop up around your house, this is a book that is a definite must have. Plumbers can be expensive, and in an emergency, they may not be easy to reach. Once you’ve read this book, you......
• Getting Started with Simple Woodworking If you are a beginner to the art of woodworking, then you should know that there are plenty of simple woodworking projects out there that you can take advantage of when you are first getting started. Wood working does not have to be a futile task, because you can make......
• 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......
• Home Repair Almanac By Edward Lipinski Regular maintenance is vital for any homeowner, especially if you want to reduce your chances for having a major problem down the road. But for first time homeowners, or even homeowners that have been down the road before, it’s tough to know when to schedule all of those little maintenance......

Related Websites

• "The Skinny On..." Books Review and Giveaway Have you ever tried to tackle a big, deep concept and found after you've started your research that you're in way over your head? I've felt that way a couple different times, especially when I've been studying financial topics. Like a lot of other people, I'm a visual learner, and......
• Trying A 'No Spending' Weekend. This coming weekend, I am not going to spend a dime. Especially after all my visitors and exorbitant dining out expenses this month, a weekend without spending could really help my budget out. While I do normally try to watch my spending, even a few bucks every day adds up......
• How to find a good plumber A lot of people like to do things themselves.They really like to go around fixing things around the house.But an area of your house that is very difficult to do yourself is the plumbing.  Mainly it is because the plumbing is in your floors.  Or the plumbing is within your......
• I'm a pretty tight player I try to vary my play so that I'm not completely predictable and I think that it works for the most part. I'll play some weaker hands from time to time and try and show them down just to prove a point to my opponents. Brian Townsend said in one......
• Book Review: 100 Tips For Acoustic Guitar by David Mead If you have been playing acoustic guitar for awhile but still feel like you are missing some key information, 100 Tips For Acoustic Guitar, by David Mead may be for you. It does a great job of covering subjects like purchasing an acoustic guitar, getting ready to play, tweaking your......

Online Stores

• Wrench Sets Wrenches Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement
• Shower Tub Faucets Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures Home Improvement
• Saws Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement
• Showers Steamers Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures Home Improvement
• Pullers Hand Tools Tools Home Improvement

If you liked this article, vote for it on del.icio.us and stumbleupon.


Categories:

Bathroom, Bathtub, Fix, Handy Man, Sink, pipes, plumbing

Tags:

basic plumbing, caps, elbow joints, empty buckets, gloves, Hardware Store, pipe fittings, pipes, plumber, plumbing books, plumbing problems, right tools, sealants, silicone, sma, snake, thousands of dollars, Tile, toilets, tubes