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Plumbing Fixes You Can Do it Yourself

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Alexie Sauer
Plumbing Fixes You Can Do it Yourself

Introduction

My favorite time of year to get the plumbing fixed is in the spring. If you're like me and hate digging through winter snow for the toilet plunger, then you'll love getting your drains cleared out and ready for action as soon as possible.

1. Fix a running toilet.

A toilet is a common cause of running water. To check for a leak, turn off the water flow and lift up on the tank lid to drain it. If you see any bubbles coming out, or if you have any doubts about what kind of leak it might be (for example, if there are pooling puddles under your sink), then replace the toilet.

If all goes well and no more problems arise after replacing your toilet with a new one, congratulations! Now that we've covered fixing those pesky leaks in general—what's next?

2. Fix a clogged drain.

If you have a clogged drain, there are several ways to unclog it. The first is by using a plunger. Plungers come in many shapes and sizes and can be used to clear out any blockage in your pipes. If the plunger does not work, try using another kind of tool for clearing drains called a drain snake or auger (also known as drain cleaner). A plumber's snake is an electric device that uses suction power to loosen stuck debris from inside pipes; it's usually made from rubberized material so it won't scratch surfaces around your plumbing systems when being inserted into them.

If you're not able to use any of these methods, then you may have to call a plumber. If you don't know how to unclog your drain, it's best to leave this to Plumbing Repair winnipeg who are trained in the art of plumbing.

3. Install a new toilet.

If you're serious about repairing your own plumbing and want to save money, replacing a toilet can be an excellent way to do so. Replacing your old, leaky toilet with a new one is an easy project that requires only basic tools and skills.

To begin, you'll need these items:

  • A screwdriver (or any other small tool)
  • Pliers (optional)
  • Wire strippers/stripping pliers (optional)

First, remove all the components from around the base of the old toilet—this includes: seat cover; tank lid; tank drain valve; fill valve; overflow hose connection if present on newer models; wax ring if present on newer models

; and any other parts you can remove easily. The most important thing to remember is that the new toilet must fit into the same space left by the old one. Measure your current toilet and compare it to toilets in stores before picking one out.

If you're having trouble finding one that fits, ask the store's salesperson to help you find one that will work.

4. Replace a faucet washer.

  • Remove the old washer. To do this, you'll need some pliers and a screwdriver.
  • Install a new washer. When you're replacing your faucet washer, it's important to make sure that you use an exact replacement part so that everything fits properly and doesn't leak or break down later on.

If you need help deciding which washer to buy, check with a local hardware store or look online. You can also see if an old washer still fits in its proper place on your faucet. If it does, then use that one as a guide for what size and type of replacement part you need.

5. Unclog a garbage disposal.

Unclog a garbage disposal. If you have a clogged garbage disposal and aren't sure how to fix it, don't worry! There are many ways of unclogging your sink drain, including using a plunger or plumber's snake. Plunge up and down on the drain until it starts moving again. If this doesn’t work, use a plumber’s snake instead—it's much more effective than using just your hands!

6. Check for leaks under your sink

  • Check for leaks under your sink.
  • Use a flashlight to look for leaks in the kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere else you might have plumbing issues that need fixing.
  • Look for wet spots on the floor, especially if you live in an area with lots of rain or snowfall (like Seattle). This may mean that there's a problem with your pipes or faucet; if so, read on!
  • How to fix leaky faucets: First measure off how far down from where it connects to something else that can be used as leverage—like a cabinet door knob or countertop edge—then tighten until it feels snugly in place; then turn the water back on slowly until pressure builds up behind shutoff valve before pressing the button again fully open position (so no leaks!). If this doesn't work then try replacing old parts altogether instead since they're likely worn out already anyway...

If your faucet is leaking around the handle: This could be a problem with the packing nut or washer inside the handle. They're small and can be hard to see, so if you don't know exactly what they look like—and where they are—you may want to call in an expert; otherwise, try this quick fix: Remove the handle by removing screws holding it on then use a screwdriver to remove packing nut (or washer).

7. Replace a sink strainer.

  • Remove the strainer. If your sink strainer is damaged, it's time to replace it.
  • Clean and dry the sink strainer with a soft cloth or paper towel and some dish soap, making sure not to get any soap into the drain itself (this can cause clogs).
  • Replace if necessary and make sure that there are no leaks around where you installed your new one!

If you have a clogged sink, try using a plunger first. If that doesn't work, try using a snake tool (or similar device) to clear the drain.

You can fix many of your own plumbing problems, and save time and money by doing them yourself!

You can save money by doing it yourself, and you'll know how to fix the problem in the future. You will learn a new skill, which is always good for your confidence! And if you're worried about being able to do it all on your own, don't worry—we've got some great tips for getting started.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you to understand how easy it can be for the average homeowner to fix their own plumbing problems. There are many different types of plumbing issues that can occur in a home, so it is important that you know how to identify these problems and prevent them from occurring in the first place. By doing some simple maintenance work on your own, you will save time and money while ensuring that your house remains safe!


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