We've all had these moments where we're sure our life is over and we need to call a plumber. But don't worry, you can likely fix the problem on your own without having to hire one. From clogs to leaky pipes and more, here are some of the most common issues that homeowners come across that they can usually fix themselves!
1. Leaking
Although a leaky pipe or appliance might be an indication that it's time to replace your plumbing, there are ways you can try to fix the problem yourself. Start by turning off the water supply and draining water from the affected area so you have room to work. After this, you can try tightening a connection or replacing a washer or O-ring. If you notice that your bath is always cold, try looking at Water Heater Leaking Info to see what you can do about it. Water heaters are also prone to issues and leaking and such an issue needs to be fixed immediately, especially if you're temperature-sensitive.2. Clogs
Of course, some clogs can't be fixed on your own and require more work than others, but simple matters such as a drain that's slowly draining water or one that requires plunging can often be resolved on your own. If you have a double sink and one is draining slower than the other, it's probably because the stopper in the other is raised too high. Fix this by adjusting how much water pressure you have coming from your faucet to a slower rate and watch as the sink fills up. If your drain seems to be blocked, try using a plunger first before anything else. After all, this is what they're made for!3. Toilet Issues
No one likes taking a trip to the bathroom only to find that the toilet won't flush properly or was acting up before you even tried it. When this problem occurs, a plunger can often solve the issue by clearing out any blockage in the pipes and restoring functionality. However, if your toilet is constantly running on and off, it might be a sign of a faulty fill valve. Replacing the fill valve is often an easy fix that you can do by yourself with just a screwdriver. Also, keep in mind that you must never put any wet wipes down a toilet as they can clog the toilet and make a mess in your bathroom.4. Dishwasher
A dishwasher that won't drain or startup is a bit more complicated than one that's having trouble with its sprayer, but there are ways you can go about it. One common problem with these appliances is when the grinder doesn't spin and this can be fixed by removing any hair and debris from the unit and replacing it if necessary. A dishwasher will also require you to check the water inlet valve, which can be done by turning off the power then removing it to see if there's anything obstructing it. If not, then you'll need to replace it.5. Bad Drain Smells
A smell coming from your drain is never a good thing. Aside from the fact that it's an indicator of gunk or whatever else gets stuck in there, it can also be extremely unpleasant to walk into the bathroom and smell something like sewage. If this occurs, try using chemicals to help dissolve any grime growing within the pipe since this usually works. A great option is to use HCl acid or bleach to give it a try. Bad drain smells are also caused by a buildup of hair and soap scum, so investing in a good drain cleaning product will solve the problem.6. Outside Faucets
When you want to turn on the faucet outside of your home, there's always that one time where it just won't budge. The reason for this is usually because debris has gotten inside the mechanism and "jammed" it so nothing will work properly. Take some tape and wrap it around the faucet head to create a tight seal then pour CLR or vinegar into the mechanism. After that, try turning on the water again to see if it works. This is also the case with sprinklers and other outside water appliances. If you notice that your outdoor faucets are always leaking, try looking at some online information on how to fix this issue.
You can fix multiple problems around your house without having to call a plumber. If you're not sure what's wrong, then go ahead and give them a ring anyway. They will be able to inspect your drains/pipes for you for a small fee.
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