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4 Tips to Help You Solve a Plumbing Issue on Your Own

Published by Adam Bungart

There’s an old saying that if you want something done right, you must do it yourself. This certainly applies to plumbing. But it’s important to know how to do it safely and properly, so you don’t make the problem worse or hurt yourself. 

These four tips will help you solve many common plumbing issues without contacting the plumber.

1. Check the Water Pressure

A common issue with plumbing systems is the water pressure. It can be low, especially in areas where many homes are using the same water supply. If you have low water pressure, here are some things you can do: 

  • Check your faucet and make sure it is not leaking. 
  • Check the water source (i.e., main valve). 
  • Run your cold water taps for at least one minute, then all your hot water taps for at least one minute. This will help clear any sediment from lines and fixtures in your house.

2. Know Where to Find the Water Shut-Off Valve

If you have an issue with your water, you’ll first want to find the shut-off valve. This will stop the flow of water and help prevent more damage from being done. 

To find the water shut-off valve, look under sinks or around your home for a knob that controls the water flow. Once you find it, turn it clockwise until all the water has been turned off. You can also shut off your main water supply by turning the knob clockwise until it stops completely, or use pliers or an adjustable wrench if necessary.

3. Clear the Clog

There are many ways to clear clogs in your plumbing lines. For one, turn off the water supply to the toilet by turning the shut-off valve behind it clockwise. Flushing the toilet can also help to create some suction and help draw water out of the clog. 

If that doesn’t work, pour 1/8th cup of baking soda down the overflow tube in the back of the tank if there is one; this will create an effervescent reaction that should help break up any clogs in pipes leading from your toilet.

4. Replace Any Damaged Fixture

Is the bathtub faucet not working? It may be the handle. If the handle is loose, tighten it with pliers. If it’s still not working, you may need to replace the faucet. 

Is an old shower head missing water pressure? There could be a clog in the pipe or a kink in the hose. You can try turning off your water while someone else turns on your shower and see if you get more pressure. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to call your plumber for assistance to have the pipes checked or replaced.

Wrapping Up

If your pipes have burst or you have another issue with your plumbing system that you can’t fix, it’s tempting to call the plumber immediately. However, if you’re looking to save money, it’s better to figure out how to solve the problem on your own first so that you know what the actual issue is and which parts of the plumbing system are causing problems. Before calling a plumber, consider these four tips for solving plumbing issues without calling a plumber.

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