For some, the idea of doing their own plumbing is frightening. Even experienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts have their share of horror stories. Nobody wants to experience a plumbing problem that they caused themselves. We talked with our home repair expert for advice. Here’s some information to help you get started on tackling some of your own plumbing issues, without doing more damage than good.
What plumbing tasks can you do yourself?
A: Surprisingly, there are many plumbing tasks that you can accomplish yourself. With a few inexpensive tools, even a novice can save big bucks by clearing clogged drains, fixing faucets, repairing leaks under a sink or taming uncooperative toilet issues.
What tools are needed for DIY plumbing?
A: A drain auger and a basin wrench are the only specialty tools required to get started. The rest of what you need is probably already in your basic tool kit. An adjustable wrench, pliers, large channel lock pliers, a hacksaw and a couple of screwdrivers will take care of most little jobs. I find that keeping a pair of needle nose pliers nearby almost always comes in handy when plumbing.
As you become more confident in your skills, your plumbing tool collection will likely grow with you. A pipe wrench or two, a basin wrench, pipe cutters, a strap wrench and a few fixture specific tools may be all you’ll ever need to look and feel like an expert plumbing DIYer.
Do you have any plumbing maintenance tips?
A: Plumbers get called many times to repair problems that could have been avoided with simple maintenance. Adding a lint trap to your clothes washer discharge hose, and continuing to replace or clean dirty ones, is the simplest task a homeowner can do to minimize clogged laundry drains.
Other troublesome drains in the house can be cleared from time to time by disassembling the p-trap under the sink and snaking out the first several feet of the drain pipe. This is an easy task that can keep larger problems from occurring later.
For homes with particularly hard water, you can keep showerheads and faucet aerators flowing freely by treating them with a calcium and lime buildup remover on a regular schedule.
What should you know about chemical clog removers?
A: Chemical clog removers should generally be regarded as unsafe. They’re toxic to humans and pets, and can do severe damage to pipes, seals and porcelain fixtures. Using a drain auger instead of a chemical clog remover is almost always preferable. That said, they do have valuable uses.
Kitchen drain clogs are often made worse by the presence of cooking grease in the pipe. It can be thick and difficult to manually remove. Drain clog removers are usually very effective at breaking up those types of clogs. Just be sure to use them sparingly and only when they’re really needed.
How can you avoid plumbing emergencies?
A: The best thing you can do to avoid a plumbing emergency is to be careful of what you put down your drains. Other than that, maintenance is key. Periodically cleaning out drains is great to do, along with keeping an eye on exposed plumbing fittings. Look for any mineral deposits or discoloration that might tell you that something isn’t right. Pipe fittings will often let you know that they need attention before they cause a huge problem.
Your water heater can also be a source of plumbing problems. Learn how to flush it out once a year and have the anode rod changed every few years. You’ll likely need a plumber to do anode rod work unless you’re very familiar with the process. Paying a plumber to maintain your water heater almost always costs less than the problems created by water heater failures.
Sump pumps that stop working can cause incredible damage to your basement. Test the system every once in a while. Make sure to check the backup battery and keep it charged. Also, make certain that the discharge hose always stays clear of obstructions.
Take the time to learn where all of the water shut-off valves are in the system. Knowing where they are won’t stop a water leak from happening, but it sure can minimize the damages caused by one, if you can stop the flow early.
When should you call a plumber?
A: Hire a plumber anytime that you feel uncomfortable when faced with a plumbing problem. Your gut instinct is often correct. As you gain experience with smaller plumbing repairs, your confidence and skills will increase as well. As that happens, you can accomplish larger and larger tasks comfortably. For major drain back ups, installing new plumbing or doing anything with gas lines, hiring a plumber will be necessary.
What are the most common DIY plumbing mistakes?
A: Arguably, the most common mistake is thinking you can’t do simple plumbing repairs yourself. Doing just a little research goes a long way toward reducing your dependence on your plumber. Always err on the side of caution, but you may be surprised at what you really can do.
Common tactical plumbing errors are usually simple things. Overtightening fittings, using the wrong pipe glue and crossing fitting threads are the major ones. My best advice is to take your time, make sure the water is shut off to where you’re working and be patient with yourself. Keep in mind that plumbers spend years learning their craft. You may not be an expert immediately.