Plumbing issues can be very expensive. Did you know that the average plumbing job costs over $300?
In fact, hiring a plumber is going to run you between $45 to $150 per hour. The more complicated the issue, the more expensive the repair will be.
The truth is that many plumbing issues are easy to fix and can be done by any homeowner. In many cases, there are online videos available to make it easier.
Read on to learn about easy DIY plumbing hacks. Opting for DIY reduces the cost to you and saves time waiting for an appointment.
Toilet Is Running
Many people are nervous to pop the top off of a toilet and get to work. However, the parts inside are cheap and easy to replace.
One great example is a constantly running toilet. The water is leaking from the tank into the bowl and therefore continues to run.
In the vast majority of cases, the toilet flapper needs to get replaced. The part costs just a few bucks and comes with illustrated instructions for replacing.
Replacing the flapper takes just a few minutes of your time. Envision the plumbing costs saved by opting for DIY.
Clogged Toilets and Drains
With a few exceptions, unclogging a toilet or a sink drain is usually a matter of having the right tool for the job. Many folks give up after the plunger fails to clear the issue.
By investing in a plumbing snake, you can resolve both toilet and drain clogs without the help of a professional. A solid pro tip is to avoid using drain-clearing chemicals that are sold commercially. The chemicals in these products cause long-term damage to the piping system.
If you do not have a snake, there are still a few DIY plumbing hacks to try. For instance, shut off the water to the toilet and flush with scorching hot water. This is known to break up the material causing the clogs.
Another DIY plumbing hack is to pour a baking soda and vinegar combination down the drain. This loosens up any buildup and is then flushed down with hot water.
Fix a Leaking Faucet
This is a job that intimidates many homeowners. In many cases, the repair is as simple as replacing an O-ring.
For compression faucets, replacing an O-ring is a simple 3-step process. First, you remove the decorative handle cap, which reveals a small screw. The next step is removing this screw and the handle itself.
Finally, a packing nut is removed using a crescent wrench. This unveils the replaceable O-ring.
For ball-type faucets, an entire replacement kit is recommended. This job is slightly more complex, but consulting internet advice for how-to-guides and videos will get you through it.
DIY Plumbing Hacks – Wrapping It Up
Surprising to most homeowners, there are many plumbing jobs that are quick and easy to DIY. Small jobs like replacing a toilet flapper or unclogging a drain save you hundreds of dollars.
There are a lot of resources available online to assist you further. If you enjoyed this article, please read our blog on Hacks and Tips for other great ideas.