Plumbing issues come in all sizes, from big jobs requiring professional teams such as Olympic Plumbing Technology to smaller ‘Do It Yourself jobs. There are plenty of smaller jobs that can be resolved with a little know-how, the right tools, and some elbow grease when it comes to DIY plumbing.
This blog post will look at five common household issues and the DIY plumbing steps to resolve them. For bigger issues around Olympia, Washington, Olympic Plumbing Technology is your No.1 best, and we’re only ever a phone call away.
1. Slow Draining Sink
A slow draining sink is not just a nuisance; it can also cause unpleasant odors in your kitchen and throughout the rest of your home. Typically, the problem is caused by a blockage that restricts the proper flow of water. Slow drainage sinks are common in both kitchens and bathrooms, with food remnants, congealed fat, soap, and hair the primary culprits.
A moderately blocked sink can usually be cleared using chemicals. Always wear goggles and gloves when handling chemicals and follow the instructions on the bottle. Pouring the chemical down the drain should clear your blockage; be sure not to over-rely use chemicals.
2. Dripping Faucet
This is another common and quite infuriating issue! Not only that, over time, you’ll likely notice a spike in your water bill. To resolve it, first, you need to shut off the water and remove the faucet handles.
Next, remove the valve stem or cartridge and inspect these parts; replace any part that appears damaged or old. Clean all of the valves and then reassemble the faucet carefully. Turn the water back on and check that the leak has stopped.
3. Clogged Shower Drain
As with a slow draining bathroom sink, the usual culprits of a clogged shower drain are knotted hair and soap. To unclog a shower drain using a plunger, first start by adding petroleum jelly to the edge of the suction pad (this will improve the seal).
Ensure that there is sufficient water in the shower; the plunger should be submerged in the water. Then, it’s just a case of rolling up your sleeves and plunging vigorously.
4. Clogged Toilet
On the point of blockages in your bathroom, a clogged toilet can be another common occurrence. There’s a couple of different DIY plumbing methods that may work here. Generally, a plunger will do the trick; make sure to use a flange plunger when plunging a toilet.
Otherwise, a drain auger or sewer snake will help to loosen up whatever is blocking the toilet.
Here at Olympic Plumbing Technology, we offer a wide range of professional plumbing services, including drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, water heater repairs, and much more.
Roll Up Your Sleeves for Some DIY Plumbing
DIY plumbing isn’t possible for every task in your house, but there’s a surprising amount of issues that can be resolved with everyday tools. Clogged or slow draining sinks, as well as leaky faucets and blocked toilets, can all be addressed relatively easily. For everything else, Olympic Plumbing Technology is here for you.
