Blocked Up: Straightforward Advice About Plumbing Issues

Residential plumbing systems experience lots of traffic. They supply water for your domestic use and also direct it out as wastewater. Though residential plumbing installations are designed to ensure unobstructed flow, problems are inherently inevitable. Hiring a professional plumber to help maintain and repair your plumbing system is critical. But you too have a big role to play because the professional will not be around at the time your plumbing installation starts to act up. Here is a look at some minor plumbing issues you can easily fix by yourself if you know how to go about the repair process, of course.

Small pipe leaks

Pipes leaks can occur almost anywhere there is a connection. Where there is a major pipe leak, it is advisable to call for professional help immediately so that the problem can be effectively and permanently fixed. But if you are faced with small leaks that do not threaten to waste several gallons of water, you can try to fix the problem by yourself. The first thing you should do is to stop water supply by turning off the main shut-off valve and dry the trouble spots. Wrap a rubber patch around the areas where your water supply pipes are leaking and secure the patch with duct tape. Fasten the patch with a pipe repair clamp. Turn the water back on just to be sure the leaking has stopped.

Running toilet

Having a running toilet can be particularly irritating, but fortunately, it is an issue that can be easily fixed. When your toilet gets flushed, a rubber flapper opens to let water into the toilet bowl. Once the bowl is filled with water, a float closes the intake valve. Toilets usually become runny when there is a problem with its rubber flapper or the float. If the flapper is worn out, it may no longer fit correctly and will need to be replaced. If the float is imbalanced, you may remedy the problem by simply fine-tuning the level of the float so it closes the intake valve sooner.

Slow drains

Slow drains usually occur due to clogging in the plumbing system. Many clogs can be unclogged by using a plunger, a simple plumbing tool every homeowner should have. When using a plunger, simply create an airtight seal over the clogged drain and plunge it repeatedly. The plunging action tends to loosen up the clog and allow your sink or toilet to drain as usual. Avoid using harsh chemical clog removers that may corrode your metallic plumbing components.