The plumbing system at home is a complex one consisting of pipes, fixtures, and fittings. Despite its complexity, you know that it provides your household with a water supply and properly disposes of wastewater from your house. But nothing can be more alarming than encountering some plumbing issues at home, and the last thing you’ll ever want to happen is for these to cause significant water damage. This is why it’s best to be well-acquainted with several plumbing tasks.
In this article, we’ve rounded up four common plumbing jobs that you must know how to carry out, especially when you wait for your local plumber in Charlotte, NC, to arrive:
Inspecting for hidden leaks
Water leaks in your plumbing components are a big no-no. Not only will they spike your monthly utility bills, but they will also quickly escalate into major damages that require costly repairs or replacements. That said, it’s good when you know how to spot hidden leaks at home so that you can promptly have them fixed. All you have to do is to shut down the main water line and check your water meter. If the meter keeps running, it’s probably the leaks causing it. From there, check all plumbing areas and locate the source of the problem before calling in a plumber.
Plunging a toilet
There is nothing more frustrating than a toilet backing up, where the wastes don’t just flush down, no matter what you do. Fret not; all it takes is to use the right type of plunger to do the flushing trick. Similarly, you have to invest in a working plunger designed with a higher and more rounded hood and extended flange. That way, it can manually produce suction, creating pressure to clear the clog. Also, remember that only three Ps are allowed to be flushed down the toilet—pee, poo, and (toilet) paper)!
Replacing a sink stopper
A standard stopper is usually installed in a sink that releases water down the drain when raised and allows the sink to fill up with water when lowered. The problem starts if it no longer works as it’s initially intended. Worry no more, as it can simply be removed and replaced with a new one. All you have to do is look for the rod-arm bar that holds the stopper, loosen the screw, and bring the stopper up for inspection. From there, you can install a new standard one!
Unclogging a drain
Clogged drains are common household plumbing problems, and the major culprit is the improper disposal of garbage. This is because several family members may not be wary of pouring grease and throwing food leftovers in the kitchen sink. The same is true for your bathroom sink, as it’s easy to see a buildup of soap residue, hair strands, and other debris. When confronted with clogged drains, you can resort to a simple home remedy using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. All you have to do is to pour it slowly into the drain and add boiling water—it’s straightforward and relatively easy to perform!
Conclusion
At this point, we’ve covered the common plumbing jobs you must know how to perform at home—inspecting for hidden leaks, plunging a toilet, replacing a sink stopper, and unclogging a drain. It’s best to know a thing or two about plumbing systems so that when problems arise, you know what to do before you call an emergency plumber!
Do you want to learn how to handle some plumbing tasks at home? We’ve got you covered, as we’re your go-to online directory of the best plumbers in Charlotte, NC. Browse our website for more plumbing tips and tricks today!
