If you need to call a plumber to your home, it’s going to set you back around $90, on average, for a single visit. If they need to undertake complex work, that price could rise as high as $200.
Given these charge rates, it’s no wonder homeowners are seeking out DIY plumbing advice. If you’re new to this area, read on to learn some helpful tips for getting simple repairs done yourself.
1. Get a Good Plunger
When it comes to DIY plumbing advice, no home repair arsenal is complete without a top-quality plunger. Plungers are excellent tools for unblocking a wide range of clogs in toilets, sink traps, garbage disposals, and drains.
While beehive plungers are heralded as the most effective style, a standard cup style also works well. Both are designed to create an unbreakable seal around the pipe entrance, which reduces splashing. Look for larger-sized cups–they hold more water and generate more force–and T-handle for comfort.
2. Can I Flush It?
On that note, one of the most important pieces of advice from a plumber involves your toilet. There’s a straightforward way to prevent clogs that involve no tools at all. You simply need to research what you can and, more importantly, can’t flush.
The good news is, this one is easy. Stick to the “three Ps” (pee, poo, and paper), and you’ll be fine! Everything else, from disinfectant wipes to tampons, needs to go into the trash can.
3. Getting the Right Sized Pipes
Perhaps sink pipes have burst after freezing. Or maybe you’ve accidentally drilled through the wall and comprised a pipe or three during a remodel. Whatever the reason for pipe damage, it’s essential you choose the correct size replacement pipes.
PVC piping is made on a PVC pipe extrusion line. As such, it comes in a massive variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
Here’s one of the most helpful plumbing tips you’ll learn. Before you head to the hardware store to pick up replacement pipes, take a photo of the old pipe. Better yet, take the old pipe with you.
That way, you can accurately match it against what’s available in-store or ask the clerk to special order it for you if necessary.
4. Stock up on Plumbers Tape
If you’ve got a few pesky leaks to fix, you’ll need to seal them off with plumbers tape. Wrap the tape three to four times around the threads of a pipe before screwing it back in place or sealing it.
Some of the best plumbing advice you’ll get is stocking up your toolbox with a steady supply of this not-so-sticky stuff. And don’t forget that the white color is used for water-related pipes, while yellow is used for gas pipes.
Plumbing Advice That Works for You
Start assembling your plumbing tool kit today, and you’ll be ready to handle any mishap that arises with toilets, sinks, or pipes. And be sure to pass this helpful plumbing advice on to friends and family so they, too, can save money on professional call-outs. At least when it comes to the simple stuff!
If you want to learn more about how to do plumbing yourself, browse the other articles on our blog.
