How to Repair Plumbing Problems

Plumbing is a learned skill and you can often repair plumbing problems yourself if you have the right tools, know the techniques and are prepared to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plunger
• Plumbers Snake / Closet Auger
• Basin Wrench
• Slip-join Pliers

1. 
   Clogged Drain

   Unclog a Drain - Try a homemade drain cleaner of 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar. Pour down your clogged drain and let set for about 3 hours before running water.

2. 
   Dripping Faucet

   Repair a Dripping Faucet - A drip is caused by seepage from the water supply. A little water will seep through and drip out of the faucet when the washer is not functioning properly. To stop the drip, simply replace the washer by disassembling your faucet and replacing the old washer with an exact replacement.

3. 
   Leaky Shower Head

   Fix a Shower Head - Leaks can occur in your shower head where it connects to the shower arm or between the shower head body and swivel ball. Unscrew the shower arm, clean the arm threads and coat with plumber's joint take. Screw the head back on and hand-tighten it.

4. 
   Plugged Up Sink

   Plugged Sink - Blocked or plugged sinks are somewhat common, particularly in houses with garbage disposals. Turn off any appliances, then you can use a plunger or a plumbing snake to free the sink clog.

Tips & Warnings

• Although repairing plumbing problems may be difficult, you could prevent a lot of damage by knowing how to block off the water to each faucet, toilet, and water fixture. Once you get the hang of the tricks of preventing damage, you are able to go on to the harder issues of repair.

[besells]

on 2/3/2009 very helpful article to help with plumbing issues! 5* and a recommendation!