Most plumbing jobs require a professional plumber. That’s because fixing faulty pipework and solving problems with toilets is notoriously tricky.
However, those who work in the industry know that a lot of the work they do could quite easily be done by amateurs. They’ll happily go on a callout to fix the problem and get paid for doing so. But they know in the back of their mind that savvy homeowners could probably fix the problem themselves.
Of course, all this depends on how comfortable you feel doing plumbing yourself. If you’re an experienced DIYer, then more of the tasks on this list will appeal to you. If you’re not as confident, then you might only be willing to take on one or two of the tasks we outline below.
Before you even get started, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need basic plumbing equipment, such as a caulking gun, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, plunger, pliers, and utility knife. You’ll also want to go to the hardware store and pick up some plumbing tape. It comes in handy regularly.
Okay, so with that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the plumbing problems you can fix yourself.
Clogged Or Jammed Sink Garbage Disposal
Many people have sink garbage disposal mechanisms below the plughole. These devices have grinding surfaces that pulverize food debris before it goes into the rest of your pipework.
Unfortunately, they are prone to clogging and jamming. If too much waste food goes down at once, it can interfere with their operation.
However, this plumbing problem is easier to fix than you might think. The vast majority of garbage disposal devices come with instructions from the manufacturer that show you what to do in the event of a jam. And because garbage disposals are for the consumer market, fixes are generally quite easy to perform.
Check out your repair manual. Usually, all you need is a bucket under the sink to collect excess water, and a hex key to remove the garbage disposal unit.
Broken Sump Pump
A broken sump pump can feel like a disaster. If it’s not working, water ingress into your basement becomes much more likely, particularly after a storm.
Fixing a broken sump pump is something you can do yourself, but you need to feel confident. If you don’t, then you’re better off calling a plumber.
To fix a sump pump, first, disconnect it from the mains electricity supply (and unplug it at the socket if you have access).
The next step is to fix the problem. If the issue is a motor that won’t stop running, then check the float switch. Usually, a piece of debris is holding it in the open position. If so, simply remove it, replace the cover and then see whether it fixes the problem.
At the same time, inspect the float switch itself. If it’s broken, order a new part from the supplier or a third-party vendor.
You might also want to drain and clean your sump pit. If you’re not comfortable doing this, watch what your plumber does and then copy them the next time around.
New Toilet Installation
Installing a new toilet seems like a job for a professional plumber – and it is. However, it’s also something that you can do yourself if you have the confidence,
Your best bet here is to follow the installation instructions from the toilet manufacturer. When you buy a toilet, they’ll provide a leaflet showing you what you need to do.
If you’re installing the same type of toilet in the same location in your bathroom, you should be able to do it yourself. However, if it’s a different type of toilet, you may need to re-plumb the walls, which usually requires professional assistance.
Caulking Showers And Bathtubs
Caulking is one of the easier DIY plumbing jobs. Generally speaking, it doesn’t require playing around with fittings or pipework.
The trick to getting it right, though, is to choose the right type of caulking for the application. There are kits for drywall and general home repairs that are not suitable for use in humid environments (which is one of the reasons why caulk has a tendency to attract mold).
Make sure that you use a rubberized caulk. Check the intended application on the caulking gun at the hardware store. It should say “bathrooms,” “showers” or something similar.
If you want a good finish, choose a quality caulking product. Don’t opt for the cheapest. While you’ll save a few dollars today, you’ll pay for it tomorrow.
Replacing Your Showerheads
While showerheads last a long time, they eventually require replacement. What’s more, older models aren’t always the most efficient. They don’t offer water-sparing technology.
Replacing your shower head can provide a host of benefits. These include a large 20 to 30 percent reduction in your monthly water bill. What’s more, it also reduces pressure on your system from internal limescale buildup in hard water areas.
To fit a new shower head, you’ll need a spanner. Check the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the issue is purely limescale, then you might want to put it in an acid bath (white vinegar is usually sufficient). This will dissolve the white residues both outside and inside the showerhead, making it look brand new, negating the need to replace it.
Swapping Out Your Old Kitchen Sink Sprayer
Swapping your old kitchen sink sprayer for a new one is one of the easiest jobs out there.
If your sprayer has a detachable hose, you can remove this first and place it to one side if it’s in good condition. You don’t always have to replace it.
You can then simply swap out your existing nozzle and replace it with a new one. Most fit into the sprayer assembly with a threaded screw
If you notice any tears in the hose, you’ll need to replace this too. Most models allow you to replace the hose without having to throw away any of the other components. Again, follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Fixing A Toilet That Won’t Stop Running
Toilets usually won’t stop running for one of two reasons:
- A faulty float switch
- A broken stop valve
Sometimes, you may encounter a combination of both, but that’s unlikely.
The floater is the large plastic ball at the back of the cistern. This prevents the flow of fresh water into the toilet when it reaches a certain level by closing off the main supply. If it’s not working, the toilet will continually flush as new water enters the system.
You can try a temporary fix by jiggling the floater switch around. However, in most cases, the best option is to replace the entire assembly.
To do this, first shut off the mains and then flush all of the remaining water out of the toilet. Then unscrew the brackets that connect it to the rest of the system and order a replacement for your particular toilet model from a vendor.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common occurrence if you put items into the plumbing system that should be there. Pouring large amounts of oil down the plughole, for instance, can block the system because it holds onto other materials, including waste and food.
If your drains are clogged, then you might have a problem with your plumbing vent. This is a device that releases pressure from the system, allowing waste to flow away from your home. If it’s not working properly, then it can slow things down.
Don’t assume that you have a blockage in a galvanized pipe just because it won’t drain. Instead, hire a plumber to come and check out your vent for you. This isn’t a job that you should do yourself.
If the plumbing vent isn’t the issue, then you may be able to fix the problem using a plunger or a cable auger. You can find both of these at the hardware store along with instructions.
Fixing A Faucet
Faucets will sometimes leak. It’s annoying and it leads to higher water bills.
In most cases, though, you can easily fix the problem yourself. You can either replace the entire assembly for serious defects or replace the internal washers.
In most cases, you’ll want to opt for the latter. Replacing washers is inexpensive and it helps you get the most out of your existing hardware. To do this, you’ll need to unscrew the faucet from its connection with the mains water supply and inspect the rubber O-ring at the base. You’ll also want to take a look at the O-rings underneath the twisting mechanism and replace them if necessary.
These days there are plenty of instructional videos online showing you how you can quickly fix a leaky faucet. These cover many different faucet types, so you can find one that’s similar to yours. You may have to buy new tools to remove the faucet but, generally, you can find these at your local hardware store. Always try to replace the washers first to save money.