Leaky pipes, clogged drains, and broken faucets are an unavoidable part of life. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them! If you want to learn how to fix common plumbing problems, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about leak repair.
A Leaky Faucet
To fix a leaky faucet, you need to turn off the water supply and remove the aerator. Then you’ll want to clean out any debris that may have built up inside of it and replace it. When you turn on your water again, check for leaks around where your new aerator is installed.
If there are still leaks after replacing this part and testing for them, then there might be another problem with your plumbing system that needs fixing before you can get rid of them altogether–or maybe even just wait until later when there isn’t so much pressure on your pipes.
How to Fix a Toilet That Won’t Stop Running
If your toilet doesn’t stop running, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.
First, check the water level in your tank. If it’s too low and/or clogged with debris, you may need to add more water or clean out some of the debris (a plunger works well for this).
Second, use a snake tool or wire hanger to clear any remaining blockages in your toilet drain line. Be careful not to damage pipes while doing so!
Thirdly–and most importantly–check whether or not the flapper valve has been damaged by someone kicking it out of place or accidentally leaving something between it and its seat inside of your tank’s bowl.
A Clogged Sink
If your sink is clogged, you can try a few different methods to unclog it.
- Check the drain and remove any debris that may have fallen down there. If you find something, pull it out with tongs or tweezers–don’t use your hands!
- Use a drain snake (also called an auger) to clear out any hair and other debris that may be stuck in your pipes. This tool looks like an oversized corkscrew; thread it into the drain opening at an angle and twist until you feel resistance (or hear gurgling noises), then pull back slowly while holding onto the end of the snake so that it doesn’t get stuck inside your pipes.
If none of these methods work for unclogging your sink’s drainpipe(s), call a plumber; they’ll be able to figure out why there’s still water backing up into this area despite all our best efforts.
Frozen Pipes
If you suspect a leak, turn off the water and check for signs of wetness or mold. If you find evidence that your pipes are leaking, contact a plumber immediately. If no leak can be found, insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing in the future.
If these steps don’t work, call an expert; if left untreated, frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive damage to your home’s structure–or worse yet–lead to flooding in low-lying areas such as basements or crawl spaces.
How to Fix a Leaking Pipe
If your pipe is leaking, there are a few ways to fix it. If you have a pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench, you can tighten the nuts on the joints until they stop leaking. If not, call a plumber or ask him or her to come over with their tools and give them a hand.
If there’s still water coming out of your drain despite tightening all of its joints and clearing out any obstructions in it (with a wet/dry vacuum), try plunging it with some force–this may clear out whatever’s causing the problem.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you understand the basics of leak repair. It’s not as complicated as it seems, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can fix pretty much any plumbing problem in your home!
