Anyone who's owned a house knows how expensive it can be to call a professional plumber to fix common bathroom issues. But what if you could handle these repairs yourself? With some basic knowledge and tools, you can become a DIY plumber and save a lot of money. In this guide, we'll cover 3 simple fixes for the most common issues: a leaky faucet, a clogged shower drain, and a running toilet.
Fix #1: Leaky faucet
A leaky faucet is not just annoying, but it can also waste a lot of water and increase your utility bills. Here's how to fix it:
- Turn off the water supply. Before starting any faucet repair, make sure the water supply to the faucet is turned off.
- Remove the handle. Depending on your faucet, there might be a cap on top of the handle which you'll need to pry off first. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the handle.
- Replace the valve or washer. After removing the handle, you'll see a valve or a washer. If it's worn out, replace it with a new one you can purchase at any hardware store.
- Reassemble the faucet. After replacing the valve or washer, reassemble the faucet and turn the water supply back on. If done correctly, your faucet should no longer be leaking.
Fix #2: Clogged shower drain
A clogged shower drain can cause water to back up, leading to potential water damage. Here's how to unclog it:
- Remove the drain cover. Some covers are screwed on, while others just pop off. Use the appropriate tool to remove it.
- Use a plunger. Before using chemical drain cleaners which can damage your pipes, try using a plunger. If it doesn't work, move on to the next step.
- Use a plumber's snake. This tool can reach further down the drain to break up the clog. If you don't have one, you can buy or rent one from a hardware store.
Fix #3: Running toilet
A running toilet is usually caused by a problem with the flapper. Here's how to fix it:
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet. There should be a valve on the wall behind the toilet.
- Remove the tank lid. Carefully remove the lid and set it aside.
- Check the flapper. The flapper is a rubber piece at the bottom of the tank. If it's worn out or doesn't seal properly, water will leak into the toilet bowl, causing it to run constantly. If the flapper is damaged, replace it.
- Turn the water supply back on. After replacing the flapper, turn the water supply back on. If done correctly, your toilet should stop running.
Remember, these are just simple fixes to common problems. If you encounter a more complex issue, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber.
