Most people don’t realize this but the integrity of a home depends a lot on how the plumbing is maintained. Bad plumbing or plumbing issues can cause a number temporary and long term structural damage owing to water seeping into the walls and floors. In order to avoid this type of problem it is best to fix these plumbing issues as soon as they materialize.
Fixing Leaks and cracks
Leaks in most cases are caused by either worn out washers or cracks in the pipes. These are subtle plumbing issues which can develop over time. Most leaks can be fixed by any DIY enthusiast but the first step is to determine if it’s a leaky flapper, a caulking or a broken pipe which is cause of the problem. In order to fix the leaky caulking you will have to remove the caulk then clean the whole affected area and then apply a brand new caulk.
If you attribute the leak towards a worn out Seattle Plumbers flapper (these do not completely shutting off the water) then you’ll need to replace the flapper. First turn off the water and completely flush the toilet so there is no water left in the tank. You will then have to unscrew the flapper and replace it with a similar sized flapper which can be purchased from any hardware store.
In order to fix a leaking pipe start by tightening loose joints and check for damage in the pipe. If the pipe needs replacing you may have to hire a plumbing service for this task.
Fixing clogging issues
Clogging is said to be the second biggest problem in most homes. These problems are common in floor drains, bathtubs, and toilets. The easiest thing to do to fix a bathtub clog is to clean up all the hair and dirt which has gathered around the drain. You can also use a chemical drain cleaner which loosens up the clog within the drain. If the chemicals you use do not work then try to clean your drum trap. This is difficult to do since you’ll have to gain access to the panel behind your tub or the ceiling of the room right under it. Once you get there you may have to chip away at the ceiling to get to the plug which then needs to be removed and cleaned. You will have to replace it with a fresh gasket. Many times a plunger can be used to pop open a clog but then if this does not work you may have to get professional help.
While there are a number of plumbing problems you can file fairly easily on your own for some more issues you will need to hire a professional plumber. However, make sure to always hire a professional service so that they are able to quickly diagnose the problem and fix it in the shortest period of time using quality materials.