DIY Tips for Before the Plumber Arrives

Construction & Contractors Blog

Plumbing problems can prove to be a nightmare for homeowners. This is especially true if you have no idea what to do in the event that you are faced with a plumbing emergency. Considering that plumbing emergencies can occur at any time of day and night, it is prudent to be aware of measures you should take as you wait for the professional plumbing cavalry to arrive. Below are two DIY tips to dealing with plumbing problems as you wait for the professionals.

Tip 1: Addressing a leak

Leaks are one of the most common problems that you will experience. If you have identified where the leak is coming from, such as at the toilet or under the sink, then you can easily put a stop to this by turning off the shut-off valve. If the leak is present in an appliance that uses electricity, such as a water heater, it is crucial to first turn off the power supply before searching for the shut-off valve. Nevertheless, there are some cases when a leak is unidentifiable and this puts your premises at high risk of water damage.

If you do not know where the leak is, then it would be best to turn off your main water supply. This valve is typically located at your water metre. Once you have shut off your main water supply, turn on all your taps so that water can drain out of the plumbing system. Your plumber can then locate the leak and remedy it before water damage occurs.

Tip 2: Addressing a clog

Another common plumbing issue that you will encounter at one point or another is clogging in your plumbing system. If the clog is located in your sink, you could use an auger and a plunger to try to loosen it as best as you can. On the other hand, if the clog is located in your sink, then you could try loosening it by pouring a solution of hot water and baking soda down the drain. If this does not work, then you may have to consider removing the cleanout plug.

In some cases, the clog may be far down, making it difficult to address using a plunger. Taking out the cleanout plug releases the pressure within the drainage system, which could make the clog dislodge. Moreover, you could also find that the clog has rested on the clean out plug. Thus, removing it could solve the problem. Nevertheless, it is still prudent to hire a plumber as they have specialised tools to locate and eliminate clogs in your drainage system.

If you have any potential worries about tackling plumbing issues yourself, make sure you wait for professionals like A and C Plumbing before doing anything.

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14 March 2017

Extending the patio

When we moved into the house we had a really cute patio, but it was so small that if more than two people wanted to share a meal or sit together there wasn't room. That's why I have been extending the patio and working on ways to make it more hospitable for the whole family to spend time out there, such as getting the music system to connect to some speakers in the structure. This blog has some tips for homeowners who are looking to attempt a patio renovation or extension and has some tips on which jobs to DIY and when to call in the professionals.