a pair of gloved hands repairing the pipes

Common Plumbing Problems And How To Fix Them: A DIY Guide

Get Your Pipes Flowing Again: DIY Solutions For Common Plumbing Problems

Nobody wants to deal with plumbing issues, mainly when they occur unexpectedly. However, if you have learned and have the right tools, you can solve many plumbing issues while saving time and money. We can fix a toilet that keeps running, a clogged drain, or a leaking faucet with our quality plumbing services.

Bee Quick Plumbing & Sewer Inc. is a company in Illinois that does professional plumbing work. Our plumbers are licensed and have a lot of experience. We work hard to give our customers good service. We can fix any plumbing problem, from sewer leaks to clog drains. If you have an urgent plumbing problem, call us 24hrs a day and 7 days a week. You must call a plumber to help fix a plumbing problem. Call us at (630) 923-1942 for an estimate, and let’s talk about the world of do-it-yourself plumbing. With the assistance of our professional guide, you can learn how to fix some of the most common plumbing problems.

DIY Guide On Fix Common Plumbing Problems

Do you want to avoid spending cash and feel better by repairing common plumbing problems on your own? If this is the situation, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are a few common plumbing issues and how to fix them like a pro:

1. Leaky Faucet

A faucet that drips can be very annoying and cause wastewater over time. The good news is that it should be easy to fix. Depending on whether the leak’s bad, you may need to replace the washer or the whole faucet.

First, turn off the water to the faucet. Most faucets have a valve to turn them off under the sink. If you can’t find the valve, turn off the water supply to your house.

Then, use a screwdriver to take the handle off of the faucet. The part that makes up the stem is under the handle. Check the assembly for any signs of damage or wear and tear. You might have to replace the whole assembly if there are any problems.

If the washer on the bottom of the assembly looks in good shape, take it off. The washer is often what makes a faucet leak. Take the washer to a hardware store to find a replacement that is the same size and shape.

Finally, put the washer and stem back together and tighten the handle to put the faucet back together. Reconnect the water supply and test it to ensure the leak has stopped.

2. Clogged Drain

It can be an annoying problem that causes water to back up and cause a sloppy mess. However, by following these steps, you can quickly and easily clear a clogged drain without having to call a plumber.

First, remove any visible debris from the main drain clog, such as hair or food particles. You can do this by using a pair of pliers or your fingers. Be sure to wear gloves if you’re using your hands.

Next, you can our boiling water down the drain. It will help loosen any clogs that may be present. If the water doesn’t immediately flow through the drain, wait a few minutes before attempting the next step.

If water that is boiling does not dislodge the clog, use a tool like a plunger to create suction and remove the clog. Fill the basin or the bathtub with enough water to cover the plunger and create a tight seal between it and the drain. For about 20 seconds, rapidly pump the plunger up and down. Repeat the process several times, then flush the drain with hot water to see if it has cleared.

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can use a drain snake. You can put inside the snake into the drain and twist it clockwise while pushing it through the pipes. When you feel resistance, turn the snake counterclockwise to remove the clog. Pull it of the drain and run hot water down it to ensure it’s clear.

In extreme scenario, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner. These harsh products can damage your pipes, so use them only as a last resort. Follow the instructions carefully, and wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself.

common plumbing problems: water leaking from pipe
Fixing A Leaky Faucet

3. Low Water Pressure

It can be unpleasant doing things like showering or doing the dishes. You can figure out why your home’s water pressure is low and fix it quickly.

First, check your water valves. Ensure the main valve and any other valves that lead to appliances like a washing machine or dishwasher are fully open. The water pressure can be low if any valves are only partly open.

The next thing to look at is the pressure regulator. The pressure of the water coming into your home is controlled by the water pressure regulator. It is usually near the main valve that shuts off the water.

If the regulator is broken or not working right, it could cause the water pressure to be low. If you turn the screw clockwise, the pressure goes up. When you turn it counterclockwise, the pressure goes down.

If the problem isn’t fixed by adjusting the regulator, try cleaning the aerators. Over time, sediment and other trash can build up in your aerators, lowering the water pressure. To clean the aerators, unscrew them from the faucet and soak them in vinegar or another cleaner for a few hours. After you wash them, put them back on the tap.

The problem may be more extensive if none works, like a clogged pipe. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.

4. Broken Garbage Disposal

This can be very annoying in the kitchen because throwing away food waste makes it hard. The good news is that it’s easy to fix a broken garbage disposal

First, ensure the disposal is unplugged or the circuit breaker is off. This will keep you from hurting yourself while working on the removal.

Next, find the button on the bottom of the disposal that turns it back on. After pressing the button hard, you should wait a few minutes. If it were full, pressing the reset button would fix the problem and get things back to normal.

If the reset button doesn’t work, you can use an Allen wrench to turn the garbage disposal manually. Put the Allen wrench into the hole at the bottom of the disposal. Turn it in both directions until the garbage disposal can move freely. This will help get any food out of the way.

If neither the reset button nor the Allen wrench work, you might need to replace the disposal. You can buy a new garbage disposal at a hardware store or online. Choose a new garbage disposal the same size and style as the old one.

Changing out garbage disposal is a more challenging job. You can do it yourself if you are patient and pay attention to the details. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.  Always use safety gear like gloves and safety glasses.

5. Faulty Water Heater

It can be very inconvenient, especially when cold outside and everyone wants hot water.  

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the  water heater leaking from bottom

First, check the power source. Check to see if the water heater is getting power and if the circuit breaker still needs to be tripped. If the circuit breaker has been tripped, try turning it back on to see if that fixes the problem.

Next, look at the pilot light. It might have gone out if your water heater runs on gas. You can do it alone. Turn it on again. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific steps to relight the pilot light.

If the problem isn’t the pilot light, check the thermostat. The thermostat controls how hot or cold the water in the tank is. The water may be too hot or cold if the thermostat isn’t working right. Put the thermostat to the temperature you want.

The water heater may have a bigger problem if none of these work. It could be a broken heating element or a broken valve. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.

It is essential to keep your water heater in good shape. Drain the tank to get rid of any sediment that has built up. Every few years, a professional plumber can also check on the tank.

clogged drain
Fix A Clogged Drain

6. Running Toilet

This can be loud, waste a lot of water, and cause your water bill to go up. Fixing a toilet that keeps running is a fairly easy project that you can do yourself.

First, take the tank lid off the toilet and look at the flapper. The flapper is a valve made of rubber or plastic that controls how much water flows from the tank to the bowl. Water will get into the bowl if the flapper doesn’t close well. If the flapper is worn or broken, you should fix it or get a new one.

Check the flapper on the fill valve to see if it is in good shape. After each flush, the fill valve fills the toilet tank with water. Water will keep flowing into the overflow tube if the fill valve fails. Adjust or replace the fill valve if you need to.

Next, check how much water is in the tank. If there is too much water, it will keep flowing into the bowl. Set the float so that the water level in the tank is at the right level.

If none of these solutions work, you may have a bigger problem, like a cracked toilet bowl or broken pipes. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.

7. Burst Pipes

They can do a lot of damage to your home with water, which is a big emergency. Here are some things to do if your pipes have burst:

First, turn off the main water line to your house. This will stop more water from getting into the pipes and do more damage.

Next, turn off the power or gas to any appliances or fixtures the broken pipes may have damaged. This will help keep your home safe from electrical problems and gas leaks.

Put buckets or towels around the area where the water is to keep it from spreading. If there is a lot of damage from water, you may need to hire a restoration company to help you clean up.

Once the water has been stopped, find the broken pipe. To do this, look for damage from the water or follow the sound of running water. Once you’ve found the line, turn off the water supply to that area. Use a pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut out the broken piece of pipe.

Then, measure the length of the broken part and buy a new pipe that is the same size and made of the same material as the old one. Pipe fittings and soldering tools are used to connect the new line.

If you don’t know how to do these things or if the damage is terrible, it’s best to call a professional.

So that pipes don’t burst again in the future. Ensure your pipes are well insulated, especially in the winter when lines are more likely to freeze. You can also have a professional check your pipes to ensure they are in good shape.

Following these DIY guides can fix common plumbing problems like kitchen sink slow drains. But if you need help solving them or if it keeps happening, call a plumber. Safety should always come first. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Bee Quick Plumbing & Sewer Inc. is the company to call if you need professional plumbing services. No matter how big or small the problem is, our skilled technicians are ready to fix it. With our commitment to giving excellent service and making sure customers are happy. We can promise that professional people will take care of your plumbing needs. Don’t let plumbing problems cause you unnecessary stress and inconvenience. Dial (630) 923-1942 to get a quote and let our experts help you with your plumbing needs!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dripping faucets are inconvenient, wasteful, and expensive. 
  • Pipes that are leaking. 
  • Running Toilets
  • Low Water Pressure
  • Leaking Hose Bibb
  • Slow or Clogged Drains
  • Sump Pump Failure
  • Water Heater Issues

Once a month, give your pipes a thorough cleaning. Hair, grease, and other gunk accumulate in drains over time. Resolve recurring issues. Prevent debris from entering pipes. Regularly flush your drains. Do not pour grease down the drain. Allow your garbage disposal to rest. Don’t flush anything down the toilet. 

  • Mismatched threaded fittings. 
  • Ignoring the Primer. 
  • Failure to Back-Hold. 
  • Using a Dull Tubing Cutter.
  • Heating the Solder rather than the Copper. 

It has the potential to skyrocket your water bills. A small leak can waste a significant amount of water, leading to higher water bills over time. Finally, plumbing problems can have an impact on the value of your home.

  • Make contact with your neighbors.
  • Examine your well pump.
  • Put yourself under pressure.  
  • Remove the clogs.  
  • Open the main water valve.  
  • Change the water pressure regulator.  
  • Keep an eye out for leaks.  
  • Install a water pressure booster in your home.