Homeowners Guide to Plumbing: Understanding the Basics

Andrew Kyle • February 11, 2023

At some point, you may have a plumbing emergency and a plumber may not be immediately available to deal with your problem. In such cases, DIY plumbing can come in handy and give you a temporary fix. DIY plumbing is a bit more complex than other simple DIY projects, and plumbing basics go beyond snaking the toilet or tightening a pipe connection, which is why you should always hire a professional plumber. But just in case you need to do it yourself, below are some plumbing basics to make your job easier. 

Tools for DIY Plumbing

Plumbing basics lay their foundation on the right plumbing tools that can help you perform basic repairs and replacements or fix clogs without any hassle. You may need more different tools for complex plumbing tasks, but here are the most common plumbing tools a DIY plumber should own: 

  • Basin wrench.
  • Closet auger, especially for toilet bowls.
  • Drain auger (snake).
  • Hacksaw.
  • Plunger.
  • Pipe cutter.
  • Pipe wrench.
  • Plumber’s tape.
  • Safety goggles and gloves.
  • Strap wrench.
  • Tongue and groove pliers.

Things To Know for Efficient DIY Plumbing

Prevention is better than cure. You should try to avoid landing in situations where you need to turn to DIY plumbing. Here are some of the things to keep in mind to avoid having a plumbing issue: 

  • Your house has two subsystems: one carries clean water in and the other carries wastewater out. 
  • Identify the location of your main water shutoff valve. 
  • Be mindful of regular augers since they can scratch the toilet bowl from the inside. 
  • Excessive usage of conventional drain cleaners can lead to pipe corrosion. 
  • Avoid pouring grease down your kitchen drain.
  • Don’t flush cotton balls, cat litter, and feminine hygiene products in your pipes since they can clog them.

When To Call a Plumber 

Ideally, you should call a plumber for all plumbing issues to have them evaluated properly. What might seem like a small plumbing problem, may have bigger underlying issues. Here are the top three types of plumbing problems you should call a plumber for: 

  • Clogged toilets: You can try fixing this problem by using a plunger. Alternatively, pour a bucket full of hot water and dish soap into the toilet. If none of these work or your toilet keeps getting clogged frequently, you may want to call a plumber. 
  • Clogged sink: Pour a mixture of hot water and soap into the sink to unclog it. You can also try putting baking soda and vinegar — half cup each — into the sink to unclog it. Hire a plumber if none of the remedies work. 
  • Leaky pipe: Fixing leaky pipes on your own can be tricky. An easy way to fix it is to turn the main water supply off and put Teflon tape on the pipe from where it’s leaking. If you’re not sure about the cause or can’t identify the leakage spot, call a plumber. 

These quick fixes will give you a temporary solution. For a permanent solution, you should call a professional plumber. Contact us if you’re looking for drain cleaning in Sugar Land, Texas, or have any plumbing needs. We will be on our way to help you.

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