DIY PLUMBING TIPS EVERY HOME OWNER SHOULD KNOW

Plumbing emergencies can be your worst nightmare and to save you from this deadly nightmare we bring you Amazing DIY plumbing tips that can help you in figuring out the problem and fixing it right there and then.
Major plumbing emergencies can’t be fixed without professional help but if it’s a minor one, reading this blog can be of utmost help to you. Using the right tools and techniques you can prevent leaks and other damages without seeking help.
1. LOCATING WATER SHUTOFF VALVES
The smart thing to do when you notice a leak is to cut off the water supply by shutting off the valve. Knowing where your home’s shut-off valve is and making sure everyone else in your home knows about it can assist you in so many ways, especially when you have an active pipe burst or a leak. A leak doesn’t always require a plumbing expert, if you know how to turn off your water supply, you’re good to go.
2. USING PLUMBING TAPES WHERE APPROPRIATE
Another way to prevent leaks is to use plumbing tape. Using plumbing tapes isn’t always appropriate and it doesn’t always prevent the damage instead if you try to force use it for prevention it might lead to permanent damage. It can always be used to prevent minor leaks but for a major leak, you will have to call a professional for help. The correct way to apply the plumbing tape is to wrap it in the opposite direction of how you’ll turn the pipe when you connect the pieces. This keeps the tape from unraveling.
3. USING COMPATIBLE MATERIALS
If you want your plumbing system to last longer, always use pipes that are made up of the same material. Using different materials together can wear down the pipes through corrosion. Ideally, you should use the same type of pipes when replacing a section of the plumbing system.
4. CHECKING FOR LEAKS
If you notice discoloration and texture changing in your walls and ceilings, a musty smell, or signs of molds and mildew then you must immediately check for leaks. Even if you had your pipes repaired a month back or you had them entirely replaced, still check them for leakage. Even though the connections look tight, they could leak and cause water damage that can become severe quickly if you don’t catch it immediately.
5. DON’T HIDE VULNERABLE VALVES
Shutoff valves, saddle valves, and some other fittings are vulnerable to leaking, and keeping them hidden can become a nightmare for you. Keeping such valves easily accessible makes it easier for you to constantly monitor them for leaks and to replace or have them repaired in case of corrosion or leaks. If you hide them behind the wall, figuring out the leaks would be difficult to detect.
6. AVOID OVERTIGHTENING CONNECTIONS
Never try to overtight plumbing connections in order to prevent leaks. It’s logical to think so but overtightening the connections can actually damage them and cause leaks or other permanent damages. It can entirely ruin your rubber seals, strip, and threads in the fitting. In general, your plumbing connections just need to be hand-tightened.
7. USING THE RIGHT PLUNGER TO UNCLOG
Everybody knows that only a plunger can easily fix a clogged drain but most of you don’t know that using the right plunger to do the job can fix it. We’re sure that only a few people know that there are three types of plungers, all of which help clear a clogged drain, but they’re designed for slightly different purposes.
​Flat plungers:​ It has a flat bottom which is ideal for use in a sink or bathtub that also has a flat surface to create a good seal.
​Flange plunger:​ it’s ideal for the curved shape of the toilet bowl. The rubber flap that extends down in the center of the cup helps you get better suction in your toilet, making it easier for you to clear a clogged toilet.
​Accordion plunger:​ It has a ribbed, accordion-looking cup. While it can be difficult to use, but this plunger is ideal for a completely clogged toilet that’s difficult to unclog.