You never know when plumbing problems like leaking pipes and clogged drains will pop up, but knowing how to quickly fix them can make a big difference in how you recover. Here are some plumbing fixes you can perform to minimize damage before a plumber arrives on the scene.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a very common plumbing issue you’ll probably run into eventually. For a quick plumbing fix, you may reach for chemical cleaners. But we advise you to toss the chemical cleaners and try different methods to unclog drains instead.
The reason we advise against drain cleaners is because they are too harsh. While using them will eat away at whatever is causing the clog, they’ll also eat away at your pipes and cause unnecessary wear and tear. If you need to unclog your clog quickly, try to do it naturally by pouring boiling or very hot water down your drain. This should help knock some materials free. If you have your own drain snake, you can also unclog your drain quickly this way as well.
If you notice your drain is clogging regularly, it might be time to bring in a professional plumber.
Leaking Pipe
Big or small, a leaking pipe is a cause for alarm. You don’t want water leaking into your home, and even small drips can develop into big problems. Luckily there are plumbing fixes you can quickly do to seal the leaking pipe before you call in help.
The first step is to turn the water off. To turn off water to a leaking pipe, locate the nearest shut-off valve. Toilets and sinks will have a small knob located underneath where the water supply connects. Tubs and showers often have an access panel close by to allow you to shut off the flow. If the leak isn’t located near a shut-off valve, you may need to turn off the water to your home until the leak is addressed.
Next, you’re going to make a run to your nearest hardware store for supplies. For iron pipes, you’ll need an epoxy compound. For copper or PVC pipes, you’ll need a pipe clamp or wrap. To repair your leaking iron pipe, apply epoxy generously and directly onto the leak. This will form a temporary seal. For PVC and copper pipes, affix the pipe clamp or wrap around the leak.
As a reminder, these are quick plumbing fixes for a reason. The only permanent way to fix a leaking pipe is to get it replaced.
Leaking Pipe Joints
Leaky pipe joints are similar to leaky pipes but can bit a little more challenging. The angle of the joint can make quick repairs awkward or ineffective. But there are tools to provide quick fixes.
Repair sleeves and rubber pipe connectors can help in this situation and should be available at your local hardware store. These are flexible enough to wrap around a joint and will help to apply pressure to squeeze water back through the pipe. To use either of these, measurements are important. Turn off the water temporarily to the leaking pipe joint and cut the rubber pipe connector so it fits snuggly. For a repair sleeve, make sure it’s wrapped tightly enough. When tight enough, these options should seal the leak, but they won’t last forever. Reach out to a professional for plumbing repairs as soon as you can.
Cracked Porcelain
Toilets, sinks, and bathtubs can crack and break like anything else. The issue is that water is added to the mix. When the bottom of your toilet cracks and starts leaking water into your bathroom, it’s easy to panic. In cases like these, you want to act fast to avoid any water damage.
For cracked porcelain, plumber’s putty will help save the day. To seal cracks, apply plumber’s putty and squeeze it as snuggly as you can into the crack. After you’ve squeeze as much as you can, apply caulk right over top of it. This will seal the crack well, but over time the crack could spread and get worse. It’s in your best interest to replace the broken item as soon as possible to prevent more damage.
Water Heater Issues
Over time, your water heater will naturally collect sediment inside the tank. When the sediment builds up enough, it blocks the heating element. This can cause your water heater to strain and you to not get hot water as quickly.
To help prevent this, flush your tank annually. First, turn off your water heater. Run hot water in a sink for 10 minutes to drain the tank of all its hot water. Next, turn off the cold water supply on top of the tank, and attach a garden hose to the drain valve. Place the other end near a floor drain. When you’re ready, re-open the cold water supply and don’t close the drain valve or remove the hose. Allow the water to drain until the water runs clear.
Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical is Here for Your Plumbing Fixes
These plumbing fixes will help you in a pinch, but Wyman Plumbing & Mechanical will make sure to be there to provide the permanent plumbing help you need. No matter what the issue is, our team will be there to replace or repair your plumbing problem. Our plumbers are licensed, insured, and dedicated to giving you the highest level of service. While headquartered in North Phoenix, we proudly service the entire North Valley area and are ready to help you with your plumbing needs!
