Do you like to be a family handyman? It may seem easy to clean the drains or tighten the screws; however, can you take care of all the small issues that may arise in your house?
Yes, it is never too late to learn, and DIY projects are fun. However, some plumbing problems are not common and may require little more knowledge and expertise to resolve them quickly. If you don’t want to call a professional plumber and spend a significant amount of your hard-earned money, then it is better that you learn about the not-so-typical issues and their solutions.
Read ahead to enhance your knowledge about plumbing problems, summarised by North London Heating and Plumbing experts for the family handyman:
Contents
1. Deteriorating water pipes
If you water pipes are not adequately insulated, then the risk of freezing or leaking increases. When hot water passes through uninsulated metal pipes, due to expansion, the pipes may burst as well. What about condensation? How are you planning to curb that? Covering the pipes with even a thin layer of insulated foam will not only help in maintaining the temperature of hot water over a long time, prevent condensation and leakage as well. A smart and easy approach to a small issue which can turn ugly in no time.
2. Pool circulation issues
Do you have a pool in your backyard? An in-house pool may seem like an appealing installation, but it increases plumbing issues as well. Do you know how to repair the valves that control the circulation of water to and from the pool? The valves may loosen up, or the pipes may get jammed up. You can give it a try to keep the drains & filter clean and make sure that you don’t put much pressure on the valves. However, it is advisable to call a professional plumber to avoid turning a small issue into a severe situation. No matter how you position the jets, there will be many areas which will experience poor circulation of water. So, don’t be tensed if that happens!
3. Dry P-taps
Does your house smell like sewage? Do you know what a P-tap is? A P-tap is used to prevent sewage gases from moving up the drain pipe. However, when it gets dry, the waste decomposes, and the gases enter the house through the drain pipes. It is not rocket science to repair a dry P-tap. Yes, the first solution that you are thinking of is the correct one. Pour a bucket of water, mixed with baking soda in the P-tap and wait for sometime. It is usually because of a clogged drain or if the tap is not in use for quite a long time. You can also use cooking oil instead of baking soda to make sure that the drain is cleaned and wet. If the P-tap is no longer dry, it will function properly, i.e. keep your house stench-free.
4. No hot water
How would you feel if you don’t get hot water when you enter the shower on a cold winter morning? Sounds awful already, eh? Your water heater may fail, or the temperature gauge may stop working due to exertion. It is advisable to call a professional if that happens; however, if you want to avoid such a situation entirely, then don’t put too much pressure on the gauge and wear it out.
5. Slow-draining sink
A clogged drain after every few months may be a common occurrence, but don’t you feel it happens more in the winter months as compared to spring or monsoon? Holidays tend to increase the incidents of slow-draining sinks and clogged drains because the turkey dinners, greasy food and many other items tend to get stuck in the drains and jam them up. Firstly, make sure you dump the food properly to avoid such an occurrence. Secondly, use baking soda, vinegar and hot water (a common, yet effective solution, right?) to make them as clear as a whistle.
Hope the tips mentioned above will help you prevent such situations, minimise your work and help you & your family to live happily. Although it is fun to take up DIY projects, sometimes plumbing issues spoil the evening entirely.
