WHAT PLUMBING PROBLEMS CAN YOU TACKLE YOURSELF?

Do you know what to do in case your plumbing has a problem? Sometimes a plumber might not be available to fix it immediately, or you can save some money with a little DIY know-how. At Stallion Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we can fix problems with the plumbing in your Philadelphia home, but we also want our neighbors to be able to take care of routine matters themselves.

Here are a few plumbing problems you can tackle on your own.

SHUT OFF THE WATER

The first thing to know is how to shut off the water in case of emergency. If the problem is a faucet or toilet, look for the shut-off valve beneath or behind the unit. If it’s something more serious like a burst pipe, you need to find the main shut-off valve that supplies water to the home. The valve is near the water meter found either in the basement or in the yard.

BUST A CLOG

Clogged drains are a common problem. Pouring boiling water down the drain can help break up food and grease. If that doesn’t work, try a biological treatment like BioOne before reaching for harsh chemicals. This treatment eats through soap scum, hair and grease naturally, and it won’t take a toll on your plumbing. Be sure to keep a professional-grade plunger on hand, too.

FIX A LEAKY FAUCET

Leaky faucets can be a simple fix with a little elbow grease. Turn on the faucet, then shut off the water to the sink, relieving the water pressure. Carefully take apart the faucet and clean with white vinegar, while checking for damage to parts.

GET MORE HOT WATER

Knowing how to deal with your hot water heater is very important. If you find yourself running out of hot water, or experience rust and sediment in your water, inspecting the heater is easy. Attach a hose to the drainage bib, then turn off and drain the unit to remove any sediment. Remember to do routine maintenance yearly and replace your water heater every 10 years.

Not every plumbing problem is an emergency. Don’t be afraid to tackle minor problems yourself. If you know you need professional help, Stallion is here to save the day. Give us a call at (215) 461-3635 or contact Stallion online to schedule service or maintenance.