If you are looking for a guide on residential plumbing, you have come to the right place. In this DIY guide, we will discuss how to install drain stoppers and shut-off valves, take care of slow drains, and fix leaky faucets. Regardless of your level of expertise, you can learn a lot by following the instructions in these guides. Listed below are some DIY plumbing books you can buy. But before you buy a guide, think about your skill level and decide if you should contact a professional residential plumbing services.
Installing shut-off valves
If you’re planning to install a shut off valve in your home, make sure to pay attention to the instructions for adjusting water pressure. Often, the valve will be located above the water meter, which is buried in the ground near the curb. To adjust water pressure, a licensed plumber should perform a professional inspection. You can also purchase a special “meter key” from your local hardware store.
Whether you’re installing a valve in a single room or a whole house, install shut-off valves that fit properly. You can choose from different kinds, depending on the material of the pipes in your home. For example, you should install a local shutoff valve, if a leak or other plumbing issue causes a water slam. Make sure that you know the location of your main shutoff valve, as well as the type and orientation of your pipes, before installing a valve.
Installing drain stoppers
Before starting any project, it is essential to turn off the water supply. You’ll also need a bucket underneath the sink and access to the back of the drain. Usually, a pop-up drain has a white ball on the pivot rod. It seals the drain and prevents water leaks, but in some cases, the ball is dirty or broken. If you find this to be the case, you can use a wire to clean the drain.
To replace the sink stopper, you must first remove the old one. The stopper is usually connected to a pivot rod or screw-in holder. Simply unscrew the top of the sink stopper to free it from its mounting post. If the stopper is connected to a pivot rod, you will need to undo the screws that connect it to the sink’s drain. Then, you can pull out the sink stopper.
Taking care of a slow drain
A slow drain in your residential plumbing system is never a fun situation, but fortunately, you can take care of it yourself without calling a plumber. The slow running drain can be cleared with some at-home remedies, such as a plunger. If the clog is partially blocked, place an old rag in the overflow hole of the bathroom sink. The rag will keep the plunger from diverting the pressure it creates through the overflow hole.
The first step is to identify the source of the problem. The most common cause of a slow drain is a slimy mixture of soap scum, hair, styling products, and thick shaving foam. Avoid pouring these products down the drain if possible. Do not use commercial drain openers to fix the problem because these contain harsh chemicals that may damage your pipes. Also, if you have a sink with an older drain system, it may be necessary to get a plumber to repair it.
Repairing a leaky faucet
First, remove the handle of the faucet. You will need an Allen wrench. The rest of the repair process involves screwdrivers and large slip-joint pliers. If your faucet has a rotary ball, you may need a separate repair kit with parts such as ball, seats, springs, and O-rings. If you don’t have such a kit, you can purchase one at a local hardware store.
To remove the cartridge or ball, remove the inlet seal, if you have one. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the top cap assembly. Then, remove the ceramic-disk assembly. You can also remove the handle and inspect individual parts. You may need to replace the entire cartridge if it is not working properly. You can also use a replacement kit for ceramic-disk faucets.
