Plumbing Tips

There are a number of scenarios in the home where plumbing assistance may be required. To this end, it's very handy to know a few basic plumbing tips. Of course, there may be cases where it's best to call in an experienced plumber (i.e. major flooding or pipe damage), but some jobs you can easily tackle yourself with a little knowhow. Here are a few plumbing tips to get you started:

1. General repairs - Before you start a plumbing task, make sure that you have the correct tools for the job. It's a common mistake to start a job, then realise that additional tools or fittings are required to finish it.

2. Larger equipment - If a heavy or expensive piece of machinery is required for a plumbing job and you are not likely to use it again on a frequent basis, think about hiring or leasing it. This can be a cost-effective way to get a job completed.

3. Blocked taps - If you encounter a blocked tap, always turn the water off at its source before attempting to take the tap apart to clear it. Failure to do so can result in a very messy and wet situation!

4. Blocked sinks - Make sink plunging tasks easier by covering the overflow holes in the sink with a damp cloth. This can help to build up the pressure and make the task easier.

5. Toilets - If your toilet ball float is filling with water or leaking, you can temporarily fix it by taking off the float, emptying it, then screwing it back on wrapped in a plastic bag. This can be a great short-term solution until you are able to purchase another one.

6. Leaks - Many people confuse leaking toilets, showers or baths with condensation. Before you attempt to fix a 'leak' - check to see if the bathroom could have condensation problems. It could be that a ventilation fan is not working correctly, or an additional window or vent may be required.

The above tips can be used around the home to fix a number of common plumbing problems. If you are a DIY expert, plumbing tips like this can negate the need to call out a plumber to fix minor plumbing issues. However, if you unsure as to how to go about a task, it's always a good idea to get expert help - especially when water and electrics are involved (i.e. boilers and showers).