There’s no doubt that DIY projects give homeowners a sense of pride and accomplishment. However, it is important to know your limitations and when a task warrants professional help.
Familiarizing yourself with your home’s plumbing layout, including the location of the main water shut-off valve, is an essential first step. This can save you from costly water damage in the event of an emergency.
1. Know Your Tools
When a plumbing problem arises, it often feels like it’s “one thing after another.” It can be tempting to call a professional plumber, but this isn’t always necessary. Some minor issues can be fixed at home, saving money and time.
Having a basic understanding of your home’s plumbing system can help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. For instance, if you forget to turn off the water before starting a plumbing project, it can lead to flooding and expensive damage.
By using a few simple DIY tips and tricks, homeowners can safely take on minor installation projects. This will save them money, time, and a sense of empowerment as a homeowner. But be sure to practice proper safety precautions and call a professional for any complex repairs or installations.
2. Have a Plan
Having a plan for your plumbing project can help ensure that it goes smoothly. This is especially important when it comes to replacing or installing new pipes. It can prevent costly mistakes that may require inspectors and extra work to fix.
A good plan will include a rough layout of the space where the pipes are going to be located and will show how they are connected to each other. It should also include a list of needed materials and a breakdown of the pipe sizes.
Another important tip is to always shut off the water supply before beginning any DIY plumbing projects. This is a crucial step to prevent flooding and other serious damage. It’s also helpful if you know where the main water valve is located, which can save you time and stress during a crisis.
3. Know the Fixture’s Layout
When planning a plumbing project, it is important to know where each fixture will be installed. This will help ensure that the proper parts are sourced and that the correct connections are made. It will also ensure that the fixtures are placed in an area that is easy to access. Knowing each fixture’s location will make the installation process easier and more efficient.
Using the toolbar in the fixture browser, you can select different options to display information about the selected fixtures including names of presets and channels, channel sets and values (if preview is active) – see Configuring Views. The selected fixtures can be moved, mirrored or rotated by clicking on the handles round the edge of the selection box.
You can also use the icon on the menu bar to switch between the symbol view, sheet view or one of the layout views – see Getting Started Guide – Fixtures View.
4. Know the Water Shut-Off Valve’s Location
The water shut-off valve is your home’s lifeline during a plumbing emergency, and knowing its location will give you the power to take immediate action. It is often found near the main spigots or hose bibs, but it’s also possible for it to be in your basement or garage.
If you have a washing machine that’s leaking or a toilet that won’t stop overflowing, turn off the water supply by turning the shut-off valve behind the appliance clockwise. Alternatively, if the problem is in your house’s pipes, look for a ground-level utility box trap door located on the street side. The lid should include a 24-hour call number to the water company’s customer service team. They will direct you to shut off the water by yourself or dispatch an emergency team to do it for you.
5. Use a Plunger
Many plumbing problems can be solved without calling in professional plumbers. Mastering a few DIY plumbing skills empowers homeowners to handle common issues, minimizes damage, and saves time and money.
One of the most useful DIY tips and tricks for homeowners is knowing how to use a plunger. This household tool is often neglected, but it’s an essential piece of equipment to have on hand for unclogging sinks, drains, and toilets. Before plunging, ensure that the plunger’s rubber cup is completely submerged in water (if not, add more). Then, vigorously push and pull up and down to create suction and pressure. Repeat this process if necessary. This is also an excellent way to keep your pipes from becoming clogged in the first place. Regularly cleaning your drains, using drain screens, and avoiding non-flushable items will help prevent clogs from forming.