Simple Plumbing Fixes For Gainesville Homeowners
When plumbing systems fail, homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed paying for costly repairs. Severe plumbing system issues should be left to the professionals, but there are a number of simple fixes homeowners can easily accomplish on their own. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, long-time homeowner or you’re considering buying a home in Gainesville, FL, there are plumbing solutions every homeowner should know. Rabell Realty Group offers six basic plumbing tips that can help.
Shutting Off The Water Supply
At the top of every homeowner’s do-it-yourself plumbing list is identifying how to turn a home’s water supply on and off, both from the outside water main as well as the individual plumbing fixtures within the structure.
Locate The Water Main
Knowing the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve is fundamental for any homeowner. Every home has one, and every homeowner should know where their main valve is located on their property and how to use it. Depending on the location of your home and how it was built, the valve location varies, but it is often found at the water meter. While some water meters are mounted to the sides of homes, most are buried in the ground near the street. Not every plumbing issue requires you to shut off your home water supply, but repairs for water leaks and burst pipes may require this.
Know Where Water Supply Valves Are
In many cases, simple plumbing fixture repairs don’t require that the entire water supply be turned off. Fixing issues with sinks, toilets or faucets simply requires homeowners to access the space under a leaking fixture to turn off the valve. This will only turn water off in that location and can be turned back on after your repair is complete.
Unclogging A Blocked Toilet
Homeowners should always have a plunger. To unclog blocked toilets, plumbing experts recommend waiting until the toilet’s water level is as low as possible before using a plunger to extract the blockage. Next, fill a bucket with warm water and flush the water down the toilet to control how much water goes into the bowl. These steps should be repeated until the blockage is removed. With some patience, homeowners should be able to remove most blockages without calling the plumbers.
Having The Right Tools
It never hurts to be prepared. For do-it-yourself plumbing projects, there are certain plumbing tools homeowners should keep on-hand. Realtors in Gainesville recommend having locking pliers, needle-nose pliers, plumbers tape, plumbers putty, a basin wrench, caulk and a caulk gun to take care of plumbing basics like fixing a leaky sink, changing a faucet or replacing a shower head. Keeping these essential tools in your home can will help you avoid having to call a plumber in Gainesville for a simple fix that you can do yourself.
Repairing A Dripping Or Leaky Faucet
When a faucet drips or leaks, it is usually because of a worn-out or broken faucet seal. For an easy faucet seal replacement, homeowners should turn off the water main, then open the faucet tap to let any excess water drip out. Next, unscrew the faucet handle using a basin wrench. After the handle is unscrewed, unscrew the flange, which is located under the handle, and remove the tap, bonnet and spindle, all found under the flange. Then, check for whether the O-ring, washer or jumper valve is worn out and proceed to replace the piece. Last, reassemble the tap and turn on the main water valve.
Gainesville Real Estate
Rabell Realty Group is your trusted source for Gainesville real estate. From helping you find the home that best fits you to providing homeowners with support for home improvement projects, our team of experienced realtors are here to help!  Whether you’re looking to sell your current home or would like to view available properties, our team of experienced realtors will help you find what you are looking for. Call us today!