In your first few years of homeownership, you’re likely going to face some new problems that you’re not used to. One of these problems will likely be with your plumbing system. If you suspect that you have something wrong with your plumbing, it’s time to take these four steps.
Define the Problem Clearly
Before you jump in, trying to fix a problem, you need to fully assess the issue first. Maybe the water is coming out slower than normal in the kitchen faucet. Or, maybe the toilet doesn’t seem to have enough water refilling it. Whatever the problem that you have, make sure you evaluate it fully to ensure that it’s not something simple with the handle that is causing your issues.
Test if the Problem Is Universal
You should start by assessing whether the problem is unique to one faucet or if there is a pressure issue with all of them. The same goes for a problem with your toilet. If you notice a problem in one, check the others to see if they’re experiencing the same problem. This will allow you to discover if the issue is confined to one space, like a clogged toilet. Or it may reveal a problem with the whole line that requires repairs.
Try Some DIY Repair Instructions
With the plethora of content that is currently available online, you should try your hand at some DIY repair. Search for the problem that you’re experiencing and see what fixes they offer. For example, if the handle isn’t flushing your toilet, it may be due to the fact that the fastener broke. This can be easily fixed by replacing the fastener. For small repair jobs, you can usually fix them yourself with minimal cost.
Know When Repairs Are too Big for DIY
Not all plumbing problems can be solved in a DIY fashion. That’s why there are licensed and experienced plumbers and drain line repair services available around the clock. Do yourself a favor and know when your problem is too big to handle on your own. Usually, problems with a mainline are best left up to a professional. Or, problems that require special tools or in-depth expertise should be handed over to a local plumber to remedy.
When you first notice that there’s something wrong with your plumbing, it’s important to follow the list above. This will help you to carefully identify the source of the problem. Once you know what’s wrong, you can DIY or call in a licensed plumber to handle the problem.