The internet is now full of amazing DIY ideas. You see DIY tutorial videos for refinishing and painting cabinets, revamping walls with a paint job, and turning an old pallet into patio furniture. What we don’t often see is DIY plumbing tasks. But why not? You see, plumbing is daunting because of complex systems, explaining why many homeowners opt to hire a plumber. However, you can easily handle cosmetic projects yourself with the help of some tools.
Tools You Need
You will require a couple of tools for your project, and it will be worthwhile to get a toolbox so you can keep them there. Some of the tools you will need are:
- Adjustable wrench – This should help you to tightly grip hex nuts to ensure it doesn’t slip while you torque. You can use it on supply lines, pipe fittings, and other connections with hex-shaped nuts.
- Drain auger – Drain augers can either be battery-powered or manual. Hand augers are your best bet for projects at home, especially if you are dealing with smaller clogs.
- Metal file – This will enable you to make a minor adjustment to get bolts or pipes to fit. It may shave off something that you want to seal tightly.
- Hacksaw – This makes it much easier to make a quick adjustment to bolts, nuts, screws, and pipes.
- Plunger – A plunger is no longer a one-size-fits-all. As a matter of fact, an old classic read plunger doesn’t work in many modern toilets these days. This is why you need to buy a plunger that comes with an extended cup on one end.
Examples of DIY Projects
You might hesitate to handle a complicated project by yourself, but you may fix simple ones without relying on experts. Some of the projects you can easily handle include the following:
1. Fix Leaking Hose Spigots
A water hose leak can be very frustrating. One of the common places leaks can form is at the connection with water spigots. Luckily, this is a very simple repair. Technically, all you need to do is replace the washer. But before then, you will have to tighten metal-handle packing nuts using a wrench and see if the problem gets fixed. If it persists, you can unscrew the spout or handle.
2. Unclogging Drains
A clogged drain is a nuisance, but this is something you may handle without hiring an expert. To unclog a drain, you will need to use a plunger, hand auger, or a drain cleaner.
3. Changing Showerheads
Whether you’re looking to improve your showering experience or want to reduce amount of water you use, you can replace showerheads without experience. You will have to use a pair of pliers or wrenches first so you can unscrew metal plates holding showerheads in place. Once the plates are out, you must be able to twist the showerheads off. To install new ones, reverse the whole process.
The bottom line is that DIY plumbing might seem a little bit complex at first. However, if you are armed with some tricks and proper tools, you can easily fix some issues that don’t require you to call in a professional plumber.
