Plumber Working Under SinkPlumbing projects shouldn't be taken lightly, because in most cases, doing it properly and avoiding further damage requires hiring a skilled contractor, which means you need to organize yourself in terms of time and money. Luckily, there are so many simple tricks you can do that don't require calling the plumber. Ranging from common sense ones to those that need you to get your hands a little dirty, check out some of the simplest tricks and become a confident DIY plumber in San Diego!
Fix chipped enamel on a sink
Scrub the chipped area with the sponge and rub 400 to 600-grit “wet-and-dry” sandpaper over it so it hardens and becomes rough. After that, mix epoxy ingredients according to the label, but pay attention the color of the mix matches the enamel. When the mix is ready, fill it into the chip using a small brush, and allow for drying time specified on the label. And don't forget – you shouldn't scrub that area for the next 7 days.
Silence chattering pipes
The reason why your hear pipes rattling at night is water pressure that might have loosened the pipe nails. The simple trick is to replace existing nails with 1-1/4-in. coarse-thread drywall screws and add one pipe strap per joist. Pipe straps are cheap so the more you put, the merrier.
Use tape for cracks in the pipes
Spotting a crack in a pipe doesn't mean the pipe needs replacing. What you need is a simple duct tape or pipe sealing tape, which you put over the crack. For leaks in the ferrule, located in the supply tube, use Teflon tape by wrapping it around the ferrule. Mind you, these quick fixes can sometimes do the trick only temporarily, so make sure you check them regularly - should you spot any leaks, the best solution is to consult your plumber.
Unclog the shower drain
If water isn't leaving the shower or is pouring away slowly, something is clogging your shower drain. Go directly for the strain cover and look for any visible debris. If you can't see anything, remove the strain cover to have a better look at what's clogging the shower drain. Most strain covers have to be removed with a screwdriver, so make sure you don't scratch the finish. When the strain cover is removed, fish out whatever is causing the clog with a coat-hanger hook. Get rid of it and simply put the strain back in place.
Use vinegar for clogged showerheads
If the water flow rate from your showerhead is low, it is an indication your showerhead might be clogged. In order to make sure the showerhead itself is the problem, remove it an check the flow rate again. If it's good, it means your showerhead is clogged with mineral deposits and scale, which can be removed with white vinegar. Simply pour the vinegar into a bowl big enough to contain the showerhead and soak the showerhead into it. Leave it overnight, after which you can simply clean off the residue from the holes on the base and put the showerhead back onto the wall pipe. If you have a non-removable showerhead, pour white vinegar into a plastic bag, soak the showerhead into it, securing the bag onto the wall pipe with duct tape. You can leave it overnight or, in case of brass finishes that may be discolored by vinegar, leave it for only 30 minutes before you brush off the built-up residue. If you don't feel confident in your DIY plumbing skills when it comes to larger projects, feel free to call Plumbing Plus in San Diego, Escondido, San Marcos, Ramona and many other locations in San Diego County. If you want an expert plumber in San Diego, Plumbing Plus is the name you need. You can reach our emergency service 24/7!