The bathroom is an important part of a house. Homeowners want this private space to be in good working condition at all times.
DIY Big Bear bathroom plumbing can be a complex affair. Developing a sound plan of action before you start will help ensure you stay on the right track.
As experienced Big Bear plumbers, we suggest that you plan ahead to ensure minimal damage to fixtures, joists and studs. Further, as water is an excellent conductor of electricity, it is recommended to perform any electrical work after the completion of the plumbing job.
This post explains the basics of plumbing in a Big Bear bathroom, involving common pipe and drain issues. If possible, however, you should hire a professional plumber and get expert advice. Also, after performing the DIY fix (which is usually temporary), you should call Big Bear plumbers for reliable long-term solutions. It could save you time and money in the future.
A. Performing Leak Repairs
- Leaky Pipes
There are two easy and effective ways to fix leaky pipes.
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- Using Epoxy Putty
Once the source of the leak is identified, you can apply epoxy putty over it to seal it temporarily.
Start by turning off the water supply after discovering the source of the leakage in the pipe. Drain the water from the damaged pipe and clean the area around the leak. Make sure to dry it properly so that the epoxy can serve its purpose.
Take sufficient epoxy putty to fully cover the area of the leak. Knead the putty until it is malleable enough to be applied to the pipe’s surface. Apply the putty and cure it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the putty is completely cured, turn on the water supply and check for further leaks.
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- Using Pipe Repair Kits
In case of emergencies, you may also use a pipe repair kit that comes with a special tape that can patch leaks.
Turn off the water supply to the leaking pipe. Clean and dry the area of the leak so the tape sticks well. Activate the fiberglass tape and apply it properly around the site of the leak, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Take care not to stretch the tape as it may lead to tight overlapping over the leak.
Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. This tape can also be used to close leaks in fixtures.
- Leaking Shower Head
Leaks in shower heads typically start small, and may go unnoticed. However, ignoring these leaks persistently will inflate your water bill. Further, the excess moisture due to the leakage could create mold and water damage issues in your home. This is an invitation to more expenses. These costs are avoidable as you can easily fix your showerhead by replacing the gasket.
- Dripping Faucet
Dripping or leaking faucets can be annoying to deal with. Ignoring this issue will lead to the same concerns as leaking showerheads.
For a quick fix, turn off your water supply, and use fiberglass tape to seal the leak.
You can also remove your faucet (after closing the water supply) and take it to the nearest hardware store for advice. Depending on the condition of the faucet, they may recommend to either replace a part or get a brand new faucet altogether.
B. Drain Cleaning and Other Drainage Problems
- Unclean Drain
Cleaning your drains regularly is important if you want to keep foul stenches from permeating through your bathroom. Here’s a quick fix.
Combine half-a-cup of baking soda with one-fourth cup of table salt. Pour this mixture down your drain. Next, pour one cup of heated vinegar down the drain, causing foaming, which is normal. Cover the drain to keep the solution from oozing out. After 15 minutes, pour hot or boiling water down the drain for a minute or two.
Doing this once a month will keep your drains clear, hygienic, and fresh.
- Slow Drains
In our experience, the majority of drain issues are caused due to debris and hair stuck in the plumbing. Slow drains are no exception. Typically, using hot water or store-bought eco friendly drainage products can help. A drain snake may come handy too. If these don’t work, you may have to open up your pipes to get rid of the debris lodged in them.
- Clogged Drains
So you had a slow drain, but you continued to ignore it, and now you have a clogged drain! This is a serious plumbing issue as once your drains get blocked, the water will stop draining completely. You will need to use your trusty plunger to unblock your drain and get the water moving again. If the clog is stubborn, you will have to open up your pipes to get rid of it.
Conclusion
Plumbing a bathroom is easier said than done; but sometimes, DIY jobs can help until you have a professional plumber check out the issue in person. Also, the sense of achievement in making your bathroom functional again is unparalleled. So, these tasks may prove to be worth your while. However, it is best to consult professional plumbers to assess your specific bathroom plumbing situation. This will help prevent avoidable mishaps and water damage, and curb unnecessary future expenses.
Are You Worried About Drain? Call Big Bear Bathroom Plumbing Team Today
Our experienced and licensed Big Bear plumbing team is always here to help you. Give us a call at (909) 584-4376 today to know about our plumbing services and how we can meet your plumbing needs.
If you are looking for a Big Bear plumbing, heating & air conditioning contractor, please call (909) 584-4376 or complete our online request form.
Category: Plumbing Installation
