Plumbing problems can be inconvenient, and they may be costly to fix. But if you do get a plumbing problem then it would be a good idea to get yourself a reliable plumbing contractor. The good news is that there are some plumbing issues you may be able to resolve yourself. These issues tend to be minor and easy to deal with. Remember, that if you have a more serious plumbing problem in your home it’s usually a better idea to speak to professionals like Plumbing Detectives than to attempt to solve the problem yourself.

A couple of simple plumbing issues that you should be able to handle are fixing a dripping tap and clearing a blocked drain. We are going to take a look at how you can deal with both of these problems, in this article.

Fixing a dripping tap

A dripping two handle kitchen faucet is not just annoying; it also means that you waste water. This may mean that your utility bills are higher than they should be. If there is a dripping tap in your home you should never be tempted to just leave it. It’s not something that is going to just fix itself. It can be quite fiddly to fix so if you don’t feel confident, contact 5-Star Plumbing to sort it out for you, it won’t take long. Usually, the cause of a dripping tap is worn washers which need to be replaced. Here are the steps you should take in order to resolve the problem.

1] Switch off the water.

You can either turn the water off at the main stop valve for the property or you can locate the isolation valve for the tap you are fixing and switch off the water there.

2] Remove the cap from the tap and locate the screw.

The screw which you need to loosen to take the tap apart can normally be found under the cap on top of the tap.

3] Place a plug in the plug hole.

Before you loosen the screw you should make sure there is a plug in the plug hole. This prevents any pieces from being lost down the drain.

4] Loosen the screw and release the spindle.

Once you know that the plug hole is covered you need to loosen the screw to release the spindle of the tap and get to the washers. It’s often a good idea to hold on to the spout of the tap to make this easier to do.

5] Replace the washers.

Once you have accessed the washers you need to replace them with matching washers purchased from the store.

6] Reassemble the tap.

Once you have replaced the washers you need to reassemble the tap and make sure that the dripping has ceased.

Unblocking a drain

It’s easy for a drain in your home to become blocked. In the kitchen, food remnants grease and oil can be washed down the drain and become lodged. In the bathroom dead skin, hair and soap deposits can be washed down the drain, resulting in the same problem. While some blockages are difficult to clear and may require a professional blocked drain plumber and repair services in Melbourne or elsewhere, others are relatively easy and can be sorted out on your own. Here is what to do if you have a problem with blocked drains in your home.

1] Pour boiling water down the drain.

It could be that this is all you need to do to solve the problem. You should only do this if the drains are made from metal, and not plastic.

2] Use a plunger.

If the blockage remains after you have poured boiling water down the drain you should try using a plunger to release the blockage. Do not forget to ensure the plunger is sealed around the plug home before you plunge forcefully several times.

Hopefully, you should be able to remove the blockage by doing this.

These are simple plumbing fixes that should work for you. If they do not, it’s worth seeking some professional help to deal with the problem. If you’re worried about a plumbing or pipe issue, there are many Surveying companies who will come out and take a look for you.