Plumbing Repair & Installation for the Do It Yourself

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A selection of resources designed to guide you through many of the more common plumbing maintenance and repair projects such as detailed instructions on installing a toilet or septic system, to simple ways to fix that leaky faucet, unclog that drain, and more... most with illustrations.

Plumbing Quick Tips

A faucet that won't yield water is the first sign of frozen pipes. If a severe cold snap hits, prevent freezing and subsequent bursting of pipes by following the suggestions below. Even if the pipes do freeze, you can thaw them before they burst if you act quickly. When temperatures fall very low, here's how to keep your pipes from freezing:

• Keep a trickle of water running from the faucets.

• Beam a heat lamp or small heater at exposed pipes.

• Wrap uninsulated pipes with newspapers, heating wires, foam, or self-adhesive insulating tape.

• Keep doors ajar between heated and unheated rooms....more information

Thawing Frozen Pipes

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Toilet Wax Ring Replacement

Dampness or water around the base of a toilet in the bathroom, and/or water leaking through or staining the ceiling below is usually a sign that you have a leaking wax seal between the toilet and the drain. But before you condemn the wax ring, make sure the water is not coming from some other source. There may be a leaking connection under the tank. Condensation on the tank may be dripping and collecting around the base of the bowl....toilet wax ring replacement more information

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Faucet Repair
When you're taking the faucet apart, douse stubborn connections with penetrating oil before trying to loosen them with a wrench. Tape-wrap the wrench's jaws to prevent marring visible parts of the fixture.
Before starting any faucet repair, plug the sink so small parts can't fall down the drain.
Line the sink with a towel to prevent damage from tools or parts accidentally dropped.
As you disassemble the faucet, line up the pieces in the order that you remove them so you can put them back together properly.
CAUTION: Before you work on a faucet, turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valves or the main shutoff valve and open the faucet to drain the pipes....Faucet Repair more information

Sink Drains

A stopped sink drain isn't just an inconvenience; it can sometimes be an emergency. It's always best to prevent clogs before they happen. Be alert to the warning signs of a sluggish drain. It's easier to open a drain that's slowing down than one that's stopped completely.

Run or pour scalding water down the drain to break up grease buildups.
If hot water doesn't unclog the drain, there could be some object in the drain.
To check, remove and thoroughly clean the sink pop-up stopper or strainer.
Determine if the clog is close to the sink by checking the other drains in your home. If more than one won't clear, something is stuck in the main drain.
The most effective way to clear a clog is with a snake....Sink Drains more information