Like many Americans, Atlanta homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs this Holiday season. To help you save on minor repairs, we’ve outlined some common plumbing problems and solutions that can be done at home. We’ll also help you understand what types of repairs aren’t DIY friendly and how professional assistance is oftentimes the most effective solution. That way, you can protect your plumbing without breaking the bank. 

Dealing With a Leaky Faucet

If you’ve got water leaking from the base of your faucet, chances are it could be from a worn washer or O-ring. If you suspect this is the case, we’ve outlined some materials and steps needed to fix this problem at home:

What You’ll Need

• Correctly sized washer
• Wrench 
• Screwdriver
• Washer or o-ring
• Flathead screwdriver (in case handle is stuck)

Determining Your Faucet’s Washer Size

Before you get started, it’s important to figure out the size of your washer or o-ring. To do this, you will need to access your old washer. This can be done by following steps 1-5 below. 

Once you’ve located your washer and valve stem, we recommend taking them to your local hardware store. There, they can help you find the correct size. Now, you can start the installation process:

Replacing the Washer

1. Turn off the water supply before you try to remove any components. Typically, the shut-off valves can be found under the sink. 
2. Locate the screw that holds the handle in place. In some instances, it will be covered with a decorative cap. 
3. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the handle and remove it from the faucet. If the faucet is stuck, a flathead screwdriver can be used to nudge the handle out of place.
4. With your wrench, unscrew the packing nut to access the valve stem. 
5. Remove the valve stem by either pulling or twisting it off. 
6. Replace the washer. 
7. Put the packing valve stem, packing nut and other components back together. 
8. Slowly turn on the faucet to ensure the new washer is working correctly. 

Tip and Tricks for Unclogging Drains

If a clog starts to develop, you may be able to dislodge it on your own with the following tools:

• Plunger – To get a strong seal, place the plunger directly over the drain. You can also press down gently to remove excess air before forming the seal.
• Snake drain (or auger) – If you’re unclogging a bathtub, try to run the drain snake through the overflow pipe, rather than the drain. It’s likely that you’ll encounter debris, so use gloves and wear clothes that can get dirty.
• Boiling water – Boiling water can dislodge clogs that are caused by grease and soap scum. Avoid this method if your drain is connected to PVC pipes. 

Ways to Diagnose a running toilet

If your toilet is constantly running, it could be for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Loose fill tube 
• Damaged flapper 
• Low water levels
• Disconnected chain
• Faulty fill valve
• Obstructions
• Failing flush valve

Luckily, we have a complete troubleshooting guide that breaks down each issue and how to solve it.

Repairs That Require a Licensed Plumber

While homeowners can fix minor issues, they shouldn’t attempt any major repairs or maintenance. Especially, if they have to do with sensitive components like gas lines and water heaters. Homeowners should always call a professional for:

• Burst, cracked, or corroded pipes – Require a licensed plumber to safely repair or replace
• Sewer line backups – Should be fixed by a professional to avoid exposure to waste and ensure proper repair
• Clogs deep within the plumbing system – Requires specialized tools and expertise to clear without causing damage
• Water heater damage – DIY attempts can result in scalding or structural damage from improper repairs
• Gas line damage – Is extremely dangerous and must be handled by certified technicians

Only trained professionals can handle these types of plumbing challenges. Attempting a DIY repair could result in serious injury and damage to your property. When in doubt, it’s always best to call a qualified professional. 

Looking for Reliable Plumbers? Call Superior Plumbing Today!

If you’re a metro Atlanta homeowner looking for trustworthy plumbing services, Superior Plumbing has you covered! We offer a full range of plumbing solutions across Metro Atlanta, including Kennesaw and other parts of Cobb County.

Our licensed plumbers tackle everything from minor leaks to major sewer backups. Ready to get started? Call us today at 770-422-7586 and schedule a consultation. For more information about other plumbing services, click the link here.