In the case of a broken or clogged drain, you do need repairs as soon as possible. But have no fear because you don’t specifically need to call in a professional plumber just yet! In the land of DIY, there are endless tips and tricks that work just as great as a professional. And, they can save not only money but time as well on the initial repair.
When it comes to repairing or unclogging your drain, all you truly need to do is stay aware of your situation and of course be prepared for your project to be a true success.
Which DIY Steps Do I Need To Take In Order To Repair My Drain Without A Professional?
When it comes to the famous clogged kitchen drain or even another inhouse drain, be sure to try any one or simply all of the following simple fixes.
Unclogging Your Drain Without Chemicals
If you prefer to try a method that doesn’t include sometimes harmful chemicals, then as the previous heading says, this is the method for you! Chances are you already have the three most simple and effective ingredients laying around in your kitchen. These are vinegar, salt and baking soda. As you proceed to unclog your drain, ensure that you firstly remove most or as much of the water from within the clogged area.
Next, you’ll need to pour exactly one cup of your baking soda down the drain hole. And then you’ll need to follow with a cup of salt and then of course the final ingredient, one cup of vinegar. During the next 10 minutes, you can expect to see some bubbling action so don’t panic. After you’ve seen this, flush your clogged drain with some boiling water, this is one of the most common inhouse fix for clogged drains.
Replacing Your Shower Drain Cover
Every once in a while, you should aim to replace the drain cover in your shower simply because with time, it can face quite the beating. And not to forget replacing will also quite a great bit of bacteria from your overall shower. In order to replace you’ll need to firstly unscrew the cover and take it to your local hardware to find the perfectly matched replacement.
In this case, before replacing, you can use either a non-chemical approach or one that does indeed contain chemicals. Ideally, you’ll need a rag and something with a hard bristle brush to ensure the area is properly cleaned. When you’re getting into the cleaning act, try not to dig too much into since you can of course cause damage to your tub or sink. And, when you’re completed a job well done, don’t forget to screw in the cover.
Replacing Your Drain Assembly
Most drains come with an assembly that allows its users to close or open accordingly. And of course, with time these devices malfunction. Furthermore, when they malfunction, you start noticing leaks or even drainage issues. The following steps will aid you with replacing your drainage assembly:
-Firstly, you’ll need to loosen and remove the trap which can be found under your sink. This can be easily done with any channel-type pliers, these are also known as a monkey wrench.
-Next, you’ll want to remove the assembly by taking the mounting nut off from your old tailpiece. And then, you can finally remove the old assembly away from your sink.
-After removing, you’ll want to ensure that you get the entire area cleaned and ready for a new unit. You can take your old unit into your local hardware in order to find a match.
-And lastly, you’ll replace the new unit by following the simple instructions.
For larger problems affecting the drain lining you will want to call a professional.
Safety Precautions When Performing DIY Drainage Work
More than often enough, safety is easily overlooked. But we’re here to inform you that you should pay attention to all the safety rules when it comes to any DIY project you undertake. This goes no matter what level of skill you possess. And in no time your project will be a success!
Warning Labels
All products tend to have warning labels on the back or front of the bottles or containers. And we strongly suggest that you pay attention to any information printed on them. This goes especially if you’ve decided to use cleaners that contain chemicals because all it takes is one simple slip for things to get messy. At all times, ensure that you use protective wear for dealing with stubborn drain repairs.
Eye And Ear Protection
Your eyes are irreplaceable and you should always use protective wear. Simple mishaps can occur and you can easily splash chemicals into your eyes. And in the case of your ears, be sure to use ear plugs to protect your ear especially if you’re in the presence of loud noises.
Face Mask
When it comes to protecting your respiratory system, be sure to use a mask to prevent harmful particles from going into your lungs and causing permanent damage.
Gloves
When you use gloves, you can protect your skin from being burned by hot water, you can also protect against chemical burns and various tool slips.
Pipe Maps
If you have a complicated system or you’re unsure of the layout, you should take some time to research and figure out the layout of your system. You’ll need to keep in mind that you should find any valves which turn the flow off before you start work. And you’ll also learn what type of pipes your home has in the event anything should go wrong.
Overall
Additionally, you should also keep a list of emergency numbers handy. And you should always pay attention to the distance between any electrical outlets and your water source. In the case of bigger problems, you can simply turn the water off and contact a professional who is highly trained to handle larger disasters. A professional repair plan from HomeServe will surely give you peace of mind when you sleep at night.
Some say it’s better to be safe than sorry and most fall into the home warranty plan specially designed for Interior Plumbing and Drainage. When you choose HomeServe, you are guaranteed the most affordable options when it comes to utilities, insurance and of course municipalities.
- Interior/exterior electrical wiring
- Heating system preventative maintenance
- Gas line
- Heating system
- Cooling system
- Water heater
- Exterior sewer/septic lines
- Interior plumbing and drainage
- Exterior water service lines
