All sorts of things can happen to the pipes in your home. Whether it’s a water leak or blocked pipes, there are, fortunately, some simple tricks that can sort the problem out. Learn how to fix your pipes yourself.
Whether you live in a detached house, a terraced house or a flat, the vast majority of people will experience various plumbing problems. Some will need to call in professional help, but there are also many situations where you can fix the pipes yourself. In this country, it is usually blocked pipes that cause problems in the bathroom or kitchen. At other times, the pipes have sprung a leak for one reason or another. In such cases, there are simple first-aid measures you can take to get the pipes working properly again.
BLOCKED PIPES? HERE'S HOW TO GET THE WATER FLOWING FREELY AGAIN
Blocked pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems people experience. The sink, bath, toilet or shower can all be affected by blocked pipes and water that won’t drain away. It often doesn’t take much to sort out the problem, but what many people forget is to start gently. If you want to get the water flowing freely again, you should proceed carefully so as not to cause more harm than good.
Start by seeing if you can pull any hair, food scraps or other debris out of the drain. After that, the simplest solution is often the best. A suction cup or a plunger and a bit of warm water have cleared out many a blocked pipe, and are usually the only remedy needed.
If manual force doesn’t work, there are many chemicals that promise to clear blockages in pipes. It is incredibly important to read the package leaflet carefully so as not to damage your pipes. Some people have experienced chemical burns to their pipes, and if you’re not careful, others have also suffered burns to their own skin. You should therefore take the utmost care to follow the instructions and protect your skin from the chemicals.
A PIPE LEAK? HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
If there is water pooling on the bathroom floor or you hear an annoying dripping sound under the kitchen sink, you most likely have a leak in a pipe. The very first thing you should do is turn off the main tap so that too much water doesn’t flow out of the pipe. Water damage is not uncommon with leaks, and if you do not stop the problem in time, the damage could prove costly. Also remember to take photos of the leak if possible, so that you have evidence to show should this become an insurance claim. Once you’ve taken the photos, you should start removing water and damp to prevent the damage from getting worse. You should also move any belongings that might be affected by the leak.
Water leaks often originate from loose water traps, for example under the kitchen worktop or at other drains. Tightening water traps is therefore a good idea, and can also be a simple solution to the problem. At other times, blocked pipes can lead to minor flooding, in which case the problem will naturally disappear once you’ve cleared the blockage.
Pipe leaks can also be more difficult to deal with. Sometimes they are caused by age and wear and tear, other times by unskilled labour or simply because the wrong pipes have been fitted in the property. Manufacturing defects in pipes can also occur, and may eventually lead to leaks. In these cases, professional help will be required. Whilst you wait, you can try to tape up any leaks if the situation is urgent, but a plumber will often be able to come out relatively quickly.
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY
It’s always a good idea to know the basics of plumbing first aid for the pipes in your home, but preventative measures are still the wisest course of action. Preventing blocked pipes, carrying out regular pipe inspections and carrying out work on the pipes when the need arises.
If the problem proves too serious or complicated for basic first aid, it is also important to contact professionals who can help. VITEK has been working with pipework for many years and has extensive experience with all types of homes and properties. We can assist you if you need help getting your pipes back in working order. Contact us for a no-obligation site visit and a quote, and we guarantee that the work will be carried out properly.