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Nothing can be more frustrating in a home than a plumbing problem. A leaky faucet or running toilet brings dollar signs to mind as you envision the recruitment of a high-priced plumber and time spent inconvenienced by in-home repairs.

But every plumbing problem does not immediately spell disaster. There are quite a few basic plumbing problems that almost all homeowners experience at one time or another. Therefore, it’s best to educate yourself on these potential issues so that you are prepared and knowledgeable to best tackle them should they arise.

The most common of our plumbing problems is that of an annoying leaky faucet. This can be the most aggravation to address if you don’t know how to fix it yourself; calling out a professional plumber for this mostly simple issue can cost you needlessly. But in order to determine if it’s a minor leak or a major pipe breakage, you must first turn off the main water source. If your leak continues then chances are you have a minor issue on your hands. If you actually hear water continuing to run then you may have a bigger problem.

Take time to examine all elements of a plumbing problem. Often the mere tightening of a bolt can eliminate your problem. Replacing simple parts that have eroded with age can also save you big bucks. If you’re unsure how to proceed go online for step-by-step instructions. Or you can visit your local home improvement store where you’ll likely find all the help that you need.

Arm yourself with the tools necessary for success. Call on help to make sure you have the proper inclusions in your tool box. Having what you need on hand increases your chances of completing the project successfully.

In the end, if you find that you’re over your head, don’t be afraid to call in the professionals. A plumber can actually wind up saving you money in the long run; if you do more damage trying to fix a problem yourself then you’ll eradicate any savings anyway.

A plumbing problem doesn’t have to leave you broke and confused. Simple steps can be taken to examine and diagnosis any common plumbing problem. With a little research and some time spent dedicated to the problem you may find that you’ve successfully solved your plumbing problem all on your own. And nothing is more self-satisfying then accomplishing a job with your own two hands.

Posted under Plumbing

The closet flange needs to move toward the ladder in the photo.

Here’s another shot from the basement:

The challenge is that there’s no straight runs from the soil stack….where would you boot it to PVC? I suggested cutting the cast iron on the long sweep 90 about 2″ past the tee hub off of the main stack (it’s a long sweep 90 and looks like a boot would seal there). What do you guys think? Do you need the special tool to score/snap the cast iron or can you do it with a swaz-all?

Thanks in advance….is this a DIY or is a call to a pro in order?

Unless the cast that is in place is leaking now or shows signs of leakage in the past why not leave it and cut the lead out at the wipe joint and be creative with a couple of 22’s or ST 22’s reattach it with the properly sized mission band (You will need one that is 4″ CU to 4″ Plastic) at the wipe joint connection point, that is after you remove all of the left over portions of the wipe. Cut at least 2″ from the cast making sure to leave enough to attach the mission band to.

Posted under Plumbing

Okay, I installed a toilet for the first time today. It seems to have went well–no leaks and the toilet flushes. However, just as I finished up I realized that I left the rags I used to plug up the drain hole still inside! I think there were 2 or 3 rages inside. The strange thing is that the toilet seems to flush well (I’ve tried about ten times or so.) I really don’t want to have to disassemble everything and do it again, but will do so if that’s necessary. Can anyone tell me:

1. Do I need to remove the toilet and get the rags out, or is the drains large enough to let the rags through?
2. If I have to remove the rags, is there another way to remove them without removing the toilet?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

if i was the plumber on the job. i would beat you with my baseball cap. then give you a raise, for having the guts to stand up and admit that you made a mistake.you would be surprised how many people would not say something. you already flushed it 10 times. the rag is gone. it could come back and bite you in the but. but it is not under that toilet anymore.. it is down the line. flush that line good. if you look in the clean out outside, you might catch it, fill the tub up and let er rib, a few times. good luck

Posted under Plumbing