Owning a home often means dealing with unexpected issues, and plumbing problems are almost inevitable. Developing a few basic plumbing skills can save you a significant amount of money and also provide peace of mind.
That said, while gaining these skills is valuable, safety should always be the top priority if you’re planning on tackling a plumbing issue. In this article, we’ll explore several essential plumbing tasks that homeowners can manage themselves, along with safety tips. We’ll also point out the jobs that should always be left to professionals to ensure everyone’s safety and legal compliance.
Essential safety precautions
The first thing every homeowner should know is how to turn off the water and gas supplies. This can prevent major damage to your property. In the UK, the main water valve is usually found under the kitchen sink or in a utility room, while the gas shut-off valve is typically near your gas meter, which may be outside your home. You might need a special key to access it if it’s in a weatherproof box – make sure you know where it is.
Turning off the water supply is straightforward: simply turn the valve clockwise. For gas, ensure you know where your supply pipe is and turn the lever a quarter turn until it stops. It should be pointing at 90 degrees to the pipe. Knowing these basics can prevent dangerous situations from getting worse while waiting for a professional to arrive.
Bleeding radiators
One common but simple task every homeowner should master is bleeding radiators. Over time, air can get trapped in your heating system, causing radiators to operate inefficiently. To bleed a radiator, you’ll need a radiator key, a cloth and a watertight container like an empty sandwich spread tub. Here’s the procedure:
- Turn off the heating system.
- Place the container on the floor underneath the valve.
- Insert the key into the bleed valve (usually located at the top of the radiator on the side or at the back).
- Slowly turn the key anti-clockwise until you hear a hissing sound – that’s the air escaping.
- As soon as water starts to come out steadily, close the valve tightly.
Always ensure you have a cloth to catch any drips and quickly dry wallpaper, and be cautious as the water may be hot.
Boiler filling loops
Familiarising yourself with the filling loop on a combi boiler is another valuable skill. The filling loop helps maintain the correct pressure in your central heating system. If the pressure is too low, your boiler may not function efficiently. You might need to top up the pressure after bleeding, unless the pressure was too high beforehand.
To top up the system:
- Locate the filling loop, which is usually beneath the boiler. It might be permanent, or could require a separate tube to be attached at two valves.
- Ensure both ends are securely connected if it’s the tube type.
- Open the valves to allow water to flow through from the mains until you reach the recommended pressure (typically between 1 and 1.5 bar). The pressure should be indicated on the boiler gauge.
- Close the valves and disconnect any temporary connectors.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific boiler model to avoid mishaps.
Changing washers in taps
Dripping taps can be both annoying and wasteful. Fortunately, changing a washer is a task most homeowners can handle. Indicators that a washer needs replacing include constant dripping or difficulty turning the tap off completely.
You’ll need a spanner, a screwdriver and a new washer:
- Turn off the water supply at the isolation valve or main stopcock.
- Unscrew the tap handle to reveal the valve.
- Use the spanner to remove the valve.
- Replace the old washer with a new one.
- Reassemble the tap and turn on the water supply.
If unsure about which washer to purchase, bring the old one to your local DIY store for comparison. All taps differ in design, so you might need to work out which parts you need to remove. As long as the water is isolated, you should be fine.
Unblocking sinks, toilets, showers and outdoor drains
Blockages are another common issue that homeowners encounter. Prevention is better than cure, so always use strainers, and avoid flushing items other than toilet paper.
For showers and outdoor drains, remove any visible debris first. Showers get full of hair and other substances – sometimes it’s best to fish out the hair ball with a hook, stick or long tweezers. A high-pressure hose can also help dislodge stubborn blockages. For minor blockages, a plunger is usually effective:
- Fill the basin or toilet bowl with enough water to cover the plunger cup.
- Place the plunger over the drain and pump vigorously.
- If this doesn’t work, consider using a chemical drain cleaner or a manual drain snake.
Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when dealing with harsh chemicals or messy clogs, and ensure good ventilation if using chemical cleaners.
Emergency leak fixes and preventing damage
Knowing how to address emergency leaks swiftly can save you from extensive damage and costly repairs. If you detect a leak:
- Turn off the main water supply immediately.
- Use plumber’s tape or a rubber patch and clamp to provide a temporary fix until a plumber arrives.
- Use containers to catch dripping water and protect valuable items by moving them out of harm’s way.
Regular inspection of pipes and fittings can help you spot potential issues before they escalate.
Jobs that should be left to professionals
While basic tasks can often be managed by homeowners, certain jobs should always be tackled by professionals due to their complexity and risks. These include:
- Gas appliance installation or repair: Illegal and dangerous without proper qualifications.
- Major boiler issues: Tampering can void warranties and is often unsafe.
- Pipework alterations: Significant changes require precise calculations and know-how.
Always consult Gas Safe registered engineers for gas-related issues and qualified plumbers for major plumbing tasks. The risks involved often far outweigh any potential savings.
Conclusion
Having some basic plumbing skills not only saves money but also lets you address common issues safely and effectively. Remember, safety should be paramount: always turn off supplies before starting any job, never hesitate to call professionals for complex tasks, and regularly maintain your plumbing system to prevent emergencies.
With these skills under your belt, you’ll find home ownership a less daunting experience – but remember: professional help is just a phone call away.