The thought of DIY plumbing repairs might seem too complicated or overwhelming to do yourself, but fortunately that is often not the case. For a good majority of at home plumbing repairs you only need a little knowledge of basic repairs, the correct plumbing parts, the right tools and some patience. It’s a lot easier than you might think to get your toilets, sinks, drains and faucets back to working properly in just a little amount of time. With guidance and the necessary plumbing replacement parts and kits on hand, you can get through simple plumbing emergencies without having to call in a professional.

If you already have experience with minor plumbing and basic household repairs, getting through these tasks will be a breeze. Even if you are lacking experience, if you can handle a wrench and figure out where to turn your water supply off and on, you can fix most minor plumbing issues when they arise.

Are you ready to tackle some basic plumbing repair? There are certain tools you should have handy to be well on your way to doing your first DIY repair project:

  • A plunger designated for your sink and toilet (and your shower drain, if you frequently experience clogging or standing water)
  • An adjustable wrench and different sizes of nuts and bolts
  • A phillips head and flat head screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A utility knife
  • A roll of plumbing tape
  • Plumber’s putty
  • A caulking gun

The list of tools above will cover most basic plumbing repairs, but plumbing repair kits and replacement parts may also be required when certain fixtures need repair or replacement. Below are some of the most common repairs you can do yourself at home:

Faulty or leaky faucets

Leaky faucets are a pretty common occurrence for homeowners, and can most often be remedied by simply tightening pipes and securing connections. It pays to know how to take your faucets apart however, in case the problem turns out to be more complex than just a loose pipe or connection. It’s pretty easy to find instructions on how to take your specific type of faucet apart online. There are also lots of good video tutorials online that will guide you through the process.

If you are dealing with a slow drip, chances are it is caused by a loose or damaged washer. It’s easy to replace by simply taking out the old washer and replacing it with a new one. Be sure that the new washer is the correct size for your faucet.

If the problem is more complex than just a broken or loose washer, finding the right replacement parts is vital. You may also have to replace the entire faucet.

At Danco, we offer a wide variety of plumbing replacement parts to fix any issue you may be having with your faucet. Make sure that you know how many stems your faucet has before ordering any replacement parts. Click here for more information.

Clogged drain

Another common issue that typically only requires a simple fix is a clogged or slow drain. Clogs occur when debris builds up inside the drain, causing water to drain slowly or not at all. The best way to prevent this is with the use of debris catchers in the tub, shower, sink, or the tub/shower combo unit. You should also avoid pouring any grease or oil in your drains.

If there is a build up of debris in your drain pipes, you should be able to get rid of it by snaking the drain or with a plunger. If you are having issues with the drain vent, it is best to call in a professional. 

Running toilet

If your toilet is running non stop, it’s most likely a faulty floater switch or stop valve that is to blame. Jiggling the handle could fix the problem, but if it doesn’t you may need to replace the entire assembly to prevent wasting water. If this is the case, you should look into alternatives that convert a standard toilet into a two-button, dual flush toilet, or a water-saving toilet total repair kit with dual flush valve. Both are simple to install without the need for a professional plumber.

Old Showerheads

Older model showerheads are well known for having low pressure, which leads to an excessive use of water and higher utility bills. When you upgrade to a newer model, you can reduce your water bill by 20% to 30%. Newer and upgraded models are designed to help reduce water consumption by increasing the air pressure.

You may encounter other plumbing issues that are easy to DIY. As long as you have the proper tools and replacement parts, doing it yourself shouldn’t be a problem. Danco offers an entire range of plumbing parts and repair kits to help you accomplish simple plumbing repairs at home with ease.