There are countless different types of do-it-yourself (DIY) plumbing projects. Some DIY plumbing projects are associated with installing new items, such as a new bathroom sink. Other DIY plumbing projects are related to fixing items, such as leaking faucets, blocked sprayers, and clogged toilets. With most projects, the items are relatively easy to replace or fix. More difficult projects may require the assistance of a skilled plumber.
Home interior trends change from time to time. As a result, many people may decide to update a bathroom in their home. Installing a pedestal sink or a vanity top cabinet may be a great way to delve into the world of DIY plumbing projects. A pedestal sink may be ideal for a small bathroom, while a vanity top sink may be better suited for bathrooms where additional storage space is needed. In addition, some pedestal sinks are more expensive than vanity top sinks, forcing price to be a factor to a bathroom remodeling project.
One of the most common DIY plumbing projects is fixing a leaky faucet. Typically, a faucet leaks when the washers or seals on the faucet age. Before beginning this kind of project, it is important to figure out the type of faucet. Identifying the brand and the model of the faucet is also essential before any repairs can be made.
Another one of the most frequent DIY plumbing projects is fixing a clogged toilet. In general, a clog can be loosened with a toilet plunger or a long wire called a closet auger. If the clog is not loosened with either device, the clog may not be located in the pipes of the toilet, but in the main waste vent stack. In that case, more advance plumbing skills may be required.
There are several other DIY plumbing projects that are related to the toilet, as well. Occasionally, a toilet handle may stick. In that case, the lift wire may need to be adjusted. The lift wire connects the handle to the toilet flap inside the back of the toilet. If a toilet does not flush or if it runs continuously, adjusting the lift wire may remedy those situations, too.
Sometimes sprayers or aerators on sinks, showers, or bathtubs may not work well. If lime or calcium builds up, the individual holes where the water comes out may need to be cleared. These devices often develop a faulty diverter valve. The diverter valve on a sprayer or aerator is the valve that allows water to shoot out when a handle is pressed. Often, cleaning the valve will fix the problem. From time to time, the sprayer or aerator hose may develop a crack or kink and need to be replaced as well.