Every household needs to know how to do basic plumbing repairs. Yes, it is easy to call a plumber, but it is also just as simple to do primary repair work yourself. Unclogging a sink drain can only take  a few minutes when done properly. And did you know that you can thaw a frozen pipe with a hair dryer? Learning just a few basic plumbing repairs can benefit you tremendously. Try it out. You might like it. 

Unclog a Sink Drain With Ease

An obstructed sink drain is a very common plumbing problem. Luckily, it is very easy to fix. If you have a double sink, begin by placing a stopper in one of the drain holes. The one with no standing water would be the best choice. A plunger is the best tool to use to unclog your sink drain. Assure that there is an adequate amount of water in the sink, enough to cover the top of the plunger. Next, place the plunger over the drain and put a rag into the overflow drain. The overflow drain is the space that is right across from the faucet. Doing this helps to create pressure required to remove the blockage. Start plunging, forcefully, but quickly. Never allow the plunger to leave the sink drain. If the pressure has pushed the clog down the drain, and the obstruction has been moved, you will observe the water draining. You may also move the blockage far enough up into the sink drain where you can remove it.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can often develop leaks and cracks. Water in the pipe will expand into ice, which creates just enough pressure to cause a crack. You can easily thaw the pipe yourself to inspect the pipe to check for any damage and take care of leaks. To begin this basic plumbing repair, turn off all of the faucets near the frozen pipe. Open all faucets that have been effected to drain all remaining water. Opening the faucets will release the pressure that has built up in the plumbing system. Using a hair dryer, warm the pipe just enough to melt the ice. If the ice does not melt, then wrap a cloth that has been soaked in hot water around the pipe. You can also use water resistant heating pads to thaw the frozen pipes.

Simple Repair of Damaged Pipes

After thawing, did you find that your pipes have leaks or ruptures? Damaged pipes can easily be repaired in just a few steps. If you have metal pipes, a temporary patch can be applied by clamping a piece of inner tube on the crack. With metal piping, a professional is ideal for a permanent fix.

PVC piping is easier to replace. For this project, you will require PVC pipe, PVC glue, a hacksaw, and two couplings for each patch.

First, the water supply must be turned off. Using the hacksaw, cut off the damaged areas. Remove at least 12 inches of pipe. 

Cut a new length of pipe that is one-fourth of an inch shorter than the old pipe. On one end of the pipe, apply the PVC glue and slip on the coupling. Then, apply the PVC glue to the patch piece, slip on the coupling, and do the same thing on the other end. 

Before turning back on the water supply and inspecting for leaks, let the patch sit for 30 to 40 minutes.  

For those difficult plumbing repairs, you’ll need the assistance of the professional plumbing team at Express Sewer and Drain. Our years of experience have shown that we have what it takes to tackle any plumbing problem, large or small. In over your head with a repair job? Then give us a call today!