5 Easy DIY Plumbing Projects to Save Money

Most people don’t realize that some plumbing problems can be handled all by themselves right at home. Are you one of those people? Don’t call the plumber every time there is a problem. Take a look at some DIY plumbing projects you can do yourself and save money in the process!

1. Temporarily Stop a Pipe Leak

A leaky pipe may need professional assistance to completely resolve the issue, but you can temporarily stop a pipe leak and prevent further issues from occurring, like water damage. All you need for this project is a pipe repair clamp that you can purchase online or at a home improvement store. Then, follow these three easy steps:

1. Stop water flow to the damaged pipe by shutting the valve off.
2. Following the package instructions, apply the repair clamp to the pipe.
3. Call a plumber to inspect and make any necessary repairs.

Most of the effort is in steps one and two and even then, it’s not that hard at all!

2. Fix the Leaky Shower Head

You might not think much of a leaky shower head, but would you think again if you knew your shower head was 20% of your water bill, leaky drip not included? No matter how small the leak, it needs to be fixed and you can do it all by yourself! Although more elaborate than a pipe leak, all you have to do is replace the shower handle:

1. Remove the old cartridge with a cartridge puller.
2. Remove the following pieces:
   1. Temperature limit stop
   2. Key stop
   3. Stop tube
   4. Trim plate
3. Carefully remove the retainer clip.
4. Lubricate the inside of the valve body and the exterior rubber components with silicone grease.
5. Insert the new cartridge.
6. Screw back on the trim plate.
7. Reinstall these pieces in the following order:
   1. Retainer clip
   2. Stop tube
   3. Key stop
   4. Temperature limit stop
8. Slide the handle on and test the water temperature while monitoring for any leaks.
9. Once you are satisfied, secure the handle with the original screws.

3. Unclog the Sink

When your sink starts to drain slowly, you know it is in the process of becoming completely clogged. The pipe directly under your sink—the P-trap—may be blocked by objects like hair, food, and other debris. For plumbing companies, unclogging a sink drain is as easy as un-blocking the P-trap:

1. Have a bowl ready beneath the pipe to catch any water.
2. Use a wrench to unscrew the fitting attached to the sink drain.
3. Disconnect the side of the P-trap leading to the waste pipe.
4. Remove all the debris.
5. Reattach the P-trap.

4. Stop a Running Toilet

Hearing a toilet run continuously is annoying. On top of the consistent noise, it could be costing you around an extra $200 a month on your water bill. Most running toilets are a result of a poorly sealed flapper that allows water to flow into the bowl from the tank. You can easily fix the flapper yourself by following these steps:

1. Shut the water off to the tank.
2. Flush the toilet and hold open the flapper to let the water drain.
3. Any excess water can be cleaned with a sponge or towel.
4. Referencing the kit instructions, install the new flapper.

This whole process can cost you less than $5!

5. Replace the Garbage Disposal

If food keeps getting clogged in your garbage disposal or waste isn’t being properly disposed of, it’s time to kick your disposal to the curb. It only takes six steps to properly replace your garbage disposal:

1. Turn off the kitchen electricity, and disconnect the disposal wires.
2. Remove the P-trap.
3. Loosen the hose clamp to disconnect the drain line from the dishwasher to the disposal.
4. Release the mounting collar to remove the disposal.
5. Follow the package instructions and Install the new disposal with the new mounting collar that is included.
6. Turn on the electricity, and test your new disposal.

Having plumber’s putty, a screwdriver, and a wrench will come in handy for this DIY project!

Become Your Own Handyman—or Woman!

You don’t always need to hire a plumber to fix all your plumbing needs. There are a handful of DIY projects you can take on at home to solve issues so that you don’t have to spend money on bigger problems or use the services of a plumbing company. Gather your tools together, and get to work at being handy in your home!