If you’re a homeowner you’ll know that any number of things can go wrong at any time. When it comes to household plumbing, there’s a lot of handy hints and tips you can remember to help make the task a little easier. While you won’t be able to do everything a professional can do, you may be able to make a start.
DIY stores or websites should have all the equipment you’ll need. At the very least it’s always useful to own a set of drain rods. These simple kits, which tend to cost around £20, are convenient for any homeowner and can help you unblock a drain in no time. For other tools and plumbing supplies, why not check out online reviews for advice from the professionals, or save yourself the hard work and hire a handyman to help you out?
It may be important to know how to isolate a water supply in your home using plumbing tools. Water enters your property via a central pipe, which is connected to the main water supply (the rising main). A stopcock, which is normally found under the sink, features on the outside of the property too.
These are valves which aim to stop the flow of water when closed. Need to close the stopcock? Just turn it in a clockwise direction. To open it, turn in an anti-clockwise direction. You should make yourself aware of where your stopcock is, as this simple piece of information could prove useful.
If you need to open the cover, just insert a flat screwdriver in and lever it upwards. The stopcock is generally around two feet six inches below floor level, so it should be pretty easy to locate. The stopcock can be covered with water, sand or other debris; while water is not a problem, any other obstruction could stop it from working and it will therefore require a thorough cleaning out.
Ensure you never put your hand down to locate the stopcock, you never know what could be down there and it’s far too dangerous to take the risk. The stopcock could either be located at the front or rear of your home, or even at the end of your street! However, be careful if you’re planning to turn off the water supply as this will isolate the whole street; check with your neighbours first.
Toilets that won’t flush tend to be one of the most common plumbing jobs people try to do themselves at home. Find out how to do this and more online today and you’ll never need to dash to the neighbour’s house to use the toilet again.
Need more helpful plumbing DIY tips? Simply look online, either on DIY websites or join forums where you’ll find hints and tips from other home owners. You can learn anything from how to cut and join pipes to how to make repairs in an emergency, and even how to fit a waste pipe for a washing machine.