Depending on where in San Francisco you live, you might be experiencing frequent plumbing issues. Maybe you live on a higher level of the city and your water pressure is low, or your property is older development and you get sewage problems? Whatever your case may be, there are several things a private citizen can do in order to solve some common plumbing issues on their property.
What Can You Do If a Pipe is Leaking?
The most obvious answer would be to call a professional plumber to solve the problem. However, there are scenarios where you can save on that expense and fully DIY.
No need to MacGyver a solution, there are simple rules to water flow and plumbing standardization which can help you solve your issues. However, it should be noted that if the issue is more serious than a leaking faucet you should consult a professional.
Avoiding serious issues is paramount when dealing with water, because otherwise it can cause serious property damage. These can lead to black mold and fungi formations on your property, requiring GCD Restoration’s specialized mold and mildew removal service.
Leaking faucet
This is relatively easy to handle and does not require specialized equipment or tools. Before starting you should shut off any water access to that particular point. There should be separate plumbing panel either in your wall or under the sink. Make sure to turn off both hot and warm water access.
The problem, most likely, is due to a faulty gasket. Most gaskets become plasticized after a certain period of time. This makes them rigid and quite fragile, it’s highly likely that it’s a gasket issue for the faucet mounts.
If you don’t have gaskets laying around, check with your local supplier or go to a big office store and ask a consultant. For the repairs you will need:
- New Gaskets
- An adjustable wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Towel
While there shouldn’t be any leaking water, it’s always a good idea to have a towel on hand to soak-up any water that’s remained in the pipes. Dribbling water can be a slip hazard so be sure to remove it.
DIY Faucet Repairs – How to
The adjustable wrench should allow you to easily remove the faucet from its access points. Use the flathead screwdriver to remove the old gaskets. This is a good time to check the condition of the fixtures and examine the level of corrosion.
Even though all water fixtures and amenities are galvanized and treated against corrosion, the cheaper varieties will start rusting in due time.
Using the flathead in a twisting motion you should be able to remove the gasket. At this point their condition will become apparent and you will see if their condition is worth changing or not. Replace the old gaskets with the new and screw the faucet back on its place. Remember – righty tighty – lefty loosey.
Leaking pipes
If you are having issues with a leaking pipe, there might be an issue with a connection. This means that it needs to be replaced with a new connection.
If you are uncertain and don’t know how to do it, or are wary of doing it yourself, you can always call a plumber. In fact, this is a GCD Restoration recommendation, because there are quite a lot of issues that could stem from a faulty fix-job.
While we do welcome the business, we’d much rather that our community is not exposed to mold and mildew due to a leaking pipe. Keeping furniture dry and free of water is important for their long life
Why you Should Consult a Professional
Aside from insurance reasons, consulting a professional plumber will give a peace of mind. There’s a reason there are professional plumbing schools and that reason is the variety of information and skill that need to be accumulated in order to provide a proper solution to a problem.
Professionals are aware of the pitfalls of a crumby job and know how to avoid it. While it’s just pipes that transport water to and fro your house, it’s not just pipes.
The complex system is an intertwined connection of a complex nature and requires an understanding which cannot be gained only from Youtube tutorials or books.
Having a professional plumber’s help gives you access to knowledge and a competent solution to a serious issue. Insurance companies, especially those who are notorious for implicating their customers, would rather not pay out than provide the necessary financial compensation.
If you DIY and there’s a leakage due to your work, you will most likely be denied insurance coverage. It’s safer to pay out of pocket for a professional plumber, than do it for full water damage restoration.
In case you are not certain where to find a certified plumber, GCD Restoration will connect you to a trusted partner who can provide you with the necessary service.
Our team is dedicated to the health and betterment of our community, so we’d be happy to assist you in whichever way we can. Give us a call at (650) 835 444 and get immediate assistance. Not sure what to do – no problem, we are here to help.
