Common DIY Mistakes and who can fix them
Over the COVID-19 period, DIYing has been all the rage, with many people attempting their own projects for the first time ever. This can be problematic
Tue 21st Jul 2020
When at home, we use water so often that it's hard to notice when things are starting to go wrong. Whether you've lived in your current house for decades or days, it's easy to just put some issues down to the original plumbing. However, there are some common issues that can arise that will only get worse over time if left unchecked by a professional.
Leaky taps
Sometimes, that steady, dripping sound can almost become white noise when it goes on too long, and eventually you learn to tune it out. However, if your leaky tap can't be stopped by just tightening the handles, it's important that you call in a plumber to fix it as soon as possible. Constant dripping can be caused by issues in your pipes, and if left unchecked, that constant flow of water can evaporate and spread mould. It can also lead to rusted, worn down faucets that will have to be fully replaced instead of just repaired. Getting it seen by a plumber as soon as you notice the dripping can save you time and money in the long run.
Noisy pipes
If you're hearing bumps and clunks around your home, it's more likely to be due to noisy pipes than a haunted house. Especially in older homes, or houses with large-rooted trees growing nearby, it's important to always check your pipes regularly to make sure they're in top condition. If you can hear them clunk or shake around in your walls and floors, especially when valves in your taps and toilets are activated, it's best to get a professional to check that they haven't come loose or damaged. It's very common that pipes will need an arrester valve to stop surging water from pounding your pipes, and a plumber can install one swiftly and safely.
Slow drains
Thanks to the severe droughts we've faced in Australia in recent years, everyone has managed to cut back on their water consumption. However, since we've gotten used to turning our taps off and short showers, we might not notice when our plugholes start to drain much slower than normal. If you've already tried cleaning out your plug's filter or using drain cleaning chemicals and water is still pooling at your feet in the shower, it might be time to call in a professional. Plumbers have access to equipment that can remove blockages we could never reach ourselves and the ability to safely dispose of nasty waste in your pipes. Also, if the issue lays within the drain pipes themselves, your plumber can repair or replace them.
By Claudia Slack