When it comes to plumbing, it can save you time and money if you know a few of the basics.
These include fixing a leaking tap, replacing a washer or cleaning a blocked drain.
According to local plumber Brian Seaward, knowing the basics can also help prevent water damage to your house.
The most common reason for a leaking tap is a worn or damaged washer.
Seaward says it is a quick and easy task to replace a washer.
Washers can be bought at any hardware store.
To change a washer:
• Shut off the water supply to your home.
• Remove the tap screw (usually fitted to the side or on top of the tap).
• Use a cloth and wrench to remove the plastic insert.
• Unscrew the source valve in the tap.
• A nut holds the washer in position. Remove the nut, replace the washer with a new one and tighten the nut again.
• Put back the tap and make sure it is closed before restoring the water supply.
Two useful tips for unblocking a drain are using drain-cleaning chemicals or taking the natural approach.
“When using chemicals, remove all visible objects which are blocking the drain and use the chemicals according to the instructions,” says Seaward.
He suggests using gloves and a gas mask while approaching this task, which is only for outside drains.
The natural way is to pour caustic soda down the drain, followed by vinegar. This method is only for inside drains.
Close the drain with the drain plug until the bubbling stops.
Follow up by pouring boiling water down the drain.
When you have a leaking water pipe on your property that is difficult to find, call a plumber or a qualified person with a leak detection device.
It is also best to call a plumber if you are experiencing a geyser problem.
Seaward advises people who have a Kwikot or Franke geyser to call the separate dealers when experiencing geyser problems.
A geyser might be constantly overflowing due to the following reasons:
• Faulty safety valve: when it opens at a lower pressure than what the intake control valve controls.
• Faulty inlet control valve: when the inlet valve doesn’t control the pressure in the geyser, the pressure may be higher than the safety valve’s set pressure.
• Faulty thermostat: it doesn’t switch off the element, which causes the water in the geyser to boil so that the pressure rises.
• If the water in the geyser is not hot, the element is probably not working.
Having water constantly running outside will contribute to a much higher water and electricity account than anticipated.
