I eased myself into plumbing by first buying a few Shark Bite fittings and valves (easy but costly push-together system) and replaced about 40 feet of steel pipe in the basement, but realized I couldn't do the whole job with Shark Bite or I'd add a couple hundred bucks on right there, so I sat down and watched, yet again, more YouTube "how to" videos and taught myself how to sweat copper pipes. Here's a partially-pictured list of the plumbing I had to re-do:
1. supply lines to outdoor faucet and washing machine; new valves for bathroom supply lines (I used pex pipe for this, works great)
2. washing machine faucet and sink hook-ups (see above, new PEX piping and a Sharkbite shut-off valve to replace the old, nearly bursting steel pipe, and then I used (much cheaper) copper for all the joints and valves for the sink and washing machine).
3. tapped into a gas line for our (used, old) gas dryer which required about 5 threaded fittings. For this, I had to buy a big, hefty pipe wrench, a tool I didn't understand prior to this job. I'm glad I didn't attempt it without a pipe wrench. I tested all the fittings with soap to look for bubbles.
4. drains for sink and tub
5. toilet supply line
6. new main valve for shower**
Once I got the new valves in the basement for the bathroom supply lines, I was able to shut them off and isolate the bathroom so I could tinker on it. Total time with the main water shut off for the whole project: only TWO hours!! **Number 6 was a huge test of patience and confidence. It involved some 15 plus sweated copper joints, one of which leaked when I tested the system, right at the connection to the new main valve. A slow drip, maybe once every 10 seconds, but enough to make me almost give up entirely. A simple YouTube search just wasn't helping this time. I should've called someone. Out of frustration and desperation, I cut through the pipe next to the leak, grabbed the pipe with my biggest set of pliers, and, to my surprise, was able to crush/muscle it out of its fitting without messing up the valve box nor the other joints on it. An hour later and 5 new sweated joints, and I was done with all of the plumbing - for now. I will probably replace the powder room's sink at some point, and I still have to run a line to the fridge which I've now learned is a simple $20, 1-2 hour task. (the previous owner I guess decided it wasn't worth it? to buy a new fridge with an ice machine and filtered water, but not hook it up??)
It's an empowering thing to realize I now understand and know the location of all of the plumbing and gas lines in the house, and am confident I could fix whatever problems may arise - it's the ACCESS to that problem that presents the biggest challenge, and identifying exactly what's leaking or failing because it's hidden can be a nightmare. I can't wait to live in a house that is plumbed entirely with PEX piping (like PVC but flexible and more durable) as many new houses are! My biggest worry: hoping the drains in the new bathroom will function fine despite having just about the minimum slope required (1/4" drop per 1 foot horizontal).
Next up: Construction - The Bathtub
Almost all households have plumbing and drainage systems. Bathroom plumbing is the cause of most plumbing calls because bathrooms are usually equipped with the most plumbing pipes of any room in your home. Toilet clogs and leaks are two of the most common home plumbing problems. The homeowner can use a plunger to solve the immediate problem with a clogged toilet.
ReplyDeleteChris from kitchen plumber
These are the most common tools for plumbing repairs for common plumbing problems which usually deal on leaky faucets, clogged sinks and clogged drainage, and poor flushing. One of the most common and the easiest to resolve plumbing dilemma is clogged sinks and drainage. This can be done with the aid of a plunger. Make sure though that when you do changes or installations for a new plumbing system, that you are also equipped with knowledge about plumbing. On the other hand, there are a lot of well presented illustrations and details on the net that can surely help you in your simple plumbing repair needs.
ReplyDeletetoilet plumber services
Your DIY prowess is very inspiring, Logan. Many wouldn’t even dare touch their plumbing systems for fear that they may inadvertently ruin their lines. It’s amazing that you used YouTube as an instruction manual, which proves how the internet can make our lives a whole lot easier. I wish you success with your DIY adventures!
ReplyDeleteDarryl Iorio
It's really awesome that you've learned a lot from those tutorials you’ve watched and you are now very confident to fix any further damages on your lines. That's a really good thing because you'll be able to save so much in years of not needing professionals to help out.
ReplyDeleteCarmella Vancil
That is incredibly impressive, Logan! However, what I fear most about DIY plumbing is that I may cause more problems rather than solving it. Instructional videos aren’t often entirely precise and helpful, especially if the parts and locations of your plumbing system are different from what’s in the video.
ReplyDeleteAlthea Tumlin