Save Money with 6 Plumbing Fixes You Can Do Yourself

This article on Plumbing Fixes You Can Do Yourself has been sponsored by Roto-Rooter. All opinions are my own. Post contains affiliate links to help support this site.

We are DIYers as much as possible, and home repairs are no exceptions. While we do know there is a limit to what we can do ourselves, there are several plumbing fixes you can do yourself that can save you money, give you a sense of satisfaction, and save the frustration of having to find a reliable plumber.

Before you tackle at home repair yourself, it is a good idea to have a basic toolkit, as well as a reliable online DIY source you can trust. I am a fan of This Old House  and DIY Network. Both offer great tutorials for home repairs.

Home Repair Tool Kit

TIP: A home repair tool kit like this one can come in handy for all sorts of projects.

You’ll have everything you need right in one location, and a handy case to make sure nothing gets lost.

In addition to an all-around tool kit for the home that includes an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, pliers, and a utility knife, you should also have the following for basic plumbing tasks:

• Two Plungers (one for the sink and one for the toilet)
• Plumbing Tape
• Caulking Gun

Be sure to also learn where your water supply shut off is located before starting any plumbing projects. Now that you have the tools and a little DIY know-how, here are some jobs you can easily tackle on your own!

Plumbing Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Fix A Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can be a relatively easy fix depending on the type of faucet, so get to know the basic types of faucets and how to take them apart by looking for instructions from the brand of faucet you have (can be found online), watching YouTube videos, or checking out those DIY websites.

A slow drip from the spout usually means that all you have to replace is a washer or simply tighten the spray head. A drip from the base can be as simple as tightening the base or replacing the seal. Be sure to turn off the water supply before attempting any repairs! If these fixes don’t solve the issue, you may need to replace the faucet.

Installing a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet

Sometimes it may be easier to replace the entire faucet if tightening doesn’t work. There will be instructions included with the new one and anyone at your local hardware store will be able to assist you in finding the right replacement parts as well as give you tips on how to locate the cause of the problem and what you need to do to fix it.

Delta Faucet Magnetic DockingKitchen Sink Faucet with Swivel SprayerSingle Handle Pull Out Sprayer Kitchen Faucet

Running Toilet

A running toilet can be a huge waste of water and money. The problem is usually caused by a faulty stop valve or floater switch. Essentially it’s the large bulb in the back of the toilet that stops the flow of fresh water into the toilet once the tank is full.

While jiggling the handle to stop a running toilet may fix the problem temporarily, you can fix it permanently by replacing the entire assembly. Don’t be afraid to put your hands in the water. The water in the tank is clean!

We’ve also had our handle break on our toilet (the part you push to actually flush) and it was very simple to get a new one and replace it. 

Unclog A Drain

One of the easiest things to do is unclog a stuck drain. I’ve talked about clearing our clogged drains previously using Roto-Rooter’s hair clog drain remover gel, and it is an easy and simple way to take care of stubborn clogs quickly.

Roto-Rooter 80 oz. Gel Clog Remover

Once you’ve got your drains clear again, keep in mind the best way to stop clogs is focus on prevention. Use hair catchers in bathroom drains and avoid putting grease or food particles down kitchen drains.

You should also keep in mind that a slow drain could be an issue with a plumbing vent, which regulates the air pressure in the pipes. Plumbing vent issues should be handled by a plumber because it may be a slighter bigger job than you want to tackle.

Replace A Showerhead

If you’ve ever purchased an older home you may know that they come with old showerheads. While you can clean them by soaking in CLR or Vinegar, sometimes you simply want to change the showerhead to give your home an update.

Changing a showerhead is really simple. All you really have to do is unscrew the old one and screw on the new one. If you find any resistance you may need to grab a pair of pliers to help. Don’t forget to put a little plumbing tape around the threads before you screw on the new one as well, this helps prevent any leaks.

Hydroluxe 24 Function Ultra-Luxury 3-way 2 in 1 Shower-HeadWater Temperature Controlled Color Changing 5-Setting LED Shower-HeadDelta 4-Setting Two-in-One Handshower ShowerheadMoen Six-Function Shower Head

Replacing A Washing Machine or Dishwasher Hose

When you use an appliance day after day, eventually things are going to wear out. The hose on your washing machine or dishwasher are especially susceptible to wearing down and cracking or breaking. We’ve replaced our dishwasher hose twice already. While each brand may have a slightly different location for the hose, the overall process is the same no matter the brand. You can even buy generic hoses from your local hardware store that should fit most models (just be sure to check the manufacturer handbook or website for the correct size).

When you are ready to replace, turn off the water supply, disconnect the old hose, and reconnect the new one. Be sure to tighten the hose and any valves. Turn the water back on and make sure the water flows smoothly with no leaks.

These plumbing fixes you can do yourself make take a bit of time, but are sure to save you money, however, if you are still feeling too overwhelmed don’t feel afraid to call in a plumber for extra help!

What DIY projects have you tackled yourself?