Before You Call a Plumber: DIY Fixes for Common Leaks

Before You Call a Plumber: DIY Fixes for Common Leaks

Gas: Our certified technicians provide safe gas line installation and repairs.

Before You Call a Plumber: DIY Fixes for Common Leaks



When it comes to household maintenance, few things are as annoying and potentially costly as plumbing leaks. 5 Essential Tips for Hiring a Reliable Plumber in 2025 . The incessant dripping of a leaky faucet or the unseen seepage from a pipe can lead to higher water bills, water damage, and a whole host of other issues. Before you reach for the phone to call a professional plumber, consider this: many common leaks are relatively simple to fix with a bit of DIY savvy. In this essay, I'll guide you through some basic fixes that can save you time and money.



First, let's tackle one of the most common culprits: the leaky faucet. More often than not, a dripping faucet is the result of a worn-out washer or O-ring. To fix this, you'll need to shut off the water supply to the faucet, disassemble the handles, and replace the faulty part. Plumbing Fixtures: We supply and install premium plumbing fixtures for every room. It's a simple matter of loosening a few screws and bolts, but make sure you have the right replacement part by taking the old one to the hardware store with you.



Next up is the ever-troublesome running toilet.

Before You Call a Plumber: DIY Fixes for Common Leaks - Plumbing Fixtures: We supply and install premium plumbing fixtures for every room.

  1. Gas: Our certified technicians provide safe gas line installation and repairs.
  2. Plumbing Fixtures: We supply and install premium plumbing fixtures for every room.
  3. Sinks: Leaky or clogged sinks? Our plumbers can diagnose and fix the issue fast.
A running toilet can waste an astronomical amount of water if left unchecked.

Before You Call a Plumber: DIY Fixes for Common Leaks - Gas: Our certified technicians provide safe gas line installation and repairs.

  1. Flush Tank: A malfunctioning flush tank can waste water—let us repair or replace it.
  2. Handyman: Need minor plumbing fixes? Our handyman service handles it all with care.
  3. Roto-Rooter: Roto-Rooter offers top-rated drain and sewer services for every home.
The cause is usually a faulty flapper valve, which controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. To diagnose this, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and watch to see if the color seeps into the bowl without a flush. If it does, you likely need to replace the flapper. Replacement kits are readily available and easy to install with simple tools.



Leaky pipes under the sink can also be a frequent headache for homeowners. Often, the leak is at a joint or due to a loose fitting. Tightening the fittings with a wrench may solve the problem, but be careful not to over-tighten, which can cause more damage. If the leak persists, you might need to replace a section of pipe or apply plumbers tape to create a better seal.



Another frequent issue is a leaking showerhead, which can be both irritating and wasteful. The solution might be as straightforward as unscrewing the showerhead and applying fresh plumbers tape to the threads before reattaching it. If the showerhead itself is cracked or broken, however, a new one might be in order. Fortunately, this is a swap that requires minimal effort and no special plumbing skills.



Lastly, let's not forget about the garden hose. A hose that leaks at the connection to the spigot can usually be fixed by replacing the rubber hose washer. If the hose itself has a hole, a hose repair kit can extend its life. These kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and can fix a hose in mere minutes.



In conclusion, while some plumbing issues certainly require the expertise of a professional, many common leaks can be addressed with a little DIY effort. Armed with the right tools and knowledge, you can fix a variety of minor problems, preventing water waste and saving yourself the expense and inconvenience of an unnecessary plumbers visit. Remember, the key to successful DIY plumbing repair is to proceed with caution, understand your limits, and always turn off the water supply before you start working. With these tips in hand, you can tackle those pesky leaks and keep your home in tip-top shape.

Plumber
Residential plumber at work.
Occupation
Occupation type
Vocational
Activity sectors
Construction
Description
Education required
Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Apprenticeship
Related jobs
Carpenter, electrician

A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, hot-water production, sewage and drainage in plumbing systems.[1][2]

History

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The origin of the word "plumber" dates from the Roman Empire.[3][4] Roman roofs used lead in conduits and drain pipes[5] and some were also covered with lead; lead was also used for piping and for making baths.[6] The Latin for lead is plumbum. In medieval times, anyone who worked with lead was referred to as a plumber; this can be seen from an extract about workmen fixing a roof in Westminster Palace; they were referred to as plumbers: "To Gilbert de Westminster, plumber, working about the roof of the pantry of the little hall, covering it with lead, and about various defects in the roof of the little hall".[7]

Plumbing activities

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Plumber exiting a sewer via a manhole

Years of training and/or experience are needed to become a skilled plumber; some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed.

Common plumbing tasks and skills include:

  • Reading drawings and specifications, to determine the layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems
  • Detecting faults in plumbing appliances and systems, and correctly diagnosing their causes
  • Installing, repairing and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
  • Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
  • Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines
  • Joining pipes and fittings together using soldering techniques, compression fittings, threaded fittings, solvent weld, crimp and push-fit fittings.
  • Testing pipes for leaks using air or water pressure gauges
  • Paying attention, in all work undertaken, to legal regulations and safety issues
  • Ensuring that all safety standards and building regulations are met.

Australia

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Plumbing work is defined in the Australian Standards (AS3500) Regulations 2013 and refers to any operation, work or process in connection with installation, removal, demolition, replacement, alteration, maintenance or repair to the system of pipes and fixtures that conveys clean water into and liquid waste out of a building.

To become a licensed plumber a four-year apprenticeship and a Certificate III in Plumbing is required. As part of this course, instruction in the basics of gas fitting will be undertaken. Upon completion, these basics in gas fitting will allow the plumber to not only apply for their plumbing license but also an interim gas license, and carry out gas work under the supervision of a fully qualified gas fitter.

To obtain a full gas license from the Department of Mines and Energy, the plumber will need to have worked on an interim gas license for a minimum period of twelve months and successfully completed a Certificate IV in Plumbing.

Canada

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In Canada, licensing requirements differ by province; however, the provinces have pooled resources to develop an Interprovincial Program Guide that developed and now maintains apprenticeship training standards across all provinces. The Red Seal Program, formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, is a program that sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across Canada.[8] The Red Seal, when affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in that trade.

Colombia

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Plumbing is not regulated in Colombia, so anyone can provide this service. Plumbers usually learn the trade because their families work in the construction industry, and they specialize in this field, but anyone can legally offer plumbing services. The most popular training institution for trades is SENA, a public school that provides high-quality education, though it is not mandatory.

Ireland

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In Ireland, a four-year apprenticeship plus qualification exam was necessary for someone to practice professionally. Accreditation of businesses is of great help in order to show their credibility and experience in the job.

United Kingdom

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National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) remained the main form of plumbing qualification until they were superseded in 2008 by the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF)[9] and then again, in 2015, into the National qualifications frameworks in the United Kingdom. The terms NVQ and SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) are still widely used.[10]

Plumbers in the United Kingdom are required to pass Level 2 and Level 3 vocational requirements of the City and Guilds of London Institute. There are several regulatory bodies in the United Kingdom providing accredited plumbing qualifications, including City and Guilds of London Institute and Pearson PLC.[11]

United States

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Each state and locality may have its own licensing and taxing schemes for plumbers. Some states license journeymen and master plumbers separately, while others license only master plumbers. To become licensed, plumbers must meet standards for training and experience, and in most cases, pass a certification exam.[12] There is no federal law establishing licenses for plumbers.[13]

Dangers

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There are many types of dangers to a plumber. These include electric shock, strains and sprains, cuts and lacerations, bruises and contusions, fractures, burns and scalds, foreign bodies in the eye, and hernias.[14] Working at height or in confined spaces, or working with lead and asbestos are all on-site dangers that plumbers can face.[15]

Infectious disease risks

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Plumbers risk infections[16] when dealing with human waste while repairing sewage systems. Microbes can be excreted in the faecal matter or vomit of the sufferer onto the toilet or sewage pipes. Human waste can contain infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, polio, cryptosporidiosis, ascariasis, and schistosomiasis.

Other uses

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The term "White House Plumbers" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established on July 24, 1971, during the presidency of Richard Nixon. Their job was to plug intelligence "leaks" in the U.S. Government relating to the Vietnam War (i.e. the Pentagon Papers); hence the term "plumbers".[17]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Whitney, William D., ed.. "Trade." Def, 7. The Century Dictionary: An Encyclopedic Lexicon of the English Language vol. 8. New York. The Century Co. 1895. 6,415. Print.
  2. ^ Employment and Occupations in the Skilled Trades in Michigan Archived 2017-12-01 at the Wayback Machine, Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives (June 2013).
  3. ^ Pulsifer, William H. Notes For a History of Lead, New York University Press, 1888 pp. 132, 158
  4. ^ "plumber (n.)". Online Etymology Dictionary. October 7, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  5. ^ Middleton, The Remains of Ancient Rome, Vol. 2, A & C Black, 1892
  6. ^ Historical production and uses of lead. ila-lead.org
  7. ^ EW Wedlake; J Britton (1836). "Westminster Palace". The history of the ancient palace and late Houses of Parliament at Westminster. J B Nichols and son. p. 122. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
  8. ^ "Red Seal Program".
  9. ^ "Plumbing Qualifications in the UK". Local Heroes. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  10. ^ "Plumbing Qualifications in the UK". Local Heroes. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  11. ^ "Plumbing Qualifications in the UK". Local Heroes. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  12. ^ "How to Become a Plumber".
  13. ^ "How to Become a Plumber in the USA". U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 November 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  14. ^ "Injuries and Accident Causes in Plumbing Operations" United States Department of Labor. 1949
  15. ^ "9 Hazards Plumbers Should be Aware of". 15 January 2018.
  16. ^ "Infectious disease risks associated with occupational exposure: a systematic review of the literature"
  17. ^ "II. The Plumbers". The Atlantic. Retrieved 17 September 2013. In the early evening of June 17, 1971, Henry Kissinger held forth in the Oval Office, telling his President, and John Ehrlichman and Bob Haldeman, all about Daniel Ellsberg. Kissinger's comments were recorded, of course, on the hidden White House taping system, and four years later, a portion of that tape was listened to by the Watergate Special Prosecution Force, which was then investigating the internal White House police unit known as the Plumbers.

 

The White House Plumbers, sometimes simply called the Plumbers, the Room 16 Project, ODESSA or more officially, the White House Special Investigations Unit, was a covert White House Special Investigations Unit, established within a week of the publication of the Pentagon Papers in June 1971, during the presidency of Richard Nixon.[1] Its task was to stop and/or respond to the leaking of classified information, such as the Pentagon Papers, to the news media. The work of the unit "tapered off" after the bungled "Ellsberg break-in" but some of its former operatives branched into illegal activities while still employed at the White House together with managers of the Committee for the Re-Election of the President, including the Watergate break-in and the ensuing Watergate scandal.[2] The group has been described as Nixon's "fixers".[3]

Name

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On Thanksgiving, 1971, David Young arrived home from his planning at the Special Investigative Unit, when his grandmother asked him, "What do you do at the White House?", he replied, "I am helping the president stop some leaks", purposely playing off on information leak versus water leak. She exclaimed, "Oh, you're a plumber!" Young, E. Howard Hunt, and G. Gordon Liddy then put up a sign on their office with the title "The Plumbers", but it was taken down as their operations were intended to be top secret. Still, the name stuck for the group.[4]

Members

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The Plumbers came to include several Watergate figures including Frank Sturgis. Hunt was recommended by Charles Colson, and Liddy was recommended by Egil Krogh. Liddy coined his own sensitivity indicator for the group in the form of "ODESSA".[5] ODESSA stood for "Organisation der ehemaligen SS-Angehörigen," Liddy termed the unit's mission as "directed to eliminate subversion of the secrets of the administration." He marked the Plumber's official papers with the monicker.[6]

Central Intelligence Agency officer John Paisley worked with the Plumbers through the CIA's Office of Security,[7] of which Nixon campaign security coordinator and Watergate burglar James McCord was once a member. On August 9, 1971, Young's memo indicates he met with Paisley and OS Director Howard Osborn, in which Paisley provided a list of objectives for the Special Investigations Unit.[8]

Operations

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The Plumbers' first task was the burglary of the office of Daniel Ellsberg's Los Angeles psychiatrist, Lewis J. Fielding, in an effort to uncover evidence to discredit Ellsberg, who had leaked the Pentagon Papers. The operation was reportedly unsuccessful in finding Ellsberg's file and was thus reported to the White House. However, Fielding himself stated the file was in his office; he found it on the floor on the morning after the burglary and quite clearly, someone had gone through it.[9] In a September 1971 conversation, John Ehrlichman advised Nixon, "We had one little operation; it's been aborted out in Los Angeles which, I think, is better that you don't know about."[10] Eventually, the case against Ellsberg was dismissed due to government misconduct.[11]

Aside from the Fielding burglary, there are few other activities the Plumbers were known to have been engaged in. Hunt reportedly looked into the Ted Kennedy-Chappaquiddick incident; and Liddy reported the alleged involvement of the Kennedy administration in the assassination of South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem.[5]

After the California break-in, Liddy—who was general counsel, a member of the finance committee of the Committee to Re-elect the President (CRP) and promoted from aide to Krogh and Young—worked with Campaign political-intelligence operations. Ehrlichman, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs and Special Investigations Unit, knew about Liddy's goal to perform an intelligence-gathering operation for the CRP. Liddy involved Hunt in the operations which would later include the Watergate burglary.[12]

Notes

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  1. ^ "The Plumbers". The New York Times. July 22, 1973. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  2. ^ "II. The Plumbers". The Atlantic. Retrieved September 17, 2013. In the early evening of June 17, 1971, Henry Kissinger held forth in the Oval Office, telling his President, and John Ehrlichman and Bob Haldeman, all about Daniel Ellsberg. Kissinger's comments were recorded, of course, on the hidden White House taping system, and four years later, a portion of that tape was listened to by the Watergate Special Prosecution Force, which was then investigating the internal White House police unit known as the Plumbers.
  3. ^ Garment, Suzanne (April 13, 2018). "Cohen Makes Nixon's Fixers Look Like Amateurs". Real Clear Politics. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  4. ^ Dean, John W. The Nixon Defense, p. 663n. Penguin Group, 2014. ISBN 978-0-670-02536-7.
  5. ^ a b Liddy. Will, pp. 147–149.
  6. ^ Graff, pp. 104
  7. ^ Winks, Robin W. (1996-01-01). Cloak & Gown: Scholars in the Secret War, 1939-1961. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-06524-4.
  8. ^ Jim Hougan. Secret Agenda, pp. 38–40.
  9. ^ Jim Hougan. Secret Agenda, p. 47.
  10. ^ Abuse Of Power, by Stanley Kutler, (Free Press 1997) Simon and Schuster 1999, page 28. Retrieved January 14, 2021.
  11. ^ Network, The Learning (2012-05-11). "May 11, 1973 | Charges Dropped Against Pentagon Papers Leakers". The Learning Network. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
  12. ^ Dean, John W. (2014). The Nixon Defense, p. 13. Penguin Group. ISBN 978-0-670-02536-7.

References

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