Bathroom Toilet
The first project is maintaining your bathroom toilet. While the tank and bowl never wear out, the same cannot be said about the moving parts found within the water tank. A leaky toilet wastes water and produces higher utility bills. By swapping out the rubber flapper, adjusting the float or replacing the flush valve assembly, you can save money on your water and plumbing bills. It can take as little as five minutes to change a flapper to approximately thirty minutes to replace a valve assembly.
Showerhead
If you find that water is flowing from your showerhead more slowly, you can remove, clean or replace it if necessary. A showerhead can become clogged with mineral deposits over time. Remove the fixture, soak it in vinegar and use a toothpick to clear the holes. After cleaning, you can reattach the fixture with a wrench and plumber’s tape to prevent leaks. If the showerhead is damaged or clogged beyond repair, you can easily install a new one. With the correct plumbing supplies, you can get your showerhead water pressure back to normal. You may also want to take this opportunity to upgrade your showerhead to a model that has rainwater or massage features.
Water Filter
Minerals, such as calcium and lime, not only clog fixtures, they are also present in your drinking water. A way to eliminate these particles is by installing a water filtration unit. This project may take some time, but with the right tools a homeowner can install an under sink water treatment unit. These reverse osmosis systems can remove deposits and produce better tasting water.
The Sink
While you are under the sink, why not take the opportunity to swap out your kitchen faucet. You can replace your older model tap with a model that includes a sprayer attachment, built-in aerator and double check valves. These upgraded models make cooking and kitchen chores much easier. Replacing a faucet can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Once the water supply has been turned off, you can disconnect the old faucet and install the new one with a few simple plumbing tools.
Another simple under sink project is cleaning the trap. If your sink is backed up, it’s most likely caused by a clogged trap. A homeowner can detach the trap by turning the compression fittings by hand or with a pair of pliers. The trap can be flushed with water or cleaned with a brush and then reattached.
By having a few tools and plumbing supplies on hand, homeowners can save money by performing some basic plumbing maintenance tasks themselves.
For your next plumbing project view the full range of plumbing supplies and tools from Screwfix.com