10 DIY Home Plumbing Projects

Plumbing may seem intimidating, but with the right knowledge and preparation, even beginners can tackle many common household plumbing repairs and installations. DIY plumbing projects allow you to save money on professional services while also giving you a sense of accomplishment. Here are 10 do-it-yourself home plumbing projects, from basic repairs to more advanced installations, that you can likely handle on your own.

Clearing Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues in any home. Over time, hair, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate in drain pipes, leading to backed-up sinks, tubs, and showers. Instead of immediately calling a plumber, try these DIY methods to clear the clog yourself:

Use a plunger: Place the plunger firmly over the drain opening and plunge vigorously several times. This creates suction that can dislodge clogs.
Try a drain snake: Feed a drain snake (also called an auger) down the drain to physically push through and pull out the clog. Advance it slowly while cranking the handle.
Use baking soda and vinegar: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. The chemical reaction can help break up grease and hair. Follow with hot water.
Boil water: In a kettle or pot, boil 2-3 quarts of water. Carefully pour the hot water down the drain to melt and wash away clogs.

With a combination of these methods, you should be able to clear most simple drain clogs and get your drains flowing freely again. However, avoid using caustic chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage pipes.

Replacing a Faucet

Over time, faucets can develop drips, leaks, and performance issues that may justify replacement. The good news is that replacing a bathroom or kitchen faucet is generally straightforward, even for novices. Here are the basic steps:

Turn off water supply lines and open the faucet to release pressure.
Disassemble the faucet and remove it from the sink. Clean sink surface thoroughly.
Install new faucet fittings and gaskets. Make sure rubber gaskets create a watertight seal.
Attach the new faucet according to manufacturer instructions. Hand tighten fittings only.
Reconnect supply lines to the faucet. Check for leaks.
Turn on water supply and test new faucet. Make any adjustments needed.

The key is taking your time and ensuring leak-proof seals. If your existing faucet has uncommon mounting hardware, it pays to choose a replacement model that matches.

Fixing a Dripping Faucet

A faucet drip may seem insignificant, but it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. Fixing a leaky faucet is usually quick and straightforward:

Turn off the water supply lines and open the faucet to drain residual water.
Pry off the faucet handle with a screwdriver. Remove the screw underneath.
Use an adjustable wrench to remove the retaining nut and stem assembly underneath.
Inspect washers and O-rings for wear. Replace if needed.
Clean internal components with white vinegar. Rinse.
Reassemble the faucet. Replace any old pipes or fittings.
Turn on water slowly and check for leaks. Tighten fittings as needed.

Many common leaks stem from worn washers and O-rings, which are easy to find replacement parts for. Fixing a drip now prevents wasted water and more costly repairs down the road.

Replacing a Toilet Fill Valve

The fill valve in the toilet tank controls water flow to refill the tank after flushing. If it fails to seal and shut off properly, it can lead to water constantly running and overflowing. Replacing this part is a straightforward DIY job:

Turn off the toilet’s water supply. Flush to empty tank.
Disconnect and remove old fill valve. Clean away any scale on the threaded shank.
Apply plumber’s tape to threads on new fill valve. Install valve and tighten.
Adjust float cup height as needed. Make sure it doesn’t obstruct the overflow tube.
Turn water back on and allow tank to fill. Adjust level if needed.
Test flush several times and check for proper operation and no leaks.

Modern toilet fill valves have improved designs that should perform better and longer than old ones. This repair can often resolve flushing and leaking issues with minimal effort.

Unclogging Toilets

Toilets can become clogged by excessive paper, mineral deposits, and other substances. Before calling a plumber, try these DIY methods to unclog a toilet:

Use a plunger vigorously to create suction and dislodge the clog.
Break up the clog by using a toilet auger to reach deep into the toilet trap. Slowly crank the auger while advancing it forward and backward.
Dump a bucket of hot water directly into the toilet bowl from waist height. The surge of water can help clear the clog.
If above methods don’t work, remove the toilet seat and tank lid. Use an old towel to mop out remaining water in the bowl.
Check that the shutoff valve behind the toilet is closed. Flush with buckets of water to push the clog through. Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove water from the bowl.
Reinstall the tank lid and toilet seat. Turn shutoff valve back on and test toilet operation.

By systematically trying these techniques, many toilet clogs can be cleared without calling a plumber. However, if you can’t resolve it yourself, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

Fixing a Running Toilet

If your toilet periodically runs water for extended periods of time between flushes, excess water is likely leaking from the tank into the bowl. This is often caused by a faulty flapper valve at the tank bottom. Fixing a running toilet is usually as easy as replacing the flapper:

Turn off toilet water supply and flush to empty tank.
Remove old flapper valve and clean seating surfaces of grime and scale.
Get an exact replacement flapper that matches your existing hardware. Install new flapper.
If flapper doesn’t seal well, also replace the chain/handle connecting to the flapper. Adjust them for proper leverage.
Turn water back on and allow tank to fill. Make sure flapper is aligned properly to create a tight seal.
Check for any leaks at fittings. Tighten as needed.
Test toilet operation several times to ensure proper flushing and no more constant running.

Catching and fixing a running toilet early on can prevent hundreds of gallons of wasted water. Keeping a spare flapper valve on hand makes the repair even easier.

Replacing a Showerhead

If your existing showerhead doesn’t provide a satisfying spray pattern or clogs easily, replacing it with a new model is a relatively easy upgrade. Here are the basic steps:

Turn off the shower and relieve pressure by turning on the old showerhead briefly.
Unscrew the existing showerhead from the shower arm, using cloth for grip. Remove old plumber’s tape.
Apply fresh plumber’s tape clockwise to the shower arm threads. Screw on new showerhead tightly.
If needed, install additional fittings like a shower arm extension to improve the positioning.
Turn shower on and check for leaks at all connections. Tighten joints as needed.
Enjoy your new showerhead performance! Maintain it by periodically soaking in vinegar to clear mineral buildup.

When choosing a replacement, opt for a water-efficient low-flow showerhead with satisfying spray force. Installation is fast and easy, with no plumbing changes needed.

Replacing Shutoff Valves

Shutoff valves allow you to turn off water supply to a fixture as needed for repairs. If your existing valves are old, faulty, or leak, replacing them with new ones helps ensure reliable water control. Here’s how:

Turn main water supply off, open faucet to drain lines.
Use adjustable wrenches to disconnect and remove the old valve and any fittings.
Install new shutoff valve (make sure to match pipe size). Use plumber’s tape on threads.
Optional – install a 1/4 turn ball valve for quicker on/off control.
Attach any supply line adapters or extensions needed for the new setup.
Turn water back on slowly. Check for leaks and tighten joints as needed.
Test valve by turning on/off fixture supply several times. The valve should operate smoothly.

Replacing worn out shutoff valves eliminates leaks while also making it easier to maintain fixtures and appliances relying on that water supply.

Installing New Sink Supply Lines

Rigid metal supply lines connecting sinks to shutoff valves can kink and degrade over time, causing flow restrictions and leaks. Replacing old metal lines with flexible braided stainless steel hoses is an easy DIY upgrade:

Turn off sink shutoff valves and turn on faucet to drain residual water.
Disconnect old supply lines at shutoffs and faucet connections using adjustable wrenches.
Measure and cut new braided supply hoses to proper length. Match the end connections.
Attach new supply hoses to shutoff valves and faucet ends. Make sure gaskets seal.
Slowly turn water back on and check for leaks. Tighten connections as needed.
Ensure supply hoses don’t kink or put strain on connections when moving sink.

The improved performance and longevity of stainless steel braided supply hoses makes them worth investing in for sinks and some other fixtures.

Installing a New Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal provides added convenience in the kitchen by grinding up food waste instead of sending it to the landfill. While not essential, installing one under your sink can make cleanup easier. Here are the basics:

Turn off electrical power. Disconnect drain line and dishwasher hose if needed. Remove old disposal.
Clear out sink drain opening thoroughly. Make sure to keep drain plug in place.
Attach mounting assembly and drain flange to new disposal according to instructions. Make sure discharge tube aligns to drain.
Hang disposal on mounting ears. Insert drain plug and flange into drain opening with disposal raised.
Secure disposal by turning lower mounting ring until disposal locks into place. Tighten with wrench.
Reconnect dishwasher hose to disposal port. Make sure drain discharge tube routes properly.
Plug in electrical power cord. Test start and stop buttons on disposal.
Run water and look for any leaks at connections. Tighten if needed.

Getting the disposal lined up properly during mounting is key for hassle-free installation. Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.

Installing an Instant Hot Water Dispenser

Tired of waiting for hot water from your tap? For constant access to instant hot water, consider installing an undersink mini tank system with a dedicated hot water dispenser faucet. Here is how to do it:

Select dispenser faucet model and compatible mini tank that fits under sink. Make sure electrical outlet is accessible.
Turn off water supply lines and confirm they are 1/2″ pipe minimum for adequate flow to mini tank.
Drill 1 1/4″ hole in sink/countertop at desired dispenser location. Install faucet according to directions.
Attach cold water supply line to mini tank inlet valve. Connect tank outlet to faucet supply line.
Plug power cord into electrical outlet. Turn on water supply and plug in mini tank. Adjust tank thermostat to desired temperature.
Press dispenser lever and run water until it flows hot. Check all connections for leaks.
When hot water tank is ready, use dispenser faucet for instant access to hot water for cooking and cleaning!

This DIY system provides energy efficiency by not having to waste water waiting for hot. The tank keeps limited water constantly hot.

Identifying and Fixing Leaks

Left unaddressed, even small leaks from pipe joints, valves, and fittings can eventually cause water damage. Here are some tips for finding and repairing leaks:

Carefully inspect exposed water supply lines for drips and moisture buildup. Joints may need tightening.
Check under sinks for slow drips. Tighten connections or replace supply hoses as needed.
Look for wet spots on walls, ceilings, and floors that may indicate hidden pipe leaks. Especially check near appliances.
Listen carefully throughout the house for any hissing that can signal plumbing leaks behind walls.
Isolate fixtures and appliances by turning off individual shutoff valves one at a time. Check if leak stops.
Purchase a water pressure gauge. Attach to outdoor spigot. Pressure drops can indicate leaks in buried pipes.
Make repairs as soon as possible to prevent water damage. Old pipes and fittings may need replacing completely.

By thoroughly inspecting all visible plumbing connections and watching for other telltale signs, leaks can often be detected early before they lead to serious issues.

FAQs About DIY Plumbing Projects

What DIY plumbing repairs should I avoid?

Some complex plumbing projects like replacing pipes, installing new drain lines, removing toilets/fixtures, and opening walls should usually be left to professional plumbers, as the required skills and risks of major damage are too high for DIY.

What tools will I need for basic plumbing repairs?

A set of adjustable wrenches, a basin wrench, a plunger, and basic screwdrivers can allow you to tackle many common plumbing repairs like fixing drips, clearing clogs, and replacing parts like faucets and fill valves.

How can I locate my main water shutoff valve?

The main shutoff is usually located where the water supply enters the home, often in the basement or garage. It may be near the water meter. Trace incoming pipes back to find it. Shut it off before major plumbing work.

What precautions should I take when doing plumbing DIY projects?

Always turn water supply off at shutoff valves when making direct repairs. Have towels and buckets ready to catch water in lines. Wear eye protection. Turn power off to garbage disposals before work. Never take on gas plumbing jobs.

Can I upgrade my existing fixtures and pipes myself?

With some plumbing experience, you can replace fixtures and visible pipes with similar or improved models. However, adding new fixture connections or rerouting pipes is complex. Consult a professional for major changes.

How do I know when to call for professional plumbing help?

If you’ve tried the common DIY fixes and repairs but issues persist, it’s best to call in a professional plumber at that point. They have the expertise to fully diagnose and address more complex plumbing problems.

Conclusion

While not every homeowner will feel comfortable taking on all of these projects, many common plumbing repairs are within reach if you have the right information. Clearing clogs, fixing leaks and drips, and replacing worn fixtures are all straightforward tasks able to be completed by novice DIYers without professional help. However, don’t hesitate to call in an experienced plumber for any issues that are too complex, involve gas lines, or require openings walls or digging. By mastering some of these basic fixes, you can take control of your home’s plumbing care and potentially save substantial amounts on service calls.