These simple tricks can help to resolve plumbing problems at home without calling a plumber

Plumbing problems are quite common in households, and many of these are so small that you can set it right with timely intervention. When the problems are small, you need not call plumbers Vancouver because you can resolve most of these on your own.  The move does not only save money but also resolves the problem quickly and save you from plumbing headaches. You can settle most of the issues by buying some small parts that cost just a few dollars, mostly under $20 that are readily available and avoid paying through your nose to plumbers. Here are the ways to resolve some plumbing problems commonly faced in households.

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Silence creaking pipes

Many homes have copper pipes for hot water supply, and with time the pipe expands due to the heat generated by hot water. The expanded pipe then rubs and grinds against joists and pipe hangers resulting in a creaking noise that is quite disturbing. To stop the irritating sound of the metals rubbing against one another, wrap the pipe with some adhesive backed felt available from the hardware store after cutting it into strips. Remove the hanger, wrap the pipe with felt tape and then refasten the hanger.

Prevent sink sprayer hang-ups

When you are pulling out your kitchen sink sprayer, it might happen that the hose often entangles with the shutoff valves placed under the sink. To facilitate smooth movement of the hose, cover the pipes, and the shutoff valve handles under the sink with ½ inch foam pipe insulation. Tape the insulation so that it stays in place and need to spend just about $3 to complete the work.

Stop the noise from vibrating sink basins

Twin or double stainless sink basins are often quite noisy as it produces a gong sound due to vibrations when the sinks are in use. To prevent the noise, use expanding foam to fill the space between the two basins from the underside.  The foam prevents vibration, and there is no gong sound anymore. While you can do this on a sink already installed, it is easier to do it before installation.

Locating the position of pipes under floors and behind walls

Sometimes it becomes necessary to locate the position of pipes that run under the floor or behind walls. Attach an electrical fish tape to a neodymium or rare earth magnet and insert it into the drain line through the cleaning plug. Use an ordinary compass to locate the pipe by observing the vigorous movement of the compass that indicates the position of the magnet which is also the position of the pipe.

Making trap removal less messy

Removing a trap from under the sink can be quite messy if you do not plunge water before trying to remove it. Use a toilet plunger to give a few plunges to the drain. This would drive out most of the water from the trap and would reduce the mess when you remove it.  For double sinks, remember to plug the other drain for containing air pressure.