Minor plumbing issues like a leaky faucet or clogged drain often seem to happen at the worst times. While calling a professional plumber is recommended for major repairs, there are a few quick fixes DIYers can attempt for small problems. Issues such as a faulty water heater, a leaking pipe, cracked sink, or frozen pipes can often be temporarily resolved with supplies from the hardware store to minimize damage until a plumber can arrive.

However, keep in mind these are limited solutions only. For extensive repairs or complex plumbing problems, the experts at Aslan Plumbing still advise calling a professional to avoid making issues worse. With years of plumbing repair experience in Winnipeg, Aslan Plumbing outlines some common quick fixes below.

Faulty Water Heater

Signs your water heater is failing include rust-coloured water, strange smells, rumbling noises, and a lack of hot water supply. Before anything else, turn off the water heater immediately to prevent leaks. Next, check for sediment buildup, which can prevent efficient heating.

To flush the tank, turn off the cold water inlet valve and attach a garden hose to the drain valve, routing it to a nearby floor drain. Open the drain valve and let water flow until clear. Close the valve, refill the tank, and turn the heater back on to check if flushing fixed the issue. You can also try adjusting the temperature and pressure relief valve.

If you have major leaks, cracks, or electrical issues, call a professional plumber for service. Preventative hot water heater maintenance will maximize lifespan.

Leaking Pipe

Locate the exact source of any leaking pipe, then turn off the water supply to that area. Measure the pipe diameter and visit the hardware store to obtain the proper epoxy putty or pipe clamps for a temporary fix until replacement is possible.

For small leaks on iron pipes, apply epoxy externally around the pipe’s circumference for a seal. On PVC, copper, or other pipe types, wrap the area in a pipe clamp and tighten it adequately. Leaking joints can also be wrapped with rubber connectors or repair sleeves. 

However, these quick fixes only last so long and pipes likely need replacement soon. If you are uncomfortable doing any pipe repairs, contact Aslan Plumbing to prevent further water damage.

Cracked Porcelain Sink

Cracks in porcelain sinks should not be ignored, as they can lead to water damage over time. For minor cracks, superglue or clear epoxy might provide a temporary seal. Clean the area first. For larger cracks, use Plumber’s Putty on the inside of the crack, pressing it into the gap thoroughly. Apply caulk over the putty and allow 12 hours to fully cure. The combined putty and caulk can secure the leak temporarily.

Severely damaged sinks likely need professional replacement to prevent water issues and flooding. Proper mounting, avoiding over-tensioning, and minimizing temperature fluctuations helps prevent cracks in the first place.

Clogged Drains

Signs of a clogged drain include slow water drainage, bubbling overflows, or bad odours. For simple sink clogs, try a plunger first. Baking soda and vinegar can also help break up blockages – pour baking soda into the drain followed by vinegar and cover it. Allow the fizzing reaction to work for 20 minutes before flushing with hot water. For tough clogs, boil a pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain to clear debris.

Preventative measures like drain screens, avoiding grease, and regular cleaning work better. Periodic professional drain cleanings using high-pressure water jetting tools may be needed for  stubborn obstructions.

Frozen Pipes

If your pipes freeze, you’ll notice little or no water coming from faucets. Locate your main water shutoff valve so you can quickly turn off the water in an emergency. Open all faucets to relieve pressure on frozen sections, and you can try direct heat using a hair dryer or heat lamp to thaw the pipes. Note that you should never attempt electrical heating unless pipes are easily accessible and visible. Ensure any exposed pipes are properly insulated, and seal any leaks or gaps letting cold air in.

Burst frozen pipes require professional repair to prevent water damage, and turning off the main water supply during sub-freezing weather is recommended.

Garbage Disposal Jam

If your garbage disposal stops running, first turn off power at the breaker. Insert an Allen wrench into the blade slots underneath and twist back and forth to dislodge jammed materials. 

You can also press the red reset button on the disposal’s bottom to reset the motor. Eliminate any source of obstruction before turning the disposal power back on.

Extensive repairs like replacing grinding rings or a blocked impeller require a professional. Make sure to run plenty of cold water when operating the disposal and avoid putting grease or bones down the sink drain to prevent future jams.

Conclusion

While the quick fixes outlined above may temporarily address minor plumbing issues, they are limited in scope. Extensive repairs or problems impacting main water lines require contacting a professional plumber to avoid making matters worse.

With many years of plumbing repair experience, Aslan Plumbing’s experts have you covered for any home or commercial plumbing repair need in Winnipeg. If your DIY efforts can’t solve the issue completely, trust Aslan Plumbing to handle any plumbing emergency.

Contact us today to schedule service! Call (204) 414-1877.