Plumber Shows Three Fixes Every Homeowner Can Do Alone, Swapping A Shower Head, A $10 Toilet Flapper And A Shower Cartridge Without Calling Anyone

Most of us pick up the phone the second a shower drips or a toilet keeps running, then wait for a plumber and a bill. A Knoxville plumber says a few of those jobs take about two minutes and cost next to nothing.

A plumber holding a wrench next to a toilet on the left, and a modern shower with a rain shower head on the right, illustrating three plumbing fixes homeowners can do themselves.

The plumber, @tnstandard, says every homeowner should know at a minimum how to do three simple plumbing items. His caption makes the claim that these jobs take two minutes to fix.

@tnstandard

Fix Number One, Swapping A Shower Head In Minutes

The plumber says to take the old shower head off and put a little plumbers tape on the threads. Then screw the new one on by hand and give it a small turn with a wrench.

That is the whole job. Plumbers tape, also called thread seal tape, is the thin white tape sold in any hardware aisle, and it helps the threaded joint seal so water does not weep from the connection.

A tip from general practice: wrap the tape around the threads in the direction the new head will screw on, and do not overtighten, since a small turn is all it takes.

Fix Number Two, A $10 Toilet Flapper That Stops The Running

For the toilet, he says to grab a ten dollar flapper kit from the hardware store. Shut off the water supply valve behind the toilet, then flush to drain the tank.

Next, swap the flapper and turn the water back on. That is it.

The flapper is the rubber piece at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush and drops back down to seal. When it gets old, water can slip past it, which is why a toilet keeps running or refills on its own. A worn flapper is one of the most common causes, and it is a cheap part compared with wasted water.

Fix Number Three, Replacing A Shower Cartridge Without A Service Call

The shower cartridge sounds scarier, but the steps are short. Turn off the water and take the trim off the front of the shower valve.

Then remove the cartridge holding ring and extract the old cartridge. Install the new cartridge, put back the trim and test for leaks.

The cartridge is the part inside the valve that controls the flow and mix of hot and cold water. When a shower will not shut off all the way or the temperature drifts, it is often the culprit. Bring the old one to the store so you buy the right match, since shapes and sizes differ by brand.

Put together, the three jobs need a few basic items: plumbers tape, a wrench, a ten dollar flapper kit and a replacement cartridge. None of that is a big investment, and most of it can live in a drawer for the next time something acts up.

Think of it as a starter kit for any homeowner. Having the tape and a wrench on hand means a leaky shower head becomes a five minute errand, not a scheduled appointment.

The same goes for renters who are allowed to make small repairs. Check your lease and your landlord’s rules before you swap anything in a rental.

Why Two Minutes Beats A Service Fee

The plumber’s message is plain. These are simple repairs, and he wants homeowners to save money by doing them on their own. He closes his video by asking people to follow for more simple DIY plumbing tips.

Plumbers typically charge a minimum service fee just to show up, so a ten dollar part and a few minutes of your own time can be a bargain. Even if you pay for a visit once, knowing the basics helps you understand what you are being charged for.

Before You Start, A Short Safety Checklist

Any plumbing job begins the same way: find the water shutoff. The plumber turns off the supply valve behind the toilet and the water for the shower. Before you touch a valve, know where those are.

Shut the water off first, and confirm it is off by running the fixture.
Keep a small towel and bucket nearby for drips.
Take a photo before you take anything apart so you can put it back in order.
Use a wrench gently. A small turn is the instruction for a new shower head, and overtightening can damage fittings.
Turn the water on slowly and test for leaks at every joint you touched.

When It Is Time To Call A Pro

These three fixes are the easy end of plumbing. If you open a fixture and find corroded parts, a valve that will not shut off, or water that keeps coming after you have closed the supply, stop and call a licensed plumber.

Knowing the difference is part of being a smart homeowner. The goal is not to replace the plumber for everything. It is to handle the small stuff yourself and save the phone call for the jobs that deserve one.

Start with the flapper. At about ten dollars, it is the easiest win of the three, and you will probably hear the difference the next time that toilet stops running.

Willow and Hearth