From 10,001 Timesaving Ideas

There are some plumbing jobs home owners can do, but in Australia regulations are very strict when it comes to plumbing. A licensed plumber and gasfitter must carry out all installations and major repairs. Check with the water-supply authority in your area to find out what do-it-yourself plumbing jobs you can safely undertake at home.

Spot the leak
All pipe connections – between pipes, to a tap, to drainage, etc. – are potential sources of leakage. Any soggy areas of ground or unexplained rises in your water bill may indicate broken or cracked pipes.

•    Be attentive and trace leaks. A little seepage of water can cause major problems further down the track, especially when it comes to fine cracks, as they’re difficult to see at first.

•    Locate the origin of the leak, turn off the water at the mains and call a licensed plumber to fix the problem.

•    Dripping taps and a running cistern may simply need a new washer.

Stop the drips
When a tap drips, turning it off even tighter only makes the problem worse – it probably needs a new washer put in.

•    Shut the water off at the mains. If you live in a house, the water meter will probably be near your front boundary. If you live in a unit, apartment or townhouse complex, the mains tap may be inside. Turn on a tap to check that the water has stopped running. If the water hasn’t stopped running, call a plumber.

•    Once the mains water has been shut off, undo the main nut on the leaking tap using a shifter.

•    There are three washers to replace. These are: the large-body washer (usually red or orange), the O-ring on the spindle (use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove it), and the tap washer, which should simply drop out of the spindle.

•    Lubricate the spindle with vaseline, then reassemble the unit.

•    Once the tap is reassembled, partially open it and turn the mains back on. If your tap is still leaking it means the seat is probably pitted and it will have to be reground. (Seat-grinding kits are available from most hardware shops, or pay a plumber to do it for you.)
 

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