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Do you want to fix some things around your house without spending a fortune hiring a professional? Don’t worry! There are many things around your house that you can improve or repair all on your own. Roll up your sleeves and get to work on these simple plumbing fixes.

Problem: Leaky Faucet

Whether you are concerned about wasting water, or the “drip…drip” sound is keeping you up at night, a leaky faucet can be annoying. Luckily for you, fixing a leaky faucet is pretty simple.

Common styles of faucets include ball faucets, disc faucets, cartridge faucets, and compression faucets. If you live in an older home, you probably have a compression faucet. The other styles are more modern.

Once you’ve determined what kind of faucet you have, stop by a hardware store to get the replacement parts you need. The O-ring is a common culprit in leaky faucets.

When you are ready to start fixing the faucet, be sure to shut off the water to your sink. There is usually a small handle underneath it in the bathroom cabinet.

Each style of faucet is a bit different, but in most cases you will need to remove the faucet handle and then follow the instructions that came with your replacement parts. You might need some simple tools like a pair of pliers, but you won’t need anything too fancy.

Problem: Clogged Toilet

If your toilet clogs, it may not be convenient or practical to wait for a plumber to come fix the problem. First, make sure you have the right type of plunger. A standard plunger isn’t the same as the kind you need for a toilet. Flange plungers are especially designed to deal with toilet drains, so use one of those first. If the plunger isn’t enough, you can make your own drain cleaner with baking soda and vinegar, or you can use a wire hanger as a snaking tool to remove the clog.

Plumbing problems can get out of hand quickly, so if you are dealing with a high volume of water, or something difficult to remove like a child’s toy, play it safe and call a plumber. Places like CampbellCare Plumbing, Heating & Air offer guaranteed appointment windows, so you don’t have to wait around all day for someone to show up.

Problem: Running Toilet

A running toilet may not be as stressful as a clogged one, but they still waste water and money. Usually a flapper that is stuck open is the reason behind a running toilet. Figure out why the flapper isn’t closing. Is the chain or rod that pulls it open broken or is the flapper itself worn out so it is no longer making a complete seal?

If the flapper is in working order, check the float. If it is too high, the water will continue to run. If you have a float cup, slide the metal clip attached to it down below water level. If you have a ball float, tighten the screw at the end of the arm or bend it downward.

Learn how to fix these common issues in your home so you can save money and time next time you run into a plumbing problem.