4 Simple DIY Plumbing Projects

Plumbing issues can occur when you least expect one. While more serious plumbing issues are better left to the professionals, there are a few common plumbing projects you can perform yourself if you don’t want to wait for a plumber. All you need are the right tools and required knowledge.

1. Replacing a Shower Head

Faulty shower heads are one of the most common plumbing problems around. Thankfully, replacing a shower head isn’t a massive task and is fairly inexpensive. All you need is a new shower head, Teflon tape, and rust remover.

First, remove the old shower head and clean off any rust on the shower arm, then apply Teflon tape to the threads to help prevent water leakage, install the new shower head, and you’re done!

2. Fixing A Running Toilet

A running toilet could be caused by a couple different things, such as valve or flapper issues or float problems. First, determine what the issue is and purchase the necessary replacement part. Then block off water from flowing into the toilet, flush the remaining water until the bowl is empty, and install the replacement.

3. Cleaning Your Faucet Aerators

Faucet aerators are small water outlet screens placed on the ends of your faucets. While aerators are easily cleaned, at times, some materials and minerals can accumulate on these screens, causing a significant loss in water flow and making them difficult to remove. Installing a water softener can help lower the amount of mineral deposit buildup, allowing water to flow without disturbance through your faucet.

4. Unclogging the Drain Line

A clog in your drain line can be caused by numerous items including, soap, hair, mineral buildup, and other miscellaneous items. To remove a clog, you’ll need a handheld auger long enough for your convenience. Feed the auger in the entry point and make a repeated back and forth movement to dislodge any obstructions. Then flush to clear the debris that remains to ensure that the drain is moving again.

To prevent future clogs and keep your drains free-flowing, try using Brian Wear Plumbing’s ENDURE Drain Line Maintainer. ENDURE is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaner that is safe for both your family and your pipes.

At Brian Wear Plumbing, our expert plumbers are here to help you with all of your plumbing needs. For help with any of your DIY plumbing projects or to learn more about our services, contact us today!

Water Damage Assessment: How Professionals Evaluate Your Columbia Property

Brian Wear Plumbing
May 6, 2026

When water invades your home, the immediate visible damage is often just the tip of the iceberg. A burst pipe might leave a puddle on the floor, but where else did that water go? Did it seep behind the baseboards? Has it wicked up into the drywall? Is it pooling in the subfloor? These are questions that a quick glance cannot answer.

Clean Water vs. Gray Water vs. Black Water: Understanding Damage Categories – Restoration

Brian Wear Plumbing
April 22, 2026

When you discover water damage in your home, your first instinct is to clean it up as fast as possible. But not all water is the same. The source of the water intrusion determines its level of contamination, and this is the most critical factor in how you should approach the cleanup process. The restoration industry classifies water damage into three distinct categories: clean water, gray water, and black water.

Columbia’s Spring Storms: Protecting Your Plumbing from Flooding and Damage

Brian Wear Plumbing
April 8, 2026

Spring in Columbia brings welcome relief from winter cold, but it also ushers in a season of heavy rains and powerful storms. While blooming flowers and warmer days are a delight, the threat of torrential downpours poses a significant risk to your home's plumbing system. An unprepared home can quickly fall victim to basement flooding, sewage backups, and expensive water damage. The sheer volume of water from a spring storm can easily overwhelm your property's drainage and plumbing, leading to costly and stressful repairs.