DIY Plumbing Tips
We support DIY plumbing projects with expert tips & emergency service when you need it most. Taking care of your home’s plumbing doesn’t always require a plumber. In fact, there’s a lot of things you can do to keep your pipes, fixtures, and drains running smoothly. Use the quick tips here or join the club to get The Ultimate Free DIY Plumbing Guide immediately. Enjoy.
Why Choose Us
Over 25 Years of Experience
Over 25 years delivering top-quality plumbing services .
Veteran Owned & Operated
Local Veteran-owned and operated gets the job done right.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Licensed, bonded, insured plumbing experts.
DIY Plumbing Tips
At PipeWrench Plumbing, we’re proud to help homeowners in the Portland metro area take better care of their homes with free DIY plumbing tips & tricks. We are a local, Veteran-owned company with 25+ years of plumbing experience, and we love helping the community. Please enjoy the DIY tips below the coupons.
Get the Ultimate Free DIY Plumbing Guide – Packed with 17 Pages of Tips
Call for Fast & Affordable DIY Plumbing Support
DIY Plumbing Quick Links
10% Off*
Emergency Plumbing Repair
*Get 10% off emergency plumbing repair labor for first time customers in the Portland, OR metro area. Limited time offer. Schedule before 5-31-25 and must mention this coupon during scheduling to receive discount. Labor only. Cannot be applied to parts or materials. Thank you for understanding.
DIY Plumbing Fixture Tips
New fixtures can raise comfort & home values, but selecting the right fixtures is crucial. Fixtures with fewer crevices, hidden screws & spot-resistant finishes are easier to clean. Look for “spot-free” finishes if you want easy to clean. Here’s a few more DIY fixture tips to help you out:
Selecting Fixtures
Start with a fixture that matches your home’s style & plumbing setup i.e. one-hole, center-set.
Pro Tip: Check the parts list because some fixtures don’t have lines or mounting kits.
Turn Off Water
Before removing the old fixture, shut off the water valves, or the main shut-off.
Pro Tip: Open a nearby faucet to relieve pressure after turning off the water.
Prep Area
Remove old caulk, gaskets & corrosion. A clean, dry surface ensures a leak-free installation.
Pro Tip: Keep a bucket/towel close for remaining pressure discharge.
Proper Sealants
Not all connections need Teflon tape. Check the fixture instructions for details.
Pro Tip: Use Teflon tape for threaded pipes & plumber’s putty or silicone for sinks & drains.
Hand-Tighten First
Overtightening fittings can crack plastic parts, pipes, or strip the threads.
Pro Tip: Snug it by hand, then tighten with wrench just a quarter-turn more if needed.
Check for Leaks
After install, turn the water back on slowly and check all connections for leaks.
Pro Tip: Dry everything with a towel first—this makes it easy to spot drips.
10% Off*
Leak Detection & Repair
*Get 10% off leak detection & repair labor for first time customers in the Portland, OR metro area. Limited time offer. Schedule before 5-31-25 and must mention this coupon during scheduling to receive discount. Labor only. Cannot be applied to cost of repair parts or materials. Thank you for understanding.
DIY Bathroom Plumbing Tips
Your bathroom works hard every day, and these simple DIY bathroom plumbing tips can keep its plumbing in great shape. From fixing small leaks to installing a toilet, these tips can save you time & money.
Plan Layout
Before you pick up a tool, map out your new bathroom design with plumbing lines.
Pro Tip: Always double-check measurements for fixtures and clearances.
Turn Off Water
Before removing old toilets or sinks, shut off the water valves, or the main shut-off.
Pro Tip: Open a nearby faucet to relieve pressure after turning off the water.
Drain Slopes
Drain pipes need correct slope so waste flows away properly (typically 1/4 inch per foot). Too steep or too flat can cause problems.
Pro Tip: Use a level during install to verify slopes.
Ventilation
Bathrooms create moisture, and every drain needs venting to function. Skipping this step can cause slow drains or smells.
Pro Tip: Do not skip the ventilation.
Don’t Overtighten
Hand-tight plus snug wrench turn is all you need for most plumbing fittings. Too tight can damage fittings & pipes.
Pro Tip: If it feels strained, stop.
Test as You Go
After each new install, test for leaks immediately.
Pro Tip: Dry everything with towel first, then check with your hand for small leaks you might miss visually.
10% Off*
Toilet Repair & Installation
*Get 10% off toilet repair & installation labor for first time customers in the Portland, OR metro area. Limited time offer. Schedule before 5-31-25 and must mention this coupon during scheduling to receive discount. Labor only. Cannot be applied to cost of toilet, parts, or materials. Thank you for understanding.
DIY Kitchen Remodel Plumbing Tips
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and the plumbing needs to work. These simple DIY kitchen plumbing remodeling tips will help you handle common kitchen plumbing issues. Save money & keep your kitchen running smoothly with these How To Tips, and give us a call if you need assistance.
Plan for Function
Design your kitchen layout around your plumbing needs.
Pro Tip: Measure twice, plumb once! Good planning saves time, money, and major headaches later.
Shut Off Water
Before starting any work, shut off water and gas lines if necessary.
Pro Tip: Label shut-offs if they’re hard to find, it will it make emergency shut-offs easier.
High-Quality
Kitchens take a beating. Use durable fittings, braided stainless steel lines & quality valves.
Pro Tip: Invest in a good fixtures because they are the workhorses of your kitchen.
Test Appliances
Hook up the dishwasher and refrigerator to water lines and test for leaks before you install.
Pro Tip: Run the dishwasher cycle to catch hidden leaks early.
Seal Sinks
Use plumber’s putty or high-grade silicone under sink flanges & fixtures to prevent leaks.
Pro Tip: Wipe off excess putty right away before it dries for a clean finish.
Flexible/Valves
Use flexible supply lines where allowed. Dishwasher, faucet, fridge & garbage disposal should have its own shut-off valve.
Pro Tip: Install valves, it saves time & disasters .
10% Off*
Water Heater Installation
*Get 10% off water heater installation labor for first time customers in the Portland, OR metro area. Limited time offer. Schedule before 5-31-25 and must mention this coupon during scheduling to receive discount. Labor only. Cannot be applied to cost of water heater, installation parts, or materials. Thank you for understanding.
DIY Plumbing Repair Tips
Plumbing problems can pop up when you least expect them, but not every issue needs a plumber. With the right tools & confidence, many common plumbing repairs can be handled easily. Whether a leaky pipe, dripping faucet, or running toilet, learning basic skills can save you time & money. These simple DIY plumbing repair tips can help you take care of small problems before they become disasters.
Locate Shut-Off
Before you think about touching a pipe, locate your main water shut-off valve.
Pro Tip: Test it once a year to make sure it turns easily.
Fix Leaks Early
A slow drip can lead to bigger problems. Most leaks are caused by worn fixtures or loose connections. New quality fixtures by Kohler
Pro Tip: Keep a basic plumbing toolkit.
Avoid Chemicals
They might seem like a quick fix, but harsh chemicals can eat through your pipes over time. Instead, use a plunger.
Pro Tip: Regular service and maintenance keeps drains running free.
Use a Plunger
Learn how to use a plunger. Get a good seal and use firm, even pressure.
Pro Tip: Install drain screens & keep plunger in your home —because clogs don’t happen on schedule.
Plumber’s Tape
Also called Teflon tape, this is essential when connecting threaded pipes. Wrap it clockwise around threads.
Pro Tip: Use white tape for standard plumbing and yellow tape for gas lines.
Water Heaters
Check for leaks, corrosion, and strange noises. Flushing your tank once a year removes sediment buildup & extends lifespan.
Pro Tip: Tankless water heaters do not have sediment buildup issues.
10% Off*
Repiping Residential
*Get 10% off Repiping whole home labor for first time customers in the Portland, OR metro area. Limited time offer. Schedule before 5-31-25 and must mention this coupon during scheduling to receive discount. Labor only. Cannot be applied to cost of parts or materials. Thank you for understanding.
Ultimate Free DIY Plumbing Guide
Get the Ultimate Free DIY Plumbing Guide from PipeWrench Plumbing in Portland sent straight to your email. Fully-loaded with 17 pages of useful DIY plumbing tips & tricks, our DIY Plumbing Guide focuses on 4 primary areas seen here where we see a lot of DIY plumbing questions. Join the club to get all 17 pages of DIY tips inside The Ultimate DIY Plumbing Guide today, and call us if you need any help.
Ultimate Free DIY Plumbing Guide Topics:
Experience You Can Count On
Click to Call Now for Local & Reliable Plumbing Service