Being able to fix things around the house is an admirable quality. There are plenty of plumbing issues that are easy to get to and don’t require a lot of tools or knowledge of local codes to fix. So we admire homeowners who are willing to dig in and start fixing things around the house. But there are some types of plumbing repairs that can be downright dangerous for a homeowner to tackle. These should be left to professionals and we’ll explain the difference.
Repairs Homeowners Can Often Successfully Tackle
With just a few tools, maybe a YouTube video or two and some willingness, here are the plumbing problems you can safely tackle.
- Clogged drains: If you want to unclog your own drains, you should have a plunger or drain snake (auger) available. Minor clogs may be able to be cleared with a combination of baking soda, vinegar and hot water.
- Running Toilet: This is most often caused by a flapper that needs replacement, a misaligned float or a broken fill valve. You can get a toilet repair kit at a home improvement store and take on this job.
- Leaks under sinks or from a faucet: Stock up on some washers or O-rings and Teflon tape (plumber’s tape) and have a few tools like screwdrivers, a crescent wrench and a hex key around. For certain faucets, you may need a new cartridge that fits inside the hot or cold handle. YouTube videos will tell you how to figure out which one needs replacement so remove it and take it to a home improvement store so you can get the same one.
- Installing a new shower head: This is as easy as unscrewing one fixture and screwing in the new one. Carefully wrap Teflon tape around the threads to make it watertight.
When You Should Call a Professional for Plumbing Repairs
There are definitely some types of plumbing repairs that require professional knowledge, experience and the right tools for the job. Don’t forget that professional knowledge not only includes the knowledge of how to do the job but also includes knowledge of the building codes in your area. Unless plumbing is in your background, you will probably save money by engaging a professional for the following types of work.
- Burst pipes or major leak: There may be leaks inside walls, in the slab of a home, underground or overhead. It may take more than one person plus professional-level skills to find the leak, stop the damage and get your water restored.
- Sewer line backups: Just diagnosing this problem could require owning a video camera capable of being run through a cleanout and down the sewer line. Once the clog is located, then your plumber will have to hydro-jet out grease or debris or cut through roots.
- Low water pressure: Diagnosing the right cause of low water pressure in every part of the house is a tricky task. There could be hidden leaks, pipe corrosion, mineral buildup in pipes or problems with the municipal water supply. An experienced plumber can determine the right solution fastest.
- Water heater problems: Lack of hot water, leaking water heater or strange banging noises coming from your water heater could mean it’s time for a replacement. Since replacing a water heater involves working with electricity or gas, it’s best to call a professional.
- Moving or adding plumbing fixtures: This could mean moving sinks, installing dishwashers or garbage disposals or adding a new bathroom. These tasks often require knowledge not only of proper installation and plumbing but also of codes and inspections. Hire a pro.
- Changing gas lines: Repairs, moving or installing anything that uses gas should be done by a licensed and insured plumber to prevent leaks or the threat of fire.
What to Do When You Are Making Your Decision
If you’re in doubt about whether or not to do a job yourself, call us. We can advise you on the technical difficulty of what you’re looking at or any particular hazards that make a professional a very good idea. And when you know you need a professional, call us then, too! We’ve got teams ready to go, day and night, if an emergency strikes. Or if you just need to move some sinks or install a new water heater, we’re ready for that too. Call us at 505-243-1227.