Plumbing Repairs: Should You Attempt a DIY or Call a Plumber?

Everyone knows that plumbing systems are not forever. When problems arise -- and they will undoubtedly occur in the future, it can be tempting to think, "I can do it myself. How hard can it be?" You will probably jump on Google or Pinterest and search for fixing your plumbing instead of calling a plumber.

For certain repairs, maybe a bit of the internet and a resourceful attitude will suffice to get the job done. But for more complex problems, you have to hold up! Attempting to do the job yourself may make the situation worse or even put you in danger. Professional plumbers have the training, equipment, and experience that you don't have in case of more complicated issues. Thus it is unwise to forego their expertise. We don't always discourage DIY jobs, but it can be unsafe to try handling all problems by yourself when it comes to more complicated issues. To help you understand when it's safe to DIY and when you should dial a professional, we've put together a guide to some common plumbing problems.

Clogged drain? DIY!

A clogged drain is a typical plumbing problem that is actually pretty simple and can be solved quickly. You can do this task yourself by using a rubber plunger or plastic snake on the drain. Sometimes, the plunger won't be able to do the trick because of how nasty the clog is. If using plungers still doesn't work, you can buy a chemical drain cleaner and pour the recommended quantity down the drain.

However, if the drain is still clogged or you have multiple clogged drains, then it may be time to call a plumber. We don't recommend going above and beyond using a chemical drain cleaner because you might cause more damage to the drain pipes. Even if you try searching on how professional plumbers do it, applying it on your own can be tricky since they have had years of experience doing the job.

Are your pipes leaking? Call a Plumber!

Leaky pipe? It might look like an easy fix for other home or building owners who have a bit of experience working in some systems. However, not all can properly fix leaking pipes with ease. There will come a time when the leaking pipe is too grave that you won't have the proper equipment or tools to fix it.

Usually, a simple leaking pipe can be fixed by tightening a screw here and then applying a patch there-- but if it goes wrong, you will have an open pipe gushing lots of water into your bathroom or kitchen. The best way here is to play it safe and avoid this potential problem by immediately calling a plumber.

Installation of a new faucet or showerhead? DIY!

How about if you need to replace your old faucet or showerhead with a new one? Now, when you think about it, replacing such equipment can be a bit tricky to do by yourself because you might not have any knowledge about it. Learning how to do the replacements can take a bit of time to get used to, even if you've repeatedly read the steps on the internet.

If you must know, replacing a faucet is more straightforward than it sounds. Turn off the water valves to avoid taking an untimely shower when you remove the head. Once done, remove the old faucet or showerhead and then replace it with a new one.

Renovation projects? Call a Plumber!

A moment will come when you won't be satisfied with how your kitchen or bathroom looks. When this happens, it can be the best time for you to have it completely renovated. You have to take note that there are many areas of the renovation process that need working on as efficiently as possible. Moreover, the renovation job also requires years of experience to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Any project involving moving or expanding your plumbing should be in the hands of a professional who can ensure your building's safety and understands the importance of building codes and permits. It is one good reason to leave the task to the experts. Just one mistake during a renovation project could flood your place and cause more significant damage that will cost you even more than only contacting a plumber.

Overflowing toilet? DIY!

Don't panic when you see that your toilet keeps filling with water even after you flush it. This problem is just an easy fix. You can turn off the shut-off valve on your tank by moving the float arm inside the tank, so the flapper valve closes. If even after several adjustments and test flushes, the toilet still overflows, it's time that you get an expert's help.

Replacement of appliance? Call a Plumber!

Do you have water-using appliances in your home or office? Typically, you can replace some of these appliances in an instant. We're talking about the small ones such as water dispensers, sump pumps, or water heaters, as long as it's an appliance that you can carry on your own. If these appliances need replacing, you should hire a plumber. Only professionals have the necessary skills and tools to handle the replacement safely. If you attempt to take on this kind of project on your own, you risk your place or even hurt yourself.

Final Thoughts

As we said earlier, we don't mean to discourage you from any DIY plumbing jobs. However, we are laying down the facts for you-- many DIY projects do go wrong, and you could end up paying for more to resolve the issue altogether. The best way to avoid such inconvenience and to save time is by contacting a professional at first sight of a plumbing problem.

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