DIY Plumbing Tips: When to Tackle It Yourself vs When to Call a Pro

Unclogging a Slow Drain

One of the most common plumbing issues homeowners face is a slow-draining sink or bathtub. This is generally caused by a partial blockage from food scraps, grease or soap scum. These types of blockages can generally be cleared yourself with a plunger or drain snake.

Start by using a plunger to try to dislodge any clogs, but if this doesn’t work you can try a drain snake to reach deeper into the pipes to break up or pull out the debris. Finish by flushing the drain with hot water to ensure it flows smoothly.

Nine times out of ten this method will work, but if it doesn’t, it may indicate a more severe blockage deeper in the plumbing system. This will require a professional plumber to inspect the pipes and check for damage or larger clogs further down the line.

Fixing a Leaky Tap

A dripping tap not only wastes water but can also drive up your water bills. The good news is it’s relatively simple to fix yourself by replacing a few worn parts. The most common cause is worn-out washers or O-rings as this breaks the water-tight seal and allows water to leak.

You can replace these parts by turning off the water supply to prevent further leaks and then removing the handle with an adjustable wrench. With everything pulled apart, you can inspect each piece for damage and work out which parts need replacing. Replace any worn or damaged parts and reassemble the tap, ensuring that you tighten the fixtures securely to prevent further leaks.

While this is a relatively simple fix to do yourself, if you feel uncomfortable with any of these steps or if the leak persists after you’ve completed the replacements, it’s best to contact a professional plumber.

Clearing a Running Toilet

Continuously running toilets can also waste a significant amount of water, so it’s important to get them repaired quickly. The simplest fix for this is to replace the flapper or fill valve. When these components wear out they can cause water to leak into the bowl.

To replace them, start by removing the toilet tank lid and checking each component. Try to identify which component is causing the issues and then purchase the required fittings. These parts are generally readily available at your local hardware store and can be installed by following the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

However, if replacing these components doesn't solve the issue or if you notice water pooling around the base of the toilet, it could be a more complex problem. In this case, you will need a plumber to inspect the parts to identify and resolve the issue.

Patching a Minor Pipe Leak

Another simple issue you can generally DIY is minor pipe leaks. If the pipe damage is in a visible location that you can easily access you should be able to patch it with epoxy putty or pipe repair tape. 

However, this is generally just a bandaid fix that will get you out of trouble until business hours or a plumber can get to you. So, it’s best to call out a plumber as soon as you can during normal operating hours for more permanent and reliable pipe repairs.

Replacing a Showerhead

The final DIY we want to discuss today is one that will help you upgrade your bathroom for a more enjoyable bathing experience: replacing your shower head. You can upgrade your showerhead to a more opulent or water-efficient model through some simple DIYs. 

Simply use an adjustable wrench or pliers to remove the old shower head and then replace it with the new one, being sure to follow and extra specified instructions from the manufacturer. But, if you encounter any difficulties during this process or want to make changes to the pipework, you can always contact our team for advice.

The Importance of Knowing When to Call a Pro

So, in conclusion, while completing these DIYs can help you reduce the risks of major plumbing issues, it’s also important that if you’re ever unsure or if something doesn’t feel right, call the professionals. 

Professional plumbers have years of experience and training to identify issues and complete the necessary repairs to keep your plumbing operating at its best.