DIY Plumbing Repairs: When To Fix It Yourself and When To Call A Pro

When a plumbing problem starts bothering your home, your best course of action is to tackle it promptly before it leads to a more costly plumbing repair. Most of the time, it’s your timely response that keeps bigger damages at bay.

Your response may involve a DIY repair or directly calling a pro to address issues you can’t handle personally. But how do you really know when a DIY job is enough or when an expert hand is what you need? Continue reading, as Peach Plumbing & Drain will answer exactly that in this blog.

When To DIY

As disruptive as plumbing troubles can be, you don’t have to always rush to your phone and dial your local plumber for expert assistance. There are plumbing issues minor enough that you can handle them yourself. Besides avoiding unnecessary repair costs and saving some time, you’re also mastering an essential life skill in basic plumbing maintenance, which will benefit you in the long run.

Here are the plumbing problems qualified for some quick DIY touch-ups.

1. Minor Drain Clogs

Drain clogs are among the most basic and recurring plumbing problems at home, which makes them all the more suitable for DIY upkeep. Several proven home remedies can unclog your sink, drain, or tub. 

When the clogs appear shallow within your pipes, you can rely on your manual drain snake or a wet/dry vacuum to suck everyday blockages like food waste, soap scum, or hair. A plunger is your best bet against minor clogs in your toilet. At the same time, the classic vinegar and baking soda solution can act as an effective natural drain cleaner against organic blockages. What you want to avoid, though, are chemical cleaners that can be harsh and corrosive to your pipes.

2. Leaky Faucets

Like clogged drains, leaky faucets are also a common encounter at home, and like the former, a DIY faucet repair is enough to plug the leak. Your faucets will usually leak when their washer, O-ring, or seals have worn out or cracked.

Lucky for you, replacing these parts is relatively simple, only requiring basic tools like pliers and a wrench. Start by shutting your supply line, disassembling the faucet, and installing the new part. Run your tap and check whether the leak is plugged; you may have to tighten it a few times to get the right seal.

3. Replacing a Toilet Component

A running toilet is another issue you can resolve without the help of a plumber. Usually, this problem only calls for minor adjustments and replacement of worn-out seals within the tank or its component. Replacement parts are widely available as well and the flush mechanism isn’t particularly rocket science.

4. Fixing Surface Leaks

Surface leaks from exposed pipes often stem from loose connections or worn seals. Simply plug the leak by either retightening the loose fittings, applying new sealant with putty or pipe tape, or replacing worn washers. Ensure your anti-leak measure is durable enough to avoid repeat problems.

When To Call A Professional

So, you have been doing DIY repairs, and yet the problem won’t go away. Well, when your personal remedies are too small for a plumbing problem, it’s a sign that you already need to turn it over to a reliable plumber.

Here are a few situations where you’ll want to leave the repair work to the experts.

1. Major Pipe Leaks

There is a lot to be concerned about when you come home to your house plagued by a major pipe leak, or a burst pipe– one of which is that you can’t repair it personally and you have to call in the pros as quickly as possible.

Normally, you wouldn’t have the tools and expertise to tackle pipes leaking inside walls, under floors, and in hard-to-reach areas like your underground plumbing. On top of that, this operation is both complex and delicate as it includes digging or working on multiple sections just to access the problem alone. Any major leak is considered a plumbing emergency, hence a DIY repair is out of the picture.

2. Sewer Line Leaks

Sewer line issues, like backups or leaks, are another job that requires professional tools and know-how. Plumbing pros use equipment like camera inspections to pinpoint the problem and employ solutions that are safe for your pipes. It’s generally not advisable to DIY a sewer repair since sewer lines are often harder to access and doing so can expose you to health hazards.

3. Gas Line Leak

If there’s a plumbing issue that isn’t fit for a DIY fix at any level, it’s a gas line leak. While gas leaks are one of the most urgent plumbing emergencies, it does not call for personal touch-ups as you’re immediately vulnerable to life-threatening consequences like a fire hazard, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

What you can do, however, is ensure your main gas valve is turned off immediately after suspecting a leak. You can also take other measures, like keeping your windows and doors open to let the toxic fumes out, but never attempt to solve the issue by yourself. Immediately call a gas technician and vacate your home.

4. Water Pressure Problems

Low or fluctuating water pressure might seem like a small issue, but it can indicate a bigger problem with your main water line or pressure regulator. While cleaning aerators might help with minor pressure drops, persistent issues require a professional to assess and fix the root cause. You’ll never know for sure whether other plumbing troubles, like an underground leak or major clog, are causing the fluctuation unless you have your pipes professionally inspected.

5. Multiple Drain Issues

If you’re dealing with multiple drains that are clogged or draining slowly at the same time, it’s a sign that there might be a larger problem with your main sewer line. This type of issue calls for professional tools like drain cameras or high-pressure water jets to locate and clear the blockage. While you can rely on a plunger or baking soda and vinegar solution for clearing your sink, multiple sluggish drains are a different story.

6. Water Heater Problems

When your water heater isn’t working, leaking, or malfunctioning, it’s best to call in a plumber. Whether it’s a gas or electric heater, these systems can be dangerous to repair without the right expertise. Water heaters also include many working components that you can’t simply touch; besides the risk of electrocution, doing a DIY repair can also void your heater’s warranty.

Is Your DIY Repair Not Working? It’s Time For Peach Plumbing & Drain to Take Charge

When plumbing problems become more challenging for your DIY remedies, it’s time for the experts to relieve you of your personal duties and take the issue more seriously. DIY plumbing repairs are a reliable first line of defense, but they can only be effective against a number of minor issues. In the end, you still need a trusted plumbing contractor to finish the repair for you.

At Peach Plumbing & Drain, we have every solution to your plumbing crisis. With our team at your side, equipped with years of expertise and advanced tools, you can get rid of those stubborn plumbing problems more quickly and reliably. Whether it’s a burst pipe or an underground leak, there’s no plumbing trouble too big for our vetted services.

Call us today to restore your plumbing in its top shape!