DIY Plumbing: What You Can and Shouldn’t Do Yourself

Your plumbing system is one of if not the most essential elements of any home. It is connected throughout the house, and you rely on it daily. However, due to the work they do each day, plumbing issues are inevitable in any home. They can range from a minor leak to a significant burst pipe requiring immediate attention. While some plumbing problems can be easily fixed with a DIY approach, others are best left to the professionals. Therefore, in this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to what you can do yourself and what you shouldn’t. So keep reading to find out more!

Plumbing Tasks / Issues You Can Handle Yourself

Plumbing issues are common, and some are more problematic than others. Therefore, you must know which ones you can handle on your own. Not only will it get the task or problem out of the way quickly, but it can also save you from footing another bill. While some plumbing problems require the expertise of a licensed plumber, there are several tasks you can handle on your own without having to call in the professionals.

Clearing Clogged Drains

A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems homeowners face. The good news is that it can often be fixed with a few simple DIY techniques. To get your drains back to normal, many blockages can be resolved by using a plunger or drain skin. If you don’t have these tools, they are readily available at most hardware stores. As a bonus, they can be used safely, and you can become an expert with little practice.

Fixing Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet is another common plumbing issue that can be easily fixed with a DIY approach. In most cases, the cause of the leak is a worn-out washer or seal, which can be replaced with a new one. You can find a replacement washer or seal at a hardware store and quickly replace it with a few essential tools.

Installing New Plumbing Fixtures

After the constant wear and tear your plumbing fixtures experience on a daily basis, it is common for them to stop working correctly and eventually break. Installing various plumbing fixtures is a DIY project that you can do yourself, typically with essential tools and some patients. You can find plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the process.

Plumbing Tasks / Issues You Should Leave to the Professionals

As we mentioned above, your plumbing is a crucial part of a properly functioning home. Therefore, there are specific issues that you should not attempt by yourself, not only for your safety but also to avoid more significant problems that could potentially damage your property and everything inside of it.

We know that plumbing problems can be a headache for homeowners, and many are tempted to fix the issues themselves to save time and money. However, some plumbing problems require specialized knowledge, tools, and experience that only licensed professionals possess. Here are some of the issues you should call the pros to handle!

Burst Pipes

A burst pipe is one of those pesky plumbing emergencies that need immediate attention from a licensed plumber. They have the potential to cause significant water damage to your home, leading to costly repairs. If you try to attempt to fix a burst pipe on your own, you can cause more harm than good, especially if you are not using the necessary tools and have no prior knowledge or experience in handling them.

If you suspect that one or more of your pipes have burst, immediately turn off your leading water supplier and contact a local plumber with emergency services. A professional plumber will be able to assess the situation, locate the pipe(s) that have burst, and fix the issue quickly and efficiently.

Sewer Line Issues

Sewer line issues are messy, unpleasant, and hazardous to your health. These problems require specialized knowledge and tools to fix safely and effectively. Attempting to fix sewer line issues yourself can lead to further damage and can cause a hazardous situation for you and your family. Typical sewer line issues to look out for include;

• Clogged or blocked sewer lines
• Tree root intrusion
• Collapsed sewer lines

Water Heater Repairs

Water heaters are something that we all rely on, especially during those cold winter months. However, they are incredibly complex appliances that require specialized knowledge and experience to repair. If you attempt to fix a faulty water heater yourself, not only can it lead to more expensive damages, but it can also be hazardous to your well-being. A licensed plumber can diagnose the problem and provide a safe and effective solution, ensuring that your water heater is operating safely and efficiently. Common water heater issues include:

• Leaks
• Pilot light issues
• Heating element malfunctions.

Gas Line Issues

Gas line issues are potentially dangerous and should always be left to the professionals. Gas leaks can be highly hazardous and can cause fires and explosions. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, turn off your gas supply and call a licensed plumber or gas company right away. If you notice a problem with your gas line, contact a professional right away to resolve the issue. Gas line issues can include;

• Gas leak
• Faulty gas valves
• Damaged gas lines

Why Calling a Plumber is Always a Great Idea

Now that you know some of the various things that are possible to fix on your own and the ones you should most definitely leave to the professionals, the final question is, should you call a plumber, even for the small issues? Yes, calling a plumber is the only way to guarantee that your plumbing has all of the attention it needs to continue working properly. Even small things like installing fixtures can be made easy and simple with the help of a trained and knowledgeable professional.

If you are in need of expert plumbing help and advice in Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland area, contact Arco Plumbing. They have over three decades of experience in the industry and boast a team of the best plumbing specialists in the area. Whether it’s simple installations or you are in a pinch and need emergency services, you can always count on them to arrive with everything needed to provide a solution. Schedule a service today.

Last Updated on May 31, 2023 by Arco Plumbing Services