Many people think that they can do it themselves when it comes to carrying out a plumbing job. And it’s certainly true that many tasks can be carried out on a DIY basis. But this isn’t always the case. Many people don’t realise when they need to drop the tools and call in a professional. So, here’s when to do it yourself and when to let someone with professional knowledge take over.

DIY

Small small jobs can be carried out very easily. For example, if you simply want to update the faucets in the bathroom or kitchen, you can do this yourself. That doesn’t mean that the job isn’t challenging, but there is not too much that can go wrong. You can see what you’re working on very clearly and easily, which isn’t the case with all plumbing jobs. And there are online guides that can help you out too.

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As well as those kinds of replacements, cosmetic repairs to bathroom and kitchen hardware can be done by yourself too. Some of these repairs are routine and very simple. For example, a toilet might have problems that cause it to move or not function properly. These issues can usually be fixed very easily with some basic tools and sealant. So, don’t be afraid to carry out that kind of DIY work. Calling a professional would be a waste of time.

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Preparation is key to any successful DIY plumbing job though. You have to know the basics, such as turning off the water supply before you undertake the task. As long as you think logically, do the basic things and plan it out in advance, the DIY plumbing job should be a real success.

Professional

First of all, you should always call a professional if you have an emergency situation. Doing a DIY task is only ever possible if you have the time to assess it and plan it out. That’s not the case when an emergency repair is needed, so call a professional. Many plumber repair services offer fast responses, so these should definitely be taken advantage of.

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As I mentioned above, the easiest jobs to carry out by yourself are the ones that are obvious. If you can see the problem in front of you, then it’s easier to fix it. But that’s not the case for many plumbing jobs. If a pipe has a problem and it’s hidden behind a wall, sorting out the problem can be a challenge. And when there are external plumbing problems with the drains that run under the ground, that kind of problem demands a pro.

[Photo courtesy of Joe Fred the Oyster/Drain Trap- wikimedia.org]

When you’re taking on a large remodelling of your bathroom, big changes often need to be made to the plumbing. Sometimes, these changes even require permits to be given. This is complicated work in terms of the physical task of carrying out the job and the paperwork. So, it’s the kind of task that is always best left to a professional with the right experience behind them.

The many plumbing problems that homeowners deal with can be corrected at an instant. If you detect them earlier, you will save yourself a few dollars because you won’t have to call the plumber. The problems include:

1. Low water pressure

More often than not, low water pressure is caused by a blocked aerator. Besides filtering water, the aerator prevents splashing. Water contains mineral deposits that accumulate in the aerator. Over time, the aerator gets clogged. You can easily fix this by removing the aerator, cleaning it using water and vinegar then assembling it back.

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2. Leaking toilets

This is another plumbing problem that many people can identify with. A running toilet can be a real thorn in the flesh as it wastes a lot of water. It is important to figure out the cause as this will help you determine which parts to replace. Replacing faulty parts will save you a lot of money as you salvage the situation before it becomes a costly affair.

3. Leaking pipes

Wet spots in the house could be a red flag signaling your attention to a leaking pipe. Pipes may crack due to freezing. You need to examine the walls regularly and check under sinks for evidence of leaked pipes.

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4. Slow draining sink

When the sink drains slowly, the problem is either in the drain line or sink trap. To address this issue, determine and follow the direction of waste water so that you get to the main drainpipe.

5. Dripping faucets

It may seem like not much water is lost. The truth is, at the end of the day a lot of water would have gone to waste as you scratch your head paying the water bills.

Low water pressure, leaking toilets, leaking pipes, slow draining sink, and dripping faucets are just a few of the plumbing problems that occur at home.