According to a recent survey, 27.94% of home repairs in 2019 involved plumbing. A plumbing emergency is nothing to take lightly, as backed-up sewer lines and water damage are expensive and hazardous to your health.
You don’t need help with every plumbing job. There are instances when fixing a problem yourself will be much more cost-effective and fast. All you need are the right tools and a little guidance.
Are you unsure whether your current issue needs a professional plumber? Read on to learn when you should fix it yourself and when you need a plumber ASAP.
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Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Projects
Minor home plumbing projects don’t require you to hire a plumber. You can do many cosmetic jobs and minor repairs with some guidance and intuition.
What are these projects? These are the ones that don’t involve leaking septic tanks, major water leaks, or sewage issues.
Fix Leaky Faucet
Dripping faucets are a persistent cause of high water bills. More than likely, a simple washer or stem replacement is all that’s necessary. Start by shutting off your main water supply and then removing the faucet handles.
When you remove the faucet handles, you’ll reveal the stem or cartridge. Remove it, and inspect the parts. If it needs replacing, take it to your local hardware store and find the replacement.
Before you reassemble, make sure to clean all the remaining old parts with white vinegar.
Slow Drains
Sometimes slow drains signify a more serious plumbing issue, but hair and debris build-up is the most common cause. The easiest solution for many is to buy a chemical drain cleaner, but those corrode your pipes and cause more damage.
Clearing a slow drain is a simple project. Make sure the sink drain is dry, and then pour in 1/2-cup baking soda. Then pour in a small amount of white vinegar to cause a chemical reaction similar to the “volcanoes” you made in elementary school.
This bubbling chemical reaction will eat away at the debris but won’t cause pipe damage.
When to Call a Plumber
There are instances where a DIY job won’t do. These are the jobs that require the expertise of a professional plumber. Should you experience any of these emergencies or impending emergencies, don’t waste time debating.
Call a plumber right away.
Sewer Gas Odor or Line Leak
Do you notice a foul smell emanating from your drains? Do you see mushy puddles in your yard when it hasn’t rained? These are all signs of a sewer line leak or possible backup.
You must call a professional immediately, as gasses from your line can cause grave illness.
A professional will use a camera tool to diagnose the cause of any leak or problem with your sewer line and then repair it via replacement or clean-out.
Drainage Line Leak
Leaks from a drainage line that happen behind walls and under flooring will cause expensive water damage. Though you can repair some leaks, you’ll need a professional should the leak occur in places you can’t reach.
Calling a plumber for one of these leaks will save damage to your drywall, paint, and floors.
Do You Need Help With a Plumbing Job?
Don’t hesitate to call a professional. While there may be a plumbing job you can handle yourself, the worst thing you can do is attempt a fix and cause more damage.
Your plumbing is a vital part of your home. If you experience an emergency, make sure to get a pro on the phone as soon as you can.
Do you need more home improvement advice? Check out the rest of our page.
