Homeowners increasingly opt for DIY repairs and tackling home improvements on their own instead of calling in the professionals. Many times, this can turn out fine, but there are instances where it might be better to call in the pros from the start. Knowing how to tell if a job is going to end up being too big or too challenging is important to help homeowners know where they can save a bit of money and where hiring pros is really the best use of their budget.
Should I hire a plumber or do it myself? This can depend on a number of different factors, including the specific type of plumbing repair needed around the house. Homeowners will want to call in the pros if they don’t have what they need to get the job done, or for jobs that may be more complex or extensive.
What Tools are Needed?
Avid DIYers are going to have many of the tools that might be needed for a plumbing job already, like wrenches. When specialty tools are needed, they’re often not too expensive. An inexpensive auger may be under $50, can work well, and can help with most drain issues.
If a plumbing job requires a specialty tool that will only be used for that job, especially if it’s more expensive, it may be better to call in the pros. They already have the right tools for the job, know how to use them, and can make sure the job is done right.
Accessibility of the Work
How easy is it to get to the area that needs to be repaired? If a toilet isn’t flushing, it’s often easy to access the lid on the tank and see what needs to be fixed. If, however, there are multiple drains that are clogged, reaching the clog to clear it can be far more challenging. If it’s going to require a lot of extra work, like digging up the yard or opening walls, to handle the repair, it’s going to be better to call in the professionals for help.
Potential for Significant Damage to Occur
How likely is it that the job will lead to significant damage to the home if it’s not done right? When installing a toilet, if the plumbing isn’t done properly, it could lead to leaks that are more difficult to spot, which could end up causing significant damage to the flooring and subflooring, along with leading to the growth of mold. If it’s crucial to make sure the job is done right the first time, it’s better to call in the pros.
Personal Experience with Repairs
Those who have not repaired anything around their home may be a little more nervous tackling plumbing issues. While there are some that are great for beginners to try, it may be a good idea to leave the more challenging work to the pros. Start simple, with basic toilet repairs or replacing a shower head, before trying anything a little more adventurous.
Replacing a Faucet Aerator
If there is not as much water coming out of the faucet as there used to be, it may be because the aerator in the faucet is clogged. This can be a simple fix for those who want to try tackling a DIY plumbing job on their own for the first time. Clog the drain in the sink to prevent any dropped parts from going down it.
Turn the collar counterclockwise to remove it from the faucet. From there, pull or knock out the old aerator. Place a new one in, add a gasket on top of it, and then screw it back into place. Test the faucet to make sure it doesn’t leak and that it is working properly again.
Fixing the Toilet
There are a few different toilet issues that homeowners can fix on their own. Start by taking the lid off the tank and flushing the toilet to see what happens. If it won’t flush at all, check the chain between the handle and the flapper. These can break over time, but to fix it, simply remove the old one and install a new one.
If the toilet takes too long to fill, check how much water is filling into the tank. If it’s filling too much, adjust the float or fill valve. Also, check whether the flapper closes properly and whether the float is working. If there is an issue with any of these, there is a kit that can be purchased that replaces the fill valve, float, and flapper. This is typically easy to do, and the kit comes with instructions.
Single Clogged Drain
If a drain doesn’t seem to be draining properly, it may be due to a clog. Never use chemical drain cleaners to try to remove a clog. While the clog might clear, it can also cause damage to the pipes used in the home, which will cause more serious problems over time. Instead, use an auger to go down into the pipes to clear the clog. If the clog is close to the drain, this should fix the problem. If it’s too far to reach, though, it may be necessary to call a plumber.
Installing a Water Heater
Installing a water heater can be a more challenging job because of the size, location, and other factors. When a water heater has to be removed, it can be incredibly heavy. An empty 30-gallon water heater can weigh up to 120 pounds, and it may not be possible to remove all the water before moving the old one out of the way.
It is also crucial to make sure the new water heater is installed properly to prevent water, especially already hot water, from leaking. This type of plumbing project can be dangerous because of the combination of electricity and plumbing in one unit. This is a job that is better left to a plumber in Parker County to make sure it’s done right.
Multiple Clogged Drains
If multiple drains in the home are clogged, the likelihood is that it’s a single clog, further down in the drain line, that’s causing the drains to back up. This makes it more difficult to reach. In some instances, if it’s a sewer line that’s clogged, for instance, it may be necessary to dig up the pipe to replace it. Multiple clogs are always a sign that it’s time to call in the professionals for help, as this is a far more extensive and complex repair than a single drain.
Pipe Leaks
If the pipes are easily accessible, like those under the sink, replacing them can be possible. There are kits that can be used to easily replace the drain line under the sink. Homeowners will want to make sure they follow the instructions carefully and test for leaks. However, if the pipe that’s leaking is behind walls or underground, it can be a lot harder to figure out where the leak is coming from and how to fix it.
In these cases, it’s far better to call in the professionals. They have different techniques and tools that can be used to determine where the leak is coming from and make sure it’s repaired as quickly as possible. Plus, this can help make sure it’s done right to prevent future leaks or significant water damage to the home.
Moving a Water Supply or Drain Line
Home renovation projects may lead to plumbing that needs to be moved. When renovating the kitchen, the homeowner may decide to move the sink to a better location or have the dishwasher placed somewhere else. This involves a significant amount of work to move and relocate the supply and drain lines, so this is not a job for homeowners to tackle on their own. There is a lot that needs to be done properly to minimize potential future issues, such as making sure the drain line is graded properly to prevent clogs. Always let a plumber handle it when supply or drain lines need to be moved, even if it’s only a small amount.
When a DIY Repair Goes Wrong
A homeowner gets the tools they need, purchases a kit if necessary, and gets ready to start working on their plumbing problem. Only, it turns out to be more difficult or extensive than they originally thought. This is a common scenario, especially for homeowners who are new to DIY repairs. If this happens, it’s always a good idea to call in the professionals. They can take over the project to make sure it gets done properly and help homeowners avoid wasting more time or money on the project.
DIY repairs can help you save money, but they’re not always the best way to approach the project. It may be more strategic to get professional help. If the job is going to require single-use tools, involve a lot of other work, or have the potential to cause significant damage if it’s done wrong, it’s best to call us for help. We’re ready to help with any plumbing jobs and can make sure it’s done right so you can enjoy the end result. Call us today to learn more.
