If you haven’t already, you’ll probably face some kind of plumbing issue in your home or apartment sometime in the future. While it might be a quick fix you can handle with your DIY prowess, it’s important to know when the issue is serious enough to warrant a call to a professional plumber, as trying to handle a severe plumbing problem by yourself can often cause further damage to your home.
Do It Yourself
Even if you’re not experienced with DIY plumbing repairs, there are several projects you can take care of on your own, especially if you’re looking to save some money. While it may seem daunting at first, there is no shortage of resources that can help you handle simple repairs. For example, leaky faucets are fairly quick fixes that can be done with just a few tools, an hour of your time, and some replacement parts, which can be found at your trusted hardware store.
Other minor plumbing problems that can be handled via DIY include:
- Clogs. Most homeowners and renters are no strangers to toilet clogs—just break out the plunger. Depending on the source of the clog, drain clogs can be easily cleared without chemicals by using hot water and dish soap or even a wire coat hanger.
- Toilet repairs. Loose seals, broken chains, constant running, or wobbly seats can be handled by the average DIYer. More taxing replacements, like installing an entirely new toilet or addressing a pipe problem within the walls should be left to a professional.
- Low water pressure. If you can identify the cause of your low water pressure, you may be able to handle the fix yourself. However, low water pressure can be indicative or a larger problem—if you’re unable to locate the issue, it might be time to call a pro.
Call an Expert
The sad fact of life: not every household problem can be DIYed. Sometimes you need to buckle down and call a professional who has been trained and certified to handle more serious issues. Here’s what you need to look for when determining when it’s time to ring up the pros:
- No water at all. Check the other taps to see if the problem is widespread and make sure your shut-off valve hasn’t been switched off. If your neighbors are facing the same problem, it might be a problem with the municipal water supply—call the water department. If it’s just your home, you may have a bigger problem on your hands—call a plumber.
- Broken pipe. Safe to say, if your plumbing issues involve water flowing out of the pipes and into your house, it’s past time to call a plumber. While you wait for them to arrive, shut off your water supply to minimize damage to your house and try to identify the problem to give your plumber as much information as possible.
- Water heater problems. When it comes to leaking water heaters, problems getting hot water, or rusty hot water, leave the fix up to the pros. A poorly done DIY can break your water heater, leaving you with an expensive replacement, or even negate your warranty.
When handling your minor plumbing repairs, there’s no one better to trust for quality tools and replacement parts than Mimbach Fleet. We carry the selection of high-quality supplies you need to keep your water running smoothly.
