Trying to DIY your home renovations and repairs as much as possible? Whether you love to do your own work or just want to save money where you can, you might want to know when it’s possible (and safe) to do your own plumbing work, and when you should call an expert.
Here, we’ve outlined four plumbing jobs that can be safely done DIY-style, finishing with a word on when you should leave the work to a licensed plumber.
Unclogging a Slow Drain
You don’t have to call a plumber every time you get a slow or partially clogged drain (if you did, it’d get pretty expensive fast!).
Unclogging a slow drain is a pretty simple job that you can do yourself with a plunger or drain snake. But if you’ve tried everything and your drain is still behaving unusually, you may need to get an expert review by a reputable company like Military Plumbing.
Replacing a Showerhead or Faucet Washer
Don’t be daunted by the task of replacing a showerhead or leaky faucet washer. These jobs are actually much quicker and less risky than, say, replacing a lightbulb. You usually just need to unscrew the faucet or showerhead (possibly with the help of a wrench), replace the component, and screw everything back in place.
This is a job that takes less than 10 minutes, even for non-experts, and you’ll feel pretty good about yourself for doing it.
Fixing a Running Toilet
There’s nothing more annoying than the sound of a constantly running toilet when you’re trying to do your business in the bathroom. While you may think it’s a sign of something serious that needs a plumber’s attention, the good news is that it’s usually fixable without any major work required.
Usually, just adjusting the float in your toilet tank or replacing the flapper is all it takes to stop the sound of constantly running water.
Tightening Loose Tap Handles or Fittings
Finally, if your faucet handles or bathroom fittings are starting to get a bit loose, this is a job you can absolutely do yourself.
Just use a wrench to tighten the fixtures—that’s all there is to it.
When to Call A Plumber
There are some plumbing jobs that are too complicated for most people to want to attempt themselves, and some that require a licensed plumber for safety reasons. These include:
- Dealing with a major pipe leak or a burst pipe
- Addressing a sewer line backup or blockage
- Repairing or installing a heater
- Troubleshooting and fixing low water pressure with no clear cause
- Any job involving cutting into walls or rerouting pipes
When you’re trying to determine whether a job is DIY-able or worthy of calling a plumber, ask yourself a few questions. Does it require specialist tools or knowledge? Do you legally need a license or a permit to do it? Is there a risk of water damage? If in doubt, it’s worth contacting a plumber for advice before you touch anything.
