DIY Plumbing Fixes: When to Grab a Wrench and When to Call a Pro
To maintain our home in good condition, several fixes are needed now and then. Most of these repair works are the plumbing issues that must be restored as soon as possible. Any disturbance with plumbing works such as water supply and drainage can halt the seamless life you were leading. Therefore, knowing some techniques for handling plumbing problems by yourself is necessary.
However, understanding when to grab a wrench on our own and when to call a professional is crucial. While we can handle many plumbing issues, it often requires a specific set of tools and techniques to resolve them, which can only be done by professionals.
Let us start with understanding the basics of DIY plumbing and optimized plumbing services.
What is DIY Plumbing?
DIY plumbing is a skill set that enables people to address minor plumbing issues promptly and effectively. It involves tackling basic maintenance, repairs, and installations within the plumbing system without solely depending on professional plumbers.
Understanding basic fixings such as leaky faucets, replacing worn-out fixtures, or unclogging drains empowers individuals to maintain a functional household. Another importance of DIY plumbing is the cost-effectiveness that comes with it. With the right skills, we can also prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. But, along with acquiring DIY plumbing expertise, it is important to know when to stop. Many times, the situation worsens when people take the wrench in their hands and dive into solving the issue. So, for complex issues, it is better to wait for professional expertise.
How to Solve Common Plumbing Issues? DIY vs Professionals
Among various plumbing issues, there are a few fixes that individuals can confidently handle themselves. Below are some of those common plumbing problems that occur now and then in every household. Along with that, we will discuss when it’s best to leave the task to professionals.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
This is one of the most common issues that almost every household faces, sooner or later. And over time, it can waste gallons of water if not fixed quickly.
To repair it, basic plumbing tools are essential. In the process, disassembling the faucet carefully comes first, noting the order of the parts. This is the crucial step, as any mess up in replacing the parts can damage the system and leave the task unaccomplished.
Therefore, this fixing can be handled by those who are good at keeping track of various small parts. Otherwise, it is advisable to connect with a professional and get the work done without any further damage.
Unclogging Drains
A clogged drain can disrupt various simple tasks in your day-to-day life, frustrating you entirely. This often happens in many households due to various reasons. However, most of the time, it can be easily fixed using specially formulated chemicals.
One can also use a plunger to create suction and dislodge the blockage. If that doesn’t work out, you can also use a hook or drain snake.
Another solution is to pour the mix of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes before flushing with hot water.
However, even after applying all these tips, you are unable to unclog the drain, or if you have a drain that keeps clogging, you must go for a plumbing drain cleaning. They can fix the issue by disassembling underlying pipes and extracting clogs manually.
Replacing Shutoff Valves
Shutoff valves are under sinks or behind toilets that allow turning off the water supply to the sink/toilet. Sometimes these valves start leaking and the only solution that remains is to replace them. However, the tools needed for the replacement are commonly not owned by individuals. Here, one may require tools like a wrench, plier, and a soldering torch depending upon the type of valves they have.
In case of a compression shutoff valve that can be removed with just a wrench, a DIY fix can be applied. But with older sweat valves or stubborn compression valves, optimized plumbing services are usually the safest option.
Replacing Shower Head
Any issue with your everyday shower not only disturbs your daily schedule but leaves you frustrated for the entire day. Therefore, fixing it at the earliest is the only solution. But the process isn’t that simple. It starts with turning off the water supply and then unscrewing the old shower head using pliers or a wrench. After removing the head, wrap plumbing tape around the threads of the new showerhead. Now, screw the new shower head onto the pipe tightly by hand. Use a wrench to secure it without over-tightening.
This process might be overwhelming for some. For them, it is advisable to book a professional plumber for the task.
Conclusion
Plumbing services might be costly sometimes, but it helps to deal with problems that look small but impact our daily life. Hence, to avoid such disturbances in life, one should be equipped with a few DIY plumbing skills. But, remember, for complex plumbing issues, seeking professional guidance is always the best way out.
When looking for optimized plumbing services, contact Guru Plumbing for top-notch professional service. They will take care of all your plumbing concerns and resolve them with their expertise.
