Plumbing issues can range from minor annoyances to flat-out disasters. The problem is that seemingly minor issues are not always easy to repair. And, with the flood of do-it-yourselfers and DIY advice being given online, many are under the impression that they can perform these repairs themselves. But, you could not only end up making matters worse but put yourself and your property in danger as a result. Let’s take a look at some of the plumbing repairs you can safely perform yourself, and some you should avoid at all costs.
Now as already said, there are some simpler, minor issue jobs you can perform by yourself and with the basic of tools. If you are doing them for the first time, try and consult the internet at least for some guidelines to avoid doing a big mess or breaking something hard to replace or repair. Those mentioned DIY videos should be a guideline and never a full-on vid that will show you how to do everything by yourself. Now without any further due let’s see what are the jobs you can tackle and what you shouldn’t go near to without a specialist at hand.
Running Toilet Issues
Running toilet issues are one of the most common types of plumbing problems homeowners will have to deal with. You’ll also be happy to learn that you can easily fix them in 95% of cases, and it is a quick 15 to 20 min fix in all of those cases.
In most cases, all you’ll need are a few tools you may already have around the house like pliers, cutting pliers, and rubber gloves along with a toilet flapper and replacement fill valve. In most cases, these get dirty from water and they accumulate a lot of limestones which is preventing these things to operate at full capacity. Sometimes all you will need to do is clean that limestone accumulation but if it flapper and fill valve are in a bit worse condition it is very easy to replace them since they are not that expensive.
It can ever be simpler than in some cases. It could be that the fill valve is not attached to the tube and prevents the tank from filling up. This could take you seconds to fix without any special tools. Two moves with your hands and fingers and everything is up and running like before.
Fixing Clogged Pipes
Clogged pipes are one of these issues a lot of people think they can solve by themselves, and there are some cases when it’s possible. Maybe hair or other debris is blocking the way. In this case, you might be able to unblock that mass using a drain cleaning tool. But even this can be risky. You could end up damaging some part inside that will cause even more issues. What we suggest, especially if it is the first time you got a clog, try and use some of the tools for unclogging you can find on the shelves in any store. Those are not cheap and they might solve your problem if it is a simple clog. If you can’t solve the issue with those, then hire a professional to do it because there might be a bigger problem hiding.
You definitely shouldn’t be poking around or pouring harsh chemicals down the drain if the issue is recurring. This is usually a sign of something much worse, so we would suggest you consult a plumber in Santa Barbara immediately if that’s where you are. Only they will be able to get to the bottom of the issue and get you rid of the problem completely. Check coastplumb.com for more info.
Fix Leaking Water Heaters
In most cases, issues with water heaters should be taken care of by professionals. Especially if you wanted to replace it. But a leak is something many people can deal with without help. You can fix leaks from a drain or pressure and temperature valve by checking mineral deposits and temperature settings. Drain valve problems can also be solved with a simple brass cap.
Everything other than those should be left to professionals because although the heaters look simple to work on, they are not and they have a lot of sensitive parts that if get damaged might cost you a pretty penny to fix or replace. Plus, if you have no experience in fiddling with electricity around water, then you should consider not testing your luck or your fix-it skills.
Clogged Sewer Lines
You should never, under any circumstances, perform any work on your sewer line unless you’re 100% sure of what you’re doing down there. Sewer lines are usually very tough to access, and you’ll need tools you probably don’t have at the moment. This isn’t an issue that you can ignore for too long, however. A clogged sewer line will affect your whole system and could cause a sewer backup. These are not only disgusting but could cause massive damage to your property. So, you need to contact a plumber as soon as you notice any signs and not attempt anything if you don’t want to exacerbate the issue.
Unclogging the sewers that are clean, safe and up to code must be done with special equipment that is not available to the regular Joe. This is why you have to leave these kinds of jobs to the professionals who will do it quickly and without breaking a sweat. Machines nowadays do most of the hard work, and owning those is not so cheap. Believe in your plumber doing this kind of task and do not hesitate to call them as soon as you see that you have a problem.
Plumbing is usually something that should be left to professionals. Do not attempt to save money by performing potentially risky and shoddy work. Not to mention that if you don’t know what you are doing, not that you will save money but it will end up costing you more to repair or replace whatever you messed up, and add more on that. It is always a safer thing to call the experts let them handle it and save your sanity and your property from potential destruction.
