Home maintenance often includes attending to various plumbing issues that can pop up unexpectedly. While some plumbing jobs can appear daunting, because they are, numerous tasks can be easily managed by any DIY enthusiast without a professional plumber’s help.

Knowing when you can confidently take on these projects yourself and when it’s time to call in the experts is crucial for maintaining the functionality and safety of your home’s water systems.

Plumbing Jobs Best Left to the Pros

It’s tempting to DIY every job you come across, but doing so could end up costing you more time and money. Unless you’re a plumber yourself, you should hire one for the following.

Anything that Involves Pipefitting Although plumbers and pipefitters both work with pipes, pipefitting jobs refer to anything related to refrigeration systems, boilers, or HVAC systems. Since pipefitters tend to work with more hazardous materials, you should never mess around with these systems without training.

Moving or Removing Pipes

Relocating or removing pipes can be a tricky task due to the intricacies of your home’s plumbing system. To even attempt to do this job properly, you have to shut off your home’s water supply, tear down your drywall, and use the right pipe. Instead of doing all that, call a professional.

Installing a Water Heater

Installing a new water heater is an excellent opportunity to upgrade your system or replace a malfunctioning unit. However, you should call a professional to ensure you’re not voiding any warranties, going against any local building codes, or installing the heater incorrectly.

Removing Roots From Drain Lines

Roots can sometimes infiltrate underground drainage systems causing costly blockages and damage to pipes. To tackle this issue, you’d have to rent or buy power augers with sharp blades specifically designed for cutting roots in drain lines, and that can get really expensive fast.

Kitchen/Bathroom Renovations

If you’re planning major kitchen/bathroom renovations involving extensive plumbing work, always, and we mean always, call a professional. Even something simple such as choosing too big of a bathtub can cause water heating issues, so it’s best to get a plumber you can trust.

Plumbing Jobs You Can DIY Easily

If you’re here because you want to indulge in some DIY plumbing action, then we won’t leave here disappointed. The following jobs can absolutely be DIYed by more plumbing laymen.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

You can fix a leaky faucet yourself if you’re careful. But first, turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove the handle. Identify whether your faucet uses cartridges, ceramic disks, or rubber washers. Replace the worn-out parts with new ones from your local hardware store.

Unclogging Shower/Sink Drains

A clogged drain is a common issue in many households. To unclog it yourself, remove any visible debris blocking the drain entrance. Next, try using a plunger to push through any potential blockages. If this doesn’t work, consider using a drain snake or drain cleaners.

Unclogging the Toilet

Toilets get clogged for various reasons, but you can unclog them yourself. Start by using a plunger with a flange specifically designed for toilets. If that doesn’t work, you might need to use a plumbing snake (toilet auger) to reach deeper into the pipe and break up stubborn blockages.

Installing Faucets or Shower Heads

Upgrading faucets and showerheads can enhance your bathroom’s look and improve its functionality. To replace them, turn off your home’s water supply and unscrew/disconnect old fixtures. Follow manufacturer instructions when attaching fixtures to ensure proper instalment.

Repairing a Running Toilet

A running toilet is often caused by faulty components within the tank. Start by inspecting these parts to identify the problem. Fortunately, most issues can be fixed by adjusting the float level or replacing worn-out flappers/valves. Just remember to turn off the water supply to your toilet!

In Conclusion…

Now that you have a better understanding of which plumbing jobs can be tackled on your own and when to enlist professional help, it’ll be easier for you to maintain your home. By confidently handling minor repairs or upgrades, you’ll save time and money while improving your DIY skills.