6 Residential Plumbing Fixtures That You Can’t Fix on Your Own

In general, it’s recommended that you budget about 1% of your home’s value each year for unexpected repairs. This means that if you have a $300,000 home, you can expect to pony up around $3,000 a year! That’s a pretty big number.

It’s no wonder that many homeowners try to cut these costs by doing much of the work themselves. While some common plumbing problems are pretty simple, there are others that you should definitely leave to the pros. Otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll end up causing more damage, which could be both costly and dangerous!

Here are a few plumbing issues that you shouldn’t ever try to DIY.

Recurring Clogs

Everyone deals with clogged drains now and then. For a simple clog, it’s easy to grab a bottle of drain cleaner and take care of it yourself.

However, if this doesn’t do the trick, don’t try to ram it through with a drain snake from your local home goods store. You’re likely to cause damage to your pipes!

Any time you have stubborn plumbing drainage problems that won’t go away, or clogs continue to reoccur, you need to call in a professional plumber.

Without the proper structural knowledge and the right equipment, you may end up wrecking your plumbing system or causing a sewage backup – yuck! A professional plumber can take apart the system and find the source of the clog. This increases the chances of it being fixed the right way the first time.

Installing New Appliances

You can find plenty of videos on YouTube showing you how to hook up your refrigerator’s ice machine, dishwasher, or washing machine – but it’s always better to let a professional do it. This is especially true if you have to extend hot water lines.

Hiring a pro means you won’t have to take the chance of possibly damaging your new purchase. When you’re adding a new appliance to the system, it can also interrupt the water flow throughout your house. In addition, a professional will ensure that your system continues to meet all of the necessary plumbing codes.

It’s also never a good idea to attempt to install your own hot water heater. This involves dealing with both water and electricity, which can create a dangerous scenario if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Even something as simple as putting in a new toilet can prove to be a challenge for the average homeowner. You might think, since the lines are already there, it would be a super-simple job. However, there are plenty of pitfalls you can encounter and if you over-tighten the connections, you can cause leaks.

Water Leaks

If you notice a leaky pipe in your home, you’ll probably be tempted to try a quick fix. That’s totally fine, but it’s only a temporary solution. To ensure that everything is fixed correctly for the long-term, you’ll need the expertise of a licensed plumber.

Otherwise, the “fixed” leak could suddenly reappear, causing expensive water damage!

You may also need a plumber to deal with leaks around the toilet. If you notice a small puddle, it could be a damaged seal, which is an easy fix. But, if there’s a lot of water all over your bathroom, you could have a burst pipe.

In this case – you guessed it – call in the pros!

Mysterious Foul Odors

Everyone deals with odors coming from drains once in a while. You may be able to kill smells coming from the sink with DIY solutions like lemon peels, vinegar, or even boiling water. However, if there is an unpleasant smell without an obvious source, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a much bigger problem.

In this case, it’s likely that there are things stuck in your pipes that are accumulating bacteria which causes the smell. Unfortunately, the longer it stays there, the worse the smell will get. It’s likely that this won’t be a huge problem, but having a plumber take care of it will ensure that you won’t have to deal with the stink for weeks on end.

Modifying Your Plumbing System

Are you planning changes around your home that require you to re-route a sewer or water line? This often happens when you’re doing a kitchen or bathroom remodel or relocating or installing a laundry room.

If you try to do this on your own, you could end up compromising the integrity of your entire plumbing system. Save time and money by having a plumber come and re-route your pipes before the remodeling project starts. The plumber will make sure that the plumbing line is sealed off completely and you won’t have to worry about them accidentally bursting pipes in the process.

Underground Repairs

Never attempt to deal with any problems underground. If you’re dealing with a burst or frozen water supply pipe, you’ll definitely want to hire a plumber.

In fact, many municipalities require that you leave this to a professional!

Common Plumbing Problems or Major Issues: We’re Here for You!

Whether you need someone to take care of your common plumbing problems or you’re dealing with a major catastrophe, we’re just a phone call away. We have over 30 years of experience in both residential and commercial plumbing issues.

Reach out to us at 719-811-0448 or use our convenient online form to request a quote!