Over the years, people are getting more interested in learning how to do plumbing repairs because it sharpens their DIY techniques and because hardware stores provide many tools and replacement parts commonly used. You do not need a plumbing license to purchase those parts, but some have to be installed only by professionals.
What To and Not To DIY
Time to decide whether it’s plumbing DIY or time to phone a professional. Plumbing DIY saves money since you don’t have to hire professionals to repair it, but you must consider the risk of injury and potential damage due to improper repair. Here are some of the most common maintenance with a brief explanation of whether or not you should fix them on your own or call a professional plumber.
Drain clog –
A clogged drain or blocked sink is often caused by solid waste or food. A plunger is an effective tool to eliminate blockage; it is easy to use, and you can get it in any hardware store. It is an easy Plumbing DIY procedure, so you should be able to do it quickly.
Hidden leaks –
Old pipes are prone to damage, causing a leak. If you can see where the leak begins, you can probably fix it by applying epoxy, covering it with rubber, and tightening it with water-resistant tape. It is another Plumbing DIY project everybody can do. If this happens, the most common sign is discoloration of the wall. You need to call a professional plumber to fix this because the repair requires leak detection skills and additional tools you probably don’t have. However, if the leak comes from behind the wall, it is pretty challenging to use the same methods.
Deep clogging –
Sometimes, a clogged drain can be caused by solid waste far beyond a plunger’s reach. To get this cleared, a liquid drain cleaner is often used. The cleanser is a potentially dangerous and toxic chemical that may contaminate water. Call a professional if you cannot fix a clogged drain using a plunger. The repair requires a motor-powered drain snake or even hydro-jetting tools.
Toilet –
Similar to a clogged drain, a leaking toilet can be either easy or difficult, depending on the location of the leaking spot. A proper repair will stop water from pooling around in the bathroom. If you can see it, you can seal it by applying a combination of epoxy and rubber. A leaking toilet, however, can be caused by a bad wax ring. In this case, you need a professional to remove the toilet, replace the ring, and re-install the toilet.
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