We all run into plumbing problems from time to time in our homes and offices, and in a lot of cases, we think to ourselves that it can easily be done without the help of a professional. “How hard can it be?” are often famous last words before a DIY project goes wrong.
While it is possible to take on plumbing projects on your own, several things must be taken into account. We have put together a quick guide on when you should consider hiring a professional plumber instead of going the do-it-yourself route.
When to DIY
DIY projects are portrayed as glamorous excursions into the depths of home repair or remodeling. We have all seen the 30-something couple who take on massive remodeling projects on a dilapidated old house with nothing but a bag of consumer-available tools and end up with a pristine “house of your dreams” style living situation all in the time frame of a 28-minute TV show.
While that may sound fun, it's not real. It's far from the truth, and many of those shows have multi-million dollar budgets with consultants and top-flight contractors to make sure the project goes as planned. Even if the young couple did all the work, it was not without help.
Not that is not to say that taking on a project on your own is impossible. It is just not always practical. In many cases, things can get messy or worse: damaged.
Now it may sound that DIY-ing is discouraged, but it's not. Here are a few projects that can easily be DIY’ed.
1. Shower-Head Installation
Easy to replace or upgrade, shower heads may be a great DIY project for homeowners. Over time shower heads can clog and wear down or leak. It may be simple to replace; all you need are a few hand tools and a little bit of time.
- Remove the old shower head.
- Clean off any rust, old tape, or leftover sealant on the shower arm threads.
- Wrap thread seal tape two to three times around the threads
- Attach a new shower head.
- Turn the water on and check for leaks
If there are no leaks, you are good to go. Otherwise, apply more thread seal tape to the threads until the leak is gone.
2. Unclog a Drain
More often than not, plumbing calls are due to clogged drains. While a plumber will gladly come out and solve the problem, unclogging a drain may be one of the easiest projects for a homeowner to take on. Most times, a clog can be dealt with by using a simple drain snake.
Drain snakes are either manual or electric, but for most homeowners, a manual drain snake is all that is needed. Online videos may help to educate you on the best use methods. It may be that you simply wind the snake into the drain and wind it back out to clear debris, but often removal of drain components first is required to allow access. If a drain snake does not take care of your clog, then a chemical drain unclogger can be considered.
There are several types of drain cleaners, but all use toxic chemicals that are caustic, highly acidic, or heavy oxidizing agents.
Overuse of drain cleaners can damage your plumbing system due to the heat that chemical drain cleaners generate. Chemical drain cleaners should be used as a last resort and not the first thing you grab. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL OF THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SAFE USE OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
3. Replace Toilet Handle Assembly
Handles on toilets break over time but, thankfully, are sometimes simple to replace and easy to come by. You can get a toilet handle at almost any hardware store, and instructions on removal and replacement come with each handle.
Please photo or take the old one with you to get a perfect match, as there are several types used depending upon the manufacturing process.
When NOT to DIY!
If you think that you can't do it, don’t. Seemingly simple plumbing repairs can easily escalate into major issues that can be very costly.
At any point that you need to add a new water supply or drain, a project should 100% be done by a plumber. Not only can inexperience lead to failing pipe joints or welds, but in many cases, that type of work has to be properly permitted and inspected for Code Compliance.
Installing new appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and garbage disposals should always be left to the pros. Plumbers carry insurance that covers issues that can come up with complex plumbing projects. Also, many appliance warranties are not valid when installed incorrectly.
To DIY or Not to DIY? That Is the Question.
Whatever your project may be, making the right decision can mean the difference between saving money and turning something easy into a costly disaster. Make sure that you understand the system you are working on, and whatever you do, always ensure that you know where your water shutoffs are.
Above all, if you feel like you are in over your head, feel free to reach out to Barlow Plumbing. Having a professional plumber involved can take the weight of plumbing off of your shoulders so that you can get on with your life.
Barlow Plumbing is the reliable option for your plumbing job in the Asheville area if you need a professional plumbing company with many licenses. We have decades of experience installing bathroom plumbing, addressing repairs, and upgrading homes.
Contact the Barlow Plumbing team now to learn more about how we can help you!