We’ve all experienced plumbing issues. Whether it’s something minor like a slow drain or something major like a burst pipe, we often wonder if it’s an issue we can address ourselves or if we need to call in the pros to help us out.
While the majority of plumbing issues should be handled by a professional, there are a few you can DIY.
Here’s when to handle a plumbing problem on your own and when to call plumbing services near me, or you can find more at Schulerok.
What Plumbing Issues Should You Call a Professional For?
When any of these issues occur, you should curb your temptation to handle them yourself or you may cause even more damage.
- Burst pipes. A burst pipe can cause a lot of damage to your home and can even threaten to harm your family. Don’t be tempted to try to patch it and wait until a plumber can make it out on his regular schedule—this is an emergency and should be handled as such.
- Clogged sewer lines. A clogged sewer line cannot be fixed with a shovel or a snake—it needs professional equipment and know-how. If your sewer is backing up, call plumbing services near me ASAP.
- Water heater replacement. Though it may be tempting to just go by another water heater when it fails—or if it’s just leaking or making noises—you should leave this one to the pro as the pressure and heat inside these appliances can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Modification to your plumbing system. If you’re planning renovations or upgrades to your home that involve changes to your plumbing system, you need to call in a pro so you don’t have to worry about future plumbing issues.
What Plumbing Issues Can You Handle Yourself?
Not every issue requires a call to the professionals. Here are a few common plumbing problems you can probably handle without calling plumbing services near me.
- Dripping faucet. A dripping faucet is annoying, but not an emergency. It can usually be fixed by installing a new O-ring. If this doesn’t work, however, you may want to call a plumber to identify the problem.
- Running toilet. A common reason a toilet runs is due to a worn-out stopper—something that a handy homeowner can replace.
- Clogged toilet. If a toilet is clogged due to toilet paper or other substances that have not been lodged deeply into your septic system, you can usually correct the problem with some vigorous plumbing. If this doesn’t work, though, it could indicate a more serious problem and you should call in a pro.
How to Choose Plumbing Services Near Me
Now that you know which problems you can handle on your own and which you can’t, you need to know which plumbing company to call when you come across a non-DIY problem. Choose a plumber that has a majority of five-star reviews online, that is locally owned and operated, and that offers a range of services including preventative and emergency so they can become your go-to solution for any plumbing issue large or small.
