Plumbing Repairs: When to DIY and When to DDIY

Plumbing Repairs: When to DIY and When to DDIY

Plumbing is a trade that takes years of experience, practice, and knowledge to master, so when something goes awry, it can’t be fixed by just anyone. You may have heard your neighbor’s horror story of their attempt at a DIY plumbing repair that has sworn you off from any DIY projects. But there are some fixes that you can try before calling in the calvary. Here’s what they are:

Clogged drains

There’s a right and wrong way to free clogs. Going down the incorrect path— AKA the drain cleaner path— can result in a hoard of plumbing problems and damages. Pouring harsh chemicals down your drains can corrode your pipes and release toxins into your home’s air, making matters worse. The best thing you can do to take care of your drains is to prevent clogs in the first place. Our blog “The Worst Things You Can Put Down Your Drains” should help guide you in the right direction! If you’re experiencing a clogged toilet, shower drain, or sink, we recommend relying on a trusty plunger. When that doesn’t work, you may have a more serious problem, in which a professional should be contacted to assist.

Low water pressure

If you’ve noticed a significant dip in water pressure in your kitchen or bathroom sink, it could be a case of sediment buildup in the aerator. Solve this problem by twisting off the aerator, rinsing off the residue, and screwing it back on. If the issue persists, you may have a water leak in your sewer line, which means you should call in an expert.

A running toilet

The culprit behind a running toilet is usually a defective flapper, that’s the rubber stopper inside the tank that lifts to release water into the bowl. Over time, this piece can deteriorate, allowing water to get through its once-tight seal. Press down on the flapper, if you notice the toilet has stopped running, then you need to replace it. Follow these steps:

• Turn the shutoff valve to your toilet to turn off the water supply.
• Flush the toilet to drain the water in the bowl and tank.
• Buy a flapper that’s identical to the one you’re replacing at any hardware store near you.
• Follow the instructions that come with the new flapper.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, you should involve a plumber quickly to avoid wasting water.

Rely on the experts at EJ Plumbing by calling us today.