We're going to be honest with you, not every plumbing issue requires a professional. Some things you can absolutely handle yourself with basic tools and a little patience. But there are also jobs where attempting a DIY fix can turn a $200 repair into a $2,000 disaster. Here's our guide to knowing the difference.
Jobs You Can Probably Handle Yourself
Unclogging a Drain
A plunger is your best first line of defense for a clogged sink, toilet, or tub. Use a cup plunger for sinks and a flange plunger for toilets. Make sure you create a good seal and work it vigorously. For slow bathroom drains, hair is usually the culprit, a simple drain snake or even a zip-it tool from the hardware store can pull out the clog in minutes.
Do: Try a plunger first, then a hand snake. These are safe and effective for most minor clogs.
Don't: Pour chemical drain cleaners down your pipes. They can corrode older plumbing, damage garbage disposals, and often just push the clog further down rather than clearing it.
Replacing a Showerhead
This is one of the easiest plumbing upgrades you can do. Unscrew the old one by hand or with pliers (wrap a cloth around it to avoid scratching), clean the threads, wrap new Teflon tape clockwise around the pipe threads, and screw on the new showerhead. The whole job takes about 10 minutes.
Fixing a Running Toilet
A toilet that won't stop running is usually caused by a worn flapper valve or a float that needs adjusting. Replacement flappers cost a few dollars at the hardware store and install in minutes, just unhook the old one, hook on the new one, and reconnect the chain. Adjusting the float to change the water level is even simpler. YouTube has great tutorials for your specific toilet model.
Replacing a Faucet Aerator
If your faucet has low pressure or sprays unevenly, the aerator (the small screen at the tip) is probably clogged with mineral deposits. Unscrew it, soak it in vinegar, or replace it with a new one for a few dollars. Easy fix, big improvement.
Jobs That Need a Professional
Anything Involving Gas Lines
This is non-negotiable. Gas leaks can cause explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas line installation, repair, and even connecting a new gas appliance should always be done by a licensed professional. If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call your utility company, then call us for the repair.
Water Heater Installation or Major Repair
Water heaters involve gas lines or high-voltage electrical connections, temperature and pressure relief valves, and water connections that need to be done correctly to prevent leaks and safety hazards. A poorly installed water heater can be dangerous. This is always a job for a licensed plumber.
Main Sewer Line Issues
If multiple drains in your home are backing up simultaneously, or you're getting sewage backups, the problem is likely in your main sewer line. This requires specialized equipment to diagnose and repair, camera inspections, hydro-jetting, or possibly excavation. DIY attempts here usually make things worse and more expensive.
Pipe Replacement or Rerouting
If a pipe has burst, is severely corroded, or needs to be moved for a remodel, you need a plumber. Working with supply lines involves shutting off water, soldering or crimping connections, and ensuring everything is up to code. A bad connection can mean a leak inside your wall that you won't notice until major damage is done.
Low Water Pressure Throughout the House
If the pressure drop is at a single fixture, it might be a clogged aerator you can fix yourself. But if water pressure has dropped throughout your whole house, the cause could be a failing pressure regulator, a hidden leak, corroded pipes, or an issue with the municipal supply. Diagnosing the root cause requires experience and sometimes specialized equipment.
The Golden Rule: If you're not sure, call and ask. We're happy to help you figure out over the phone whether it's something you can handle yourself. Honest advice is free, we'd rather save you a service call than come out for something you could have fixed in five minutes.
When a DIY Fix Goes Wrong
If you've started a plumbing project and things aren't going as planned, water won't stop flowing, a fitting won't seal, or you've created a bigger problem than you started with, don't panic. Shut off the water supply to the affected area (or the main shut-off if needed) and call us. There's no judgment here. We've seen it all, and the sooner you call, the less damage there will be.
Not Sure If It's a DIY Job?
Call us for a free phone consultation. We'll give you an honest answer.
Call 970-910-2602