While do-it-yourself fixes can help address issues like small leaks or fixture replacements, professional plumbing services are often safer and more effective. Explore possible DIY plumbing repairs and the signs that indicate the problem requires more skilled intervention.
Basic Plumbing Tools and Materials You Need Before Your DIY
Every homeowner should have an emergency plumbing toolkit on hand. Though specific components vary between projects, most DIY fixes call for:
- Plumber's tape
- Plumber's putty
- A plunger
- A plumbing snake
- Protective equipment like goggles, coveralls, gloves and knee pads
- Basic tools like screwdrivers, adjustable pipe wrenches, utility knives and measuring tape
- Replacement parts like washers and O-rings
- The correct piping and adhesive, like PEX piping or PVC cement
- A tubing cutter
- A flashlight
- A bucket
Easy DIY Plumbing Fixes
Fortunately, the right tools and a little research are all you need to handle many projects. These are the easiest kitchen and bathroom plumbing DIYs.
1. Unclogging Drains
If you have a single clogged drain, the fix might be as simple as whipping up a homemade drain cleaning solution or using a commercially available product to clear stubborn buildup. However, these are often temporary solutions to a larger problem, and you must choose your drain cleaner carefully to avoid damaging your pipes. For example, enzyme cleaners are often safer and gentler than acid-based ones. You can also use a drain snake or plunger and soap to remove large objects or clogs.
Multiple drains draining slowly or not at all could indicate a more severe problem that requires professional help.
2. Fixing a Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can back up into your kitchen sink, creating a smelly mess. This happens when you put too much food down at once or if the pieces are too tough and large.
Always turn off your garbage disposal by unplugging it before working on the clog. Once off, use your hand to reach down and manually dislodge the stuck food, or use a pair of pliers if you have trouble grasping it with your fingers.
In some cases, garage disposals just need a simple reset — check for the red or black button on the appliance.
3. Stopping a Running or Stalled Toilet
If you hear your toilet continually running or have trouble flushing it, it might be as easy as removing the tank lid and untangling or adjusting the chain that controls the fill valve and flush rod. A broken or poorly sized fill valve can also be to blame — remove the tank lid and inspect the tube. If it has fallen or come detached, replace it and try again.
If your toilet has a bidet attachment, be sure it is firmly positioned to "off" when not in use to avoid wasting water and causing potential leaks. If your toilet is leaking around the area where the base meets the floor, you may need to replace the wax ring or tighten the bolts.
4. Repairing Small Leaks
If you have noticed signs of a water leak in your home, the first step is locating the source. If you can spot where water is trickling from, you can temporarily fix the problem by applying duct tape, epoxy tape, pipe wraps or plumber's tape until you or a professional can address the issue. This will save you time and reduce the chance of moisture damage to the surrounding area. In some cases, you might need to cut away pieces of your drywall to address the issue.
If you are not sure where the water is coming from but have found mold and smell a musty odor, it is time to call a professional.
5. Installing New Fixtures
Installing new bathroom and kitchen faucets, sprayers and attachments is usually easy. Check the product's packaging for specific information about the correct tube or fastener sizes. If your product came without an installation guide, you can likely find a how-to video on YouTube with a step-by-step demonstration.
6. Adjusting the Water Temperature
If your water is too hot, you can adjust the temperature on the water heater without professional help. Your hot water heater will have a small thermostat access panel or a dial you can use to change how hot the water can get at its maximum temperature. Depending on your model, you may have to try a few different settings before you find the one you are comfortable with.
7. Addressing Unpleasant Odors
Smelly drains are usually the result of dry P-traps, the pipe that sits beneath your sink to capture hazardous sewer gases. Here are a few quick fixes you can try:
- Pour one or more gallons of water down unused or rarely used drains
- Clear drains of all buildup, hair and soap scum
- Sprinkle baking soda or pour hot vinegar down your drains periodically
If the odor persists or is a widespread issue, contact a professional.
Risks of DIY Plumbing
While quick fixes are sometimes the best option, they also have drawbacks. Some of the most common DIY plumbing mistakes include:
- Forgetting to turn off the water: Always turn off your water before you begin any plumbing fixes. Otherwise, you risk flooding your bathroom or kitchen.
- Over- or under-tightening connectors: Tightening a connector too much or not enough can worsen your plumbing issue and cause premature wear and damage to fittings.
- Misdiagnosing the problem: While some problems seem straightforward — a clogged drain, for instance — it could be one symptom of a much larger, more complex issue that requires specialized tools and experience.
- Ignoring local building codes: Some plumbing repairs and installations are subject to local building codes. Ignoring these could be a safety risk and result in failed inspections when you choose to sell your home.
- Foregoing safety: Plumbing projects deal with some of the dirtiest, most hazardous substances in your home. Neglecting proper eye, hand and respiratory protection can be dangerous.
- Spending too much money on temporary fixes: Constantly making small fixes can sometimes cost less than trusting a professional to diagnose a problem. They can let you know whether the item in question would benefit from total replacement instead.
There are some issues that are always best left to licensed plumbers, including:
- Sewage backups
- Low water pressure with no known cause
- Frozen or burst pipes
- Large-scale projects, such as a tub-to-shower conversion
- Extensive leaks, especially if located in the ceiling
- Complex alterations, such as relocating pipes
In many of these scenarios, time is critical — pausing to attempt a DIY fix could lead to extensive property damage or create unsafe living conditions for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Plumbing
Here are the answers to some common questions we receive about home plumbing.
1. What Are the Benefits of Professional Plumbing Services?
When you trust a licensed plumber to take care of your home, you save yourself the time and expenses associated with diagnosing or attempting to fix the problem on your own. Professional plumbers have years of hands-on experience, so they have seen it all — they can quickly and efficiently inspect and repair problems with as little cost to you as possible. You might also benefit from service warranties. Many plumbing parts also have product warranties, which may be void if you attempt a DIY repair.
2. How Do Professional Plumbing and DIY Costs Compare?
While DIY repairs might seem like the most affordable option, that is not always the case. When you factor in the expenses of buying the correct tools, replacement parts, diagnostic equipment and protective gear — plus the hassle of identifying, locating and mitigating the problem yourself — professional assistance is often more affordable and worth the investment. Even one small misstep in a DIY project can lead to more extensive and expensive damage.
3. What Is Considered a Plumbing Emergency?
A plumbing emergency is any situation where it is dangerous or costly to wait for assistance. Some examples include:
- Fast-growing leaks with no visible source
- You smell gas
- Sewage is backed up
- You are using more and more water or notice a spike in your bill without a known cause
- Your water will not turn on or off
If you are experiencing any of these problems, call an emergency plumber and arrange for service as soon as possible.
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Oswego County for Your Plumbing Needs
If you need residential plumbing services in Oswego County, New York, Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help. Whether you need routine maintenance, help with large-scale renovations or assistance with a plumbing emergency, our licensed team can take care of it.
