The most important step in DIY plumbing repair is knowing what you can and can’t do on your own. Taking on major projects unprepared is risky business, as you may only worsen the problem. In this blog article, we describe the most common home plumbing repairs you can complete entirely on your own, as well as some general tips on keeping your plumbing problem-free in the future.
Running toilets are not only one of the most common home plumbing problems, they’re one of the most expensive. A running toilet (which is, in effect, a leak from the tank to the bowl) can cost you as much as $2,000 over the course of a single year, as these leaks waste thousands of gallons of water every month and may go on unnoticed - until, of course, you see a sudden spike in your home water bill.
In many cases, leaking toilets are the result of faulty or loose flappers within the tank; if this is the case, you can most likely handle the problem on your own for under $10. Replacing and adjusting toilet flappers is an easy fix that any homeowner can do, which can end up saving you hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars in annual water use.
However, if the problem is determined to be something other than a faulty flapper or snagged floater chain, call a professional plumber right away, as the problem may be more severe than you think.
Upgrading or repairing a faucet is another relatively easy project you can take on by yourself, without needing professional assistance. The entire process can be broken down into 6 easy steps, which we’ve listed below. Of course, additional steps may be required, depending on what kind of faucet fixture you’re working with):
Cleaning or replacing your drain trap is another project you can typically do on your own, without the aid of a professional plumber.
Whether there’s a large clog in the trap, the trap is leaking or your accidentally dropped valuables down your sink, removing the trap or installing a new one in its place can affordably resolve the issue. Read more on our in-depth drain trap DIY blog post here.
If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, whether it’s in your sink drain, shower or tub, there’s a good chance you can resolve the problem on your own, without calling the pros. Consider snaking your own drain, or flushing the clog from your drains with hot water or vinegar/baking soda cleanses (read more on these quick repairs here).
While chemical cleaning products work in a pinch, you should steer clear of using them on a regular basis to clean your drains. Repetitive chemical cleaning can damage your pipes, causing more expensive problems in the future.
Above all, don’t hesitate to reach out to a plumbing professional in your area if the task at hand seems beyond what you can handle, or if emergency plumbing services are needed. Improper DIY repair efforts can actually wind up making matters worse, and cause further damage to your plumbing.