6 Plumbing Problems You Should Never Try Fixing Yourself
Are you trying your best to save some cash at the moment?
Everything seems to be getting more expensive, so it’s understandable that you want to cut corners to avoid spending money. It might be picking up a six-pack of beer instead of a case, hunting down the best bargains, and fixing some plumbing problems around the house instead of calling in the professionals.
However, no matter how many tools you have collected over the years, there are some tasks that you shouldn’t try to fix yourself. Especially when it comes to your plumbing. These types of repairs need to get completed by professionals. One small accident can lead to big, smelly, and more expensive issues.
So if you’re feeling handy, how do you know which plumbing problems you should avoid? If any of these tasks are on your to-do lists, then the only thing you should be doing is calling in the professionals.
1. Installing a New Hot Water System
It doesn’t matter if you’re installing a tankless system or not. You shouldn’t be going anywhere near a hot water unit that needs to get replaced. Getting a new one is expensive enough. However, you’ll need to open your wallet again if you start messing with the valves or alter the piping.
There’s also the concern that you’re dealing with gas or electricity. It’s a dangerous task in the hands of amateurs, so leave it to the professionals.
2. Hot Water Unit Issues
If you think that you might be able to fix the hot water system instead of replacing it, you should get that out of your head right now. For starters, it’s highly unlikely that any YouTube video will provide you with the exact steps you need to take for your specific unit. There’s also a very high chance that you’ll cause more damage if you start poking around it.
Only a licensed plumber should be investigating your hot water unit and providing you with an informed recommendation. You might not know what to look out for, but your plumber will, and it could end up saving you a lot of extra money if you leave it up to them.
3. Low Water Pressure
No one likes to stand under a shower that’s drizzling out water. You can try taking apart the showerhead and give it a clean or remove the water-saving restrictor to see if that works. However, if the problem persists, then you need to contact a plumber.
They will be able to diagnose if the issue is related to your piping, your hot water unit, or potentially both. They will also be able to provide you with options on how to resolve it. You don’t want to start interfering with the piping, as this could lead to more significant problems than just a low-pressure shower.
4. Blocked Drains
Small blockages in your kitchen or bathroom sink can often be fixed very easily. But sometimes your pipes can get restricted from larger obstacles. It might be a tree root that’s grown inside it or something stopping your sewerage from flushing all the way through.
It’s highly unlikely you’ll have the right equipment on you to complete a thorough investigation. However, a professional plumber will have cameras and water-blasters to help remove the obstruction before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem.
5. Broken Pipes
A broken pipe can be a major problem. It has the potential to leak water throughout your home. This can impact the foundations and cause structural damage. If the water bursts, it even means it might flood, and your home will sustain significant destruction.
While you might think you’ve found the cause of the problem, it might not be the only crack in the pipes. Plumbers have specific equipment they use to see all of the issues amongst your drainage. So as soon as you spot any damage or notice any leaks, you should call a professional immediately.
6. Sewage Problems
You should ask yourself if dealing with sewage problems is really how you want to spend your day. Is the cost-saving worth it? Investigating issues with your sewage is a job that isn’t pleasant to look at or smell. You’re not even guaranteed to discover the cause if you don’t have a trained eye.
However, a professional plumber can often complete the repairs quickly and easily. They know exactly what to look for and the solutions to the problems. You’re best not to put yourself in this type of situation if you don’t have to.
Who Can Help You With All Your Plumbing Problems?
There are some plumbing issues that you can fix yourself. You can unclog a kitchen sink, remove water-saving devices from showerheads, and change a washer on a tap. However, when you’re dealing with hot water systems, broken pipes, or your sewer system, then you need to call a professional, licensed plumber. Trying to fix these issues yourself could end up causing bigger problems and leaving you out of pocket more.
When you’re confronted by one of these scenarios, you should call All Day Plumbing. We provide honest, upfront pricing on all of our jobs and don’t start work until you understand exactly what we’re doing. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment or schedule a service call.