Call a plumber for gas line issues, major leaks, sewer problems, and water heater installations. DIY works for clogged drains, dripping faucets, running toilets, and showerhead replacements. The rule is simple: if water damage or safety is at risk, get professional help immediately.
Plumbing problems stress everyone out. Water’s everywhere, you’re panicking, and you wonder if you should fix it yourself or call help. Let’s clear this up right now.
When DIY Makes Sense
Some plumbing jobs are beginner-friendly. You don’t need years of training or fancy tools. A YouTube video and basic supplies get you through.
Clogged Drains Slow drains are usually easy fixes. Try a plunger first. If that fails, use a drain snake. Pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain, wait 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Skip the chemical drain cleaners. They damage pipes over time and harm the environment.
Dripping Faucets That constant drip wastes water and money. Most faucet repairs need just a wrench and replacement washers. Turn off the water supply first. Take apart the faucet, replace the worn washer, put it back together.
This job takes 20 minutes max. Save yourself the $150 service call.
Running Toilets A toilet that won’t stop running wastes hundreds of gallons monthly. Usually, it’s a bad flapper valve. These cost $5 at hardware stores.
Open the tank, unhook the old flapper, snap in the new one. Done. Even kids can do this repair.
Showerhead Replacement Want better water pressure? Swap out your showerhead. Unscrew the old one by hand or with pliers. Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads. Screw on the new head. Takes five minutes.
When to Call the Pros
Some jobs aren’t worth the risk. Messing up can cost thousands in damage. These situations need professional hands like Dean Plumbing Heating.
No Water Pressure Throughout the House If every faucet runs weak, you’ve got a main line problem. This could mean pipe damage, valve issues, or sediment buildup in your system. Plumbers have tools to diagnose and fix the root cause.
Don’t guess on this one.
Burst Pipes Water shooting everywhere? Shut off your main water valve immediately. Then call a plumber right away. Burst pipes cause serious damage fast. Floors warp, walls get moldy, ceilings collapse.
This is an emergency. Pros can fix it and assess hidden damage you can’t see.
Sewer Line Backups Sewage backing up into your home is nasty and dangerous. It contains bacteria that make you sick. Multiple drains backing up at once means your main sewer line is blocked or broken.
Plumbers use special cameras to look inside pipes. They’ve got equipment to clear major blockages or replace damaged sections.
Water Heater Problems Installing or repairing water heaters isn’t DIY territory. Gas connections can leak and cause explosions. Electric connections can electrocute you. Water heaters also weigh hundreds of pounds.
Plus, most warranties require professional installation. Mess it up yourself, and you’re buying a new one out of pocket.
Low Water Pressure in One Spot A single faucet with weak pressure might just need cleaning. But if it persists, you could have a pipe leak inside your wall. Hidden leaks cause mold and structural damage.
Plumbers use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find leaks without tearing apart your walls.
Frozen Pipes Pipes freeze in cold weather and can burst when thawing. If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, you might have frozen pipes. Don’t use blowtorches or heat guns – you’ll cause fires or burst the pipe.
Plumbers know how to safely thaw pipes and prevent future freezing.
Gas Line Work Never touch gas lines yourself. Ever. Gas leaks kill people. They cause explosions and fires. Any work involving gas requires a licensed professional. Most places make DIY gas work illegal anyway.
The Money Question
DIY saves money upfront. A $5 washer beats a $150 service call. But botched DIY jobs cost way more to fix. We’ve seen people cause $3,000 in water damage trying to save $100.
Ask yourself: What happens if I mess this up? If the answer involves flooding, explosions, or sewage, call a plumber.