Can You Fix Your Own Plumbing Problems

Plumbing issues can happen anytime. The issues can show up by way of leaks or running faster. If you consider yourself handy around the house or want to save money, you may be interested in how to troubleshoot certain common issues. Here are some DIY tips to prevent or put off calling a plumber for now.

Drain Issues

Drain problems can happen in your kitchen or bathroom. Try to avoid harsh over-the-counter chemicals as they can damage your pipes and septic tank. You could use a natural but equally effective method with items that are already in your kitchen. If your pipes or drains are slow or partially clogged, you can use an easy combination of baking soda and vinegar. 

Did you know your plunger wasn’t just for the toilet? You can use a plunger for minor clogs such as soap scum, or hair. If clogs tend to accumulate more often than you would like, then you may want to buy a drain snake.

You can also frequently use boiling water to your advantage. Proactively pour boiling water down your shower and sink drains. That way, you will prevent soap scum from building up.

Frozen Pipes

Now that spring is coming, you can’t forget about frozen pipes for a while. However, when winter comes around again, you can be better prepared by knowing what to do. One way to handle frozen pipes is opening your lower cabinets up. That way, if you have the heat on inside your home, pipes that have begun to freeze over may naturally thaw out. You can also shut off your faucets and give frozen pipes time to release air and trapped water. Use a hair dryer to slowly defrost frozen pipes. Just don’t use anything flammable, like a match or a blowtorch.

Running Toilets

Is your toilet consistently running? That’s an easier fix than you may realize. It usually happens because the flapper valve doesn’t properly seal after you flush. The chain that connects the lever to the flopper has likely slipped off. Remove the lid from the back of the toilet. Reconnect the chain that attaches to the flopper. Then, put the flapper back in his position and try to flush again.

How to Pick a Good Plumber

Ask Questions Before Meeting

While it’s great to be able to do things yourself, sometimes you’re going to have to get a professional plumber. Before you do, make sure you have some questions ready. Knowing what to ask a plumber before hiring them can ensure you get a responsible professional. Many plumbers also offer you free estimates. While doing a free estimate consultation, that’s the perfect time to ask any other questions you have.

Read Reviews

There are plenty of review sites online that let you know if the plumber is good for you. Check Consumer Reviews, Trustpilot, Reddit, Angie’s List, and more. If a plumber has a series of one or two-star reviews, you may want to avoid them. Note what customers say about punctuality, customer service, and overall quality of work.

Gather Quotes

You don’t have to get the first plumber you talked to. Take advantage of consultations and gather quotes from a few plumbing companies. Compare their pricing with their other services.

Check the Range of Service

Pick the right plumber so you can use them repeatedly. Some plumbers specialize in many fields. You may be able to use the same plumber to work on your sewer line or water line, make repairs, do new installations, install a new water heater, etc.

It’s great to be able to do things around the house. There are certain small things that you can always troubleshoot on your own without wasting time and money calling a plumber. After all, a running toilet or a slightly clogged drain can be fixed on your own. However, certain things require professional work. In other words, if a pipe bursts, creating a huge flood in your home, you need a professional plumber to fix it.