DIY Plumbing Hacks – What You Can Fix Yourself and When to Call a Pro

Plumbing issues often seem to appear at the most inconvenient times, from a dripping tap that interrupts your sleep to a sudden lack of hot water in the shower. While many plumbing tasks require professional expertise, there are a handful of DIY plumbing hacks that can save you time and money. In the points below, we cover what you can confidently handle yourself and when it’s best to call a licensed plumber.

What You Can Fix Yourself

• Unclogging a Drain: A slow-draining sink or shower is a common annoyance. Before calling in the pros, try using a plunger or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Pour the mixture into the drain, let it fizz for 15 minutes, and then flush it with hot water. For more stubborn blockages, a drain snake or wire coat hanger can help remove hair and debris.
• Fixing a Leaky Tap: A dripping tap isn’t just irritating; it can waste litres of water daily. Most leaks are caused by worn-out washers or cartridges, which are simple to replace. Shut off the water supply, disassemble the tap, and replace the damaged part. Reassemble and test to ensure the drip is gone.
• Running Toilet Repairs: If your toilet keeps running after flushing, the culprit is usually a faulty flapper or a misaligned float. Both issues can be fixed without special tools. Adjust the float or replace the flapper to restore your toilet’s efficiency.
• Replacing Showerheads or Taps: Swapping out an old showerhead or tap for a new one is a straightforward task. Most replacements involve unscrewing the existing fixture and attaching the new one, using plumber’s tape to prevent leaks.

When to Call a Professional

• Persistent Low Water Pressure: If cleaning the aerator on your taps doesn’t resolve low water pressure, it may be due to deeper issues, such as pipe corrosion or leaks. A plumber can accurately diagnose and fix the problem without damaging your plumbing system.
• Hot Water Isn’t Working in a Shower: When your shower stops delivering hot water, it might indicate issues with your hot water system. This is often beyond the scope of DIY repairs and could involve complex components like thermostats or heating elements. If you’re dealing with this issue, it’s time to seek professional help.
• Burst Pipes: A burst pipe can cause significant damage to your property in a short amount of time. While you can shut off the water supply to prevent further flooding, repairs should always be handled by a qualified plumber to ensure the integrity of your plumbing system.
• Sewer Line Blockages: Attempting to clear a main sewer line blockage yourself can lead to more damage and unsanitary conditions. A professional plumber has the tools and expertise to safely resolve this messy issue.
• Complex Renovation Plumbing: If you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom, any work involving pipes should be handled by a professional. This ensures compliance with local regulations and prevents costly mistakes.

Tips for Safe DIY Plumbing

• Turn Off the Water: Before starting any plumbing task, locate and turn off the water supply to avoid flooding.
• Use the Right Tools: Invest in basic plumbing tools like a plunger, wrench, and plumber’s tape to make DIY tasks easier.
• Know Your Limits: If a problem persists or worsens after your attempts, it’s time to call in the experts.

The Bottom Line
DIY plumbing can be a cost-effective way to tackle minor issues, but it’s important to recognise when professional help is necessary. Taking on complex tasks without proper expertise can lead to larger problems and higher repair costs. Need professional plumbing assistance? Contact a trusted plumber to resolve issues effectively and efficiently.