Picture this. You come home from an exciting and relaxing vacation to find your house flooded with water. The water is coming from a pipe in the wall, and you need to stop it immediately.
Determining what to do in this situation is easy: you need an emergency plumber immediately!
Situations like this require a professional in Saint Paul, MN, but less serious issues with your home plumbing might not require a professional. Instead, you might fix them yourself through the DIY route.
So, how do you figure out when it’s a DIY plumbing project and when it’s time to call the professionals? Continue reading to learn the answers.
DIY Plumbing Projects in Saint Paul, MN
As you know, home plumbing issues can range from minor issues to emergencies. If you have the right plumbing tools and knowledge, you might be able to fix some minor issues.
For example, unclogging a drain is an issue some homeowners feel competent in fixing. You might try unclogging it with a plunger or drain-cleaning tool. You can also use drain clog cleaners to remove the debris.
Cleaning your plumbing aerators is another task you can conquer yourself. You begin by removing the aerators from the faucets and then rinse or scrub them to remove the built-up debris.
Other tasks you might attempt through the DIY route include:
- Fixing leaky faucets
- Fixing small plumbing leaks
- Replacing showerheads
- Insulating pipes
- Replacing toilet parts
- Winterizing outdoor faucets
- Installing water filters
- Replacing washing machine hoses
- Fixing running toilets
When these issues arise, you could fix them yourself. These are minor enough that many people might have success with the repairs.
You might also attempt plumbing maintenance yourself, such as cleaning drains before they become clogged. Routine plumbing maintenance is vital because it helps you avoid major plumbing problems.
Tips for Successful DIY Plumbing
When performing a DIY plumbing project, you’ll need to follow a few steps:
Step 1: Gather the Right Tools
As with any project, you’ll need tools to repair the issue. You may need wrenches, screwdrivers, augers, and pipe cutters. Gather the items you need before attempting to repair the issue.
Step 2: Turn off the Water
Next, turn off the water to the fixture you’re fixing. Some plumbing fixtures have shut-off valves near them. These individual valves only turn off the water for that fixture.
If your plumbing fixtures don’t have these, you may need to shut off the main water supply to your home. Your home won’t have any water during this time, so do this right before fixing the issue.
Step 3: Fix the Issue
Now, you’re ready to fix the issue. Address the issue by taking the fixture apart or locating the problem. Then, make the necessary repairs.
Step 4: Test It
Finally, test your work. If you’re fixing a clogged drain, does the drain flow well? If you’re fixing a leaky faucet, is it still dripping?
When to Call a Professional Plumber in Saint Paul, MN
Most homeowners experience minor issues they can fix, but you might also experience times when the issues are too big for a DIY job. In these cases, calling a professional is the better choice.
There are plenty of examples of plumbing problems that require hiring a professional, including:
- Broken pipes
- Sewer line clogs and leaks
- Low water pressure throughout your home
- Cracked, burst, or frozen pipes
- Water heater replacement
- Remodeling projects that require fixture replacements
You’ll get expert solutions when you hire a professional for these reasons. They’ll fix the issue properly the first time, leaving your plumbing system in excellent condition.
Signs You Need Professional Plumbing Help
How do you know if you should do the work yourself or hire it out? You can judge for yourself based on your skills and time, but looking for some signs can help you make the right call.
First, how major is the problem? Is it something you can fix, or is the problem too big to tackle? Smaller jobs make great DIY projects, but you should leave larger and more serious issues to the professionals.
Second, what potential damage could the problem cause? For example, a plumbing leak could cause water damage, mold, and mildew throughout your house. Fixing it right is crucial.
Finally, can you diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs? You might notice your water bills are much higher than usual, but do you know why?
You might smell strange odors but can’t determine where they’re coming from. When you can’t diagnose the issue, professionals can, and it’s better to trust them with the job than attempt it yourself.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber in Saint Paul, MN
Of course, you’ll reap some excellent benefits by hiring a professional plumber for your plumbing work. Here are a few:
Expertise
Professionals have experience with all plumbing issues. This means they can diagnose the problem accurately and provide the best solutions.
Time-saving
Hiring it out means you’ll save time. Plumbing repairs are time-consuming, especially if you don’t have the right tools or knowledge. Hiring it out frees up your time and gets the job done properly.
Reduced risk of other problems
Proper job completion reduces the risk of further problems with your plumbing system. Professionals address the full scope of the issue and make all the needed repairs.
Guarantee
Professional plumbers have the proper licensing, insurance, and permits, and most offer a guarantee on their work.
DIY Home Plumbing vs. Hiring a Professional
With the right tools and skills, you might be able to fix some of the home plumbing problems you experience. However, for serious problems, the best choice is to trust a professional plumber in Saint Paul, MN.
Do you need a plumber? Look no further. Mr Plumbing and Drains is a plumbing company you can trust. We are fully licensed and can handle every problem, small or large. We aim to provide excellent and flawless services to everyone we serve.
Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
