When it comes to home plumbing repair, DIY repair work is all fine and good—up to a certain point. Read through these common plumbing problems to see when the Seider Heating, Plumbing & Electrical experts feel it’s ok to try DIY plumbing repair and when you should call a professional plumber to avoid any mishaps or serious damage.
Plumbing Problems You Can Probably Fix Yourself
Running Toilet—your toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day if it’s running nonstop. The most common culprit is a faulty flapper valve which controls the amount of water that passes from the tank to the bowl. Remove your current flapper valve and take it with you to the hardware store to find an exact replacement. The process is as simple as turning off the water, draining water from the toilet tank, removing the faulty flapper valve, and then placing the new one in. Be sure to turn the water back on once the new flapper is installed and test it with a few flushes to make sure it’s operating as it should.
Clear Backed up Drains—don’t let blocked drains ruin your day. Clear them by pouring a pot of boiling water in the sink, then add a 1/2 cup of baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes, then pour down one cup of vinegar followed by one cup of very hot water. Cover with a drain plug (to keep the bubbling reaction in the drain) and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Flush once more with boiling water and you should be all set. If this doesn’t work, try purchasing a drain snake from your local hardware store or calling for a professional drain cleaning.
Clogged Toilet—first try unplugging your toilet with a plunger, using steady up and down motions to get the blockage to loosen. Be aware that stubborn clogs may require a few minutes of vigorous plunging. If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, you may need to pick up a snake or auger at your local hardware store to move the clog through the piping.
Call Our Professional Plumbers for These Common Problems
Leaks of any size—if you notice a leak—big or small—have a professional out to take a look. Leaks can seem small on the surface but cause big issues and serious damage before you know it. It’s best to get an expert’s opinion so you don’t risk additional expensive repair work.
Broken Water Heaters—while some homeowners want to attempt a DIY replacement, there are too many connections and parts involved to be considered a good idea. Call a professional for an accurate replacement recommendation and perfect installation to ensure your family doesn’t go without hot water for any longer.
Major Installations—for any major appliance or fixture installation, call a pro. A licensed plumber knows how to safely disconnect and reconnect pipes and troubleshoot any problems that might arise during the process. Even the slightest misstep can cause water damage or a burst pipe, leading to thousands of dollars of damage. We offer free estimates so it’s easy to work with someone you trust.
When in Doubt, Have a Plumber Come Out
If you’re debating a DIY plumbing repair, call a licensed plumber from Seider Heating, Plumbing & Electrical first. We’ll give you our honest opinion and explain the extent of the work at hand. And if it’s something that requires a pro, we’ll provide you with a fair estimate to get the job done ASAP. Need heating or cooling service for your Carrier® system? Our pros can help with that, too. Call 262-436-0505 or schedule an appointment online today.