DIY Plumbing: What You Can and Shouldn’t Do Yourself

• Unclogging Drains

You can use a plunger, a drain snake, or a combination of baking soda and vinegar to clear minor clogs caused by food scraps, soap scum, hair, or grease accumulation. However, deeply embedded clogs and those caused by intruding tree roots and pipe damage need professional intervention from skilled plumbers.

• Fixing a Leaky Faucet

In most cases, you don’t need to call a plumber to help you repair a leaking faucet. A leaky faucet can often be fixed by tightening the packing nut or replacing a worn-out washer, or the cartridge inside the handle. If the faucet issue seems complex, beyond a simple fix, or you're uncomfortable tackling it yourself, call a plumbing repair service for a safe and reliable solution.

• Replacing a Showerhead

A showerhead is fairly easy to replace, as long as you have the necessary tools. You’ll need an adjustable wrench and plumber’s tape to replace a showerhead. Simply loosen the nut connecting the showerhead to the shower arm and screw the new one by hand. Then, use the wrench to tighten it further, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the threads or finish. In some cases, things can get complicated due to unexpected damage or parts mismatch. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional plumbing service if you encounter challenges during repairs.

• Repairing a Toilet Flapper

A faulty flapper valve is the main culprit behind a constantly running toilet. Replacing the flapper is a simple DIY task that can stop the water waste and restore your toilet to good working order. Here are the steps to follow to replace a toilet flapper:

• Step 1: Remove the tank lid
• Step 2: Disconnect the lift chain connecting the flapper valve to the flush handle
• Step 3: Gently remove the flapper valve
• Step 4: Line up the new flapper valve with the mounting points and hook it back onto the overflow tube

Plumbing Tasks You Shouldn’t Handle Yourself

• Major Leaks

Large leaks, especially those originating from hidden pipes or behind walls or appliances, require a plumber's expertise to diagnose the source and implement a proper repair to avoid further damage.

• Water Heater Installation or Repair

Water heater installation involves plumbing connections, gas lines (for gas-powered models), and safety considerations. Leave this task to a licensed plumbing service to ensure proper installation and avoid potential hazards.

• Pipe Replacement

Replacing damaged pipes, especially if they are embedded in concrete or walls, requires knowledge of the plumbing system and proper tools for cutting, soldering, or welding pipes. A professional plumbing repair service can handle this task efficiently and safely.

Other plumbing tasks that should be left to a trusted plumbing repair service include:

• Sump pump installation
• Garbage disposal repair
• Sewer line cleaning
• Drain line replacement
• Bathroom remodeling

Need Plumbing Help? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today

If you need help with complex plumbing repairs that you can’t handle yourself, call the pros at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Whether it be water line repair, sewer repair, sump pump replacement, or leak detection, we have the knowledge, experience, and state-of-the-art tools to do an excellent job. We’ve been offering outstanding plumbing services since we opened our doors in 1970. Our highly trained, licensed, and insured plumbers are committed to ensuring our customers are fully satisfied.