If you’re having a plumbing problem, you might be wondering whether you can fix it yourself.
DIY plumbing, of course, can help you avoid the time and expense of bringing in a pro. That is, if you’re able to solve the problem on your own!
Calling a plumber, on the other hand, is more of a sure thing. With a plumber, you can pretty much rest assured that the problem will be solved somehow or another. Sure, you’ll have to pay for it. But it’s basically a done deal.
So, when should you DIY, and when is it time to call a plumber? What’s the threshold?
Here’s a rundown of situations where it’s almost always best to put down your tools and call a plumber.
Clogs that won’t budge
At PV, we 100% endorse DIY unclogging in many situations. If you can move the clog with a plunger or bust it with a snake (and you’re comfortable using one), have at it! And if it’s just a little hair in your drain, you can probably remove it without our assistance.
But in many cases, clogs simply won’t budge.
Maybe you’ve tried everything you know of to unclog it. Or maybe you know what’s clogging the pipe and also know you can’t remove it on your own.
In situations like this, it’s best to call a plumber. An experienced plumber can perform a camera inspection to locate the clog, identify what it is, and determine the best way to remove it or break it up.
And if the clog is in your sewer line, you’ll definitely need a plumber to assess the situation. Speaking of sewer line clogs…
Sewer line problems
Anything involving your home’s sewer line is a job for a plumber.
The reason is that assessing the situation requires the use of equipment that homeowners simply won’t have. Specifically, you’ll need a plumber to perform a sewer line camera inspection. After that, the solution might involve hydro jetting the sewer line or repairing a crack in the sewer pipe.
In severe cases, you might have to replace your sewer line. This is more likely with sewer line problems on older properties with corroded sewer pipe material.
Parts removal
Did you know that building codes mandate that only a licensed plumber can remove any plumbing infrastructure from a structure?
For this reason, it’s really important to call a plumber when you need to replace piping or supply lines. We know it’s common for homeowners to replace their own fixtures, which is usually ok. But if you think you might want to replace sections of pipe along with the fixtures themselves, it’s a good idea to bring in a plumber.
While we’re talking about parts removal, it’s especially important to call plumber if you’re dealing with these:
Valves & fittings
It’s super common for homeowners to attempt to replace shower valves and outside spigots. It’s also common for them to call us when they experience problems with those projects.
When you start dealing with valves, things can get complicated pretty quickly. It’s nearly always better to call in someone who has experience.
The same goes for pipe fittings. It’s just really confusing (should you use Pex A or Pex B?), and folks often end up using the wrong fittings for the application. This can cause lots of problems, including leaks.
In these situations, calling a plumber can help you avoid a lot of wasted time, not to mention hassle and frustration. If a plumber helps you avoid causing a leak, you can also avoid damage to your property.
Anything you’re not sure how to do
A lot of folks learn how to fix stuff by watching YouTube. But have you ever watched video after video and struggled to find a tutorial that fits your exact situation?
Or have you ever watched the tutorial and felt intimidated?
There’s no shame in it! Heck, we know plumbing, but that doesn’t mean we’re all experts at, say, fixing our cars or installing doors and windows. It’s not like everybody needs to be an expert at every single thing.
Sometimes, you encounter a plumbing situation that either stumps you or feels too difficult to address. That’s what plumbers are for!
We’ve seen it all, and we’re 100% ready to investigate. There’s a good chance we’ll know the best way to solve the problem right off the bat.
DIY when it makes sense. And call a plumber when it doesn’t.
It’s really that simple! If you’re staring at a plumbing problem that you’re not able to solve on your own, calling a plumber is the best idea. Always.
At PV Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we provide comprehensive plumbing services to all of Metro Atlanta! If you’re struggling with a DIY fix or don’t know what’s going on with your plumbing, we can help.
Give us a call today at (404) 798-9672 or schedule service online!
