Many people think that they can fix their plumbing problems on their own. And sometimes they are right. Sometimes it is just a matter of a small amount of effort and know how. Sometimes you can unclog your own drain (if you have the right tools). This article will help you know when you can do it on your own and when you need to call in a professional. In the end, it is important to be able to make that distinction.

Common Plumbing Problems

There are many common plumbing problems, but here are some of the most common:

  • Leaky faucets
  • Clogged drains
  • Leaking pipes
  • Cracked toilets or baths
  • Old vanities

With leaky faucets, the solution is sometimes simple. Sometimes a connection can simply be tightened. Other times, however, it is necessary to sweat a new pipe or even buy and install a new faucet. These are things that most people should not try themselves. Even if you have done it a few times before, sweating a pipe can be not only dangerous, but likely to fail if you are not qualified. And installing a new faucet can be far more complicated than it seems.

Unclogging a drain is sometimes simple. If you have a small snake (a tool used to unclog drains) then you can simply use that. Other times, however, the trap needs to be removed completely and cleaned. In these cases, it may not be something you want to do yourself.

A leaking pipe is almost always something that requires a professional. In many cases, pipes need to be either replaced or cleaned and re-sweated. In either of these cases, it is something most homeowners should not try to do themselves.

Cracked fixtures can be difficult to handle if you aren’t a professional. In general, they need to be completely replaced, which means buying a new toilet (or whatever is broken) and installing it. This is something that most of us cannot do on our own.

Replacing an old vanity may seem like a good thing to do on your own — a weekend project, perhaps — but it is one of those things that can easily get out of control. Unless you have experience doing this, it is much better to leave it to a professional.

Can I Fix It Myself?

In general, there is a reason that plumbers have years of training and experience that the rest of us do not have. It is like any other job and area of expertise — it may seem easy from the outside, but plumbing requires very specific knowledge and a whole lot of experience (not to mention tools of the trade). It is almost always best to leave plumbing to the plumbers.

If you have something that needs attending to in your home or business, it is best to contact a plumber. We know that you won’t regret bringing in a professional. A good professional plumber is there to make your life easier, and they should not need to charge an arm and a leg to do so.

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