Every homeowner will experience this problem at some point or another: your plumbing stops working at the least convenient time. Your drains clog right as you’re about to go to work. Your hot water heater stops working right in the middle of your shower.

You need to fix your plumbing, but how? Should you fix plumbing yourself, or is it time to hire a professional plumber to help you out?

We’re here to talk about when it’s appropriate to try your hand at DIY plumbing and when you should consider a professional plumber instead. Read on to learn more.

Swapping Out Flexible Hoses and Faucets

Over time, you may find yourself needing to replace parts of your plumbing. Whether they’re leaking or they’re just in need of updates, it’s common to do this every few years.

For most people, this is a DIY plumbing job. There are plenty of tutorials online that can help you figure out how to replace faucets and flexible hoses (two of the most commonly replaced plumbing items) so you don’t need to cover the cost to repair plumbing fixtures.

That said, replacing a faucet may seem complicated to someone who isn’t used to using tools. In this case, hiring a professional is your best bet. A professional plumber will make quick work of this small task.

Clogged Drains

Is water pooling in your sink or shower? Most of the time (but not always) this is a DIY task.

First, check for the source of the clog. If you’re like most people, the source is going to be either a piece of food in the drain, or a cluster of hair. These are both easy enough to remove.

However, if the source of the clog is unclear, or if conventional methods aren’t working, you may want to look into a professional plumbing service so that they can use a drain snake or a hydro jet (which you should not try to use on your own).

A Leaky Toilet

If your toilet is clogged, that’s an easy issue to fix with a plunger. If it’s leaking, however, it’s a sign that you might need a new wax ring. It’s normal for wax rings to wear down over time.

Most homeowners won’t be able to do this on their own without causing damage or risking serious plumbing problems. Let a plumber take care of it. It’s a quick and easy task for someone who has the right tools.

Your Hot Water Tank or Heater

You should never try to handle your hot water tank or heater without professional help. When you realize that your hot water heater isn’t working, contact a professional.

Fixing a hot water tank or heater can be dangerous, and one wrong move could end up flooding your home.

DIY Plumbing: Yes or No?

Not all plumbing issues require a professional plumber. There are some DIY plumbing tasks that are easy enough for most homeowners.

For more complicated or dangerous issues, however, you should always contact your local plumber. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.

If you’re in need of a local plumber in Baton Rouge, we want to help you! Contact us today!