As a homeowner, it can become very frustrating to rely on professionals to resolve all of the issues that pop up around your home. And the older the house gets, the more these problems seem to occur until it feels like your budget will fall apart. This is when you need to decide which of these annoying issues you can handle correcting on your own and which ones genuinely need a professional’s expertise.
Below are some very common household plumbing issues and a few hints about which are considered good DIY projects and which should only be left to a licensed plumber’s expertise.
Clogged Drains
The best way to avoid a visit from your favorite plumber to clear a clogged drain is to address it early. As soon as you notice a drain that is slow to clear, take action. Try pouring a large pot of hot water down the drain to melt and wash away greasy residue and debris. If that doesn’t clear up the problem, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. This bubbly chemical reaction will scrub away the grease and many types of clogs. But if this magical mixture still does not provide the results you need, call in the pros before you are facing a flood of dirty water in your home.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets can be very annoying as you listen to that non-stop sound. But did you ever think about the money going down the drain along with the drops of water? A slow drip from a single faucet could be wasting about $20 a year, but a fast drip could cost as much as $200 a year. And then, there is the issue of wasting precious and limited natural resources. The smart choice is just to fix the faucet and not waste water or your hard-earned money. If the drip is caused by a worn-out washer, the solution is simple and very affordable with a trip to the hardware store. However, if the culprit is a bad compression, cartridge, or ball in the faucet, it’s time to call in the pros.
Toilet Tantrums
There are a few toilet issues that are easy fixes for anyone who has a few minutes and the desire to save some cash. The toilet that is constantly running or filling is usually a simple parts replacement. The problem is often a worn-out flapper or chain. These can be purchased for just a few dollars at the hardware or local big box store. Less common but also an easy fix is a loose or cracked overflow tube. You can purchase the replacement parts and often watch a YouTube video to see the swap out in person.
A clogged toilet might also be a DIY project if you have the desire and a plunger. A few strokes with the plunger should push the clog through the pipe and allow the toilet bowl to drain. If you want a little extra help, squirt a generous amount of liquid dish soap into the toilet and let it settle down into the drain before plunging. The soap will help to loosen any greasy build-up and make the plunger a little more effective. But if a few minutes of plunging does not clear the drain, it is time to call in a professional.
Issues with leaking water lines, no water, or no hot water should always be entrusted to a licensed plumber’s skilled hands. Call (720) 650-2455 to schedule an appointment with the pros at Flatirons Plumbing.
