Plumbing: When to DIY and When to Hire a Pro

Many people think that they can do it themselves when it comes to carrying out a plumbing job. And it’s certainly true that many tasks can be carried out on a DIY basis. But this isn’t always the case. Many people don’t realise when they need to drop the tools and call in a professional. So, here’s when to do it yourself and when to let someone with professional knowledge take over.

DIY

Small small jobs can be carried out very easily. For example, if you simply want to update the faucets in the bathroom or kitchen, you can do this yourself. That doesn’t mean that the job isn’t challenging, but there is not too much that can go wrong. You can see what you’re working on very clearly and easily, which isn’t the case with all plumbing jobs. And there are online guides that can help you out too.

[Photo courtesy of Joe Shlabotnik/flickr.com]

As well as those kinds of replacements, cosmetic repairs to bathroom and kitchen hardware can be done by yourself too. Some of these repairs are routine and very simple. For example, a toilet might have problems that cause it to move or not function properly. These issues can usually be fixed very easily with some basic tools and sealant. So, don’t be afraid to carry out that kind of DIY work. Calling a professional would be a waste of time.

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Preparation is key to any successful DIY plumbing job though. You have to know the basics, such as turning off the water supply before you undertake the task. As long as you think logically, do the basic things and plan it out in advance, the DIY plumbing job should be a real success.

Professional

First of all, you should always call a professional if you have an emergency situation. Doing a DIY task is only ever possible if you have the time to assess it and plan it out. That’s not the case when an emergency repair is needed, so call a professional. Many plumber repair services offer fast responses, so these should definitely be taken advantage of.

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As I mentioned above, the easiest jobs to carry out by yourself are the ones that are obvious. If you can see the problem in front of you, then it’s easier to fix it. But that’s not the case for many plumbing jobs. If a pipe has a problem and it’s hidden behind a wall, sorting out the problem can be a challenge. And when there are external plumbing problems with the drains that run under the ground, that kind of problem demands a pro.

[Photo courtesy of Joe Fred the Oyster/Drain Trap- wikimedia.org]

When you’re taking on a large remodelling of your bathroom, big changes often need to be made to the plumbing. Sometimes, these changes even require permits to be given. This is complicated work in terms of the physical task of carrying out the job and the paperwork. So, it’s the kind of task that is always best left to a professional with the right experience behind them.

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5 Top Plumbing Problems at Home

The many plumbing problems that homeowners deal with can be corrected at an instant. If you detect them earlier, you will save yourself a few dollars because you won’t have to call the plumber. The problems include:

1. Low water pressure

More often than not, low water pressure is caused by a blocked aerator. Besides filtering water, the aerator prevents splashing. Water contains mineral deposits that accumulate in the aerator. Over time, the aerator gets clogged. You can easily fix this by removing the aerator, cleaning it using water and vinegar then assembling it back.

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2. Leaking toilets

This is another plumbing problem that many people can identify with. A running toilet can be a real thorn in the flesh as it wastes a lot of water. It is important to figure out the cause as this will help you determine which parts to replace. Replacing faulty parts will save you a lot of money as you salvage the situation before it becomes a costly affair.

3. Leaking pipes

Wet spots in the house could be a red flag signaling your attention to a leaking pipe. Pipes may crack due to freezing. You need to examine the walls regularly and check under sinks for evidence of leaked pipes.

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4. Slow draining sink

When the sink drains slowly, the problem is either in the drain line or sink trap. To address this issue, determine and follow the direction of waste water so that you get to the main drainpipe.

5. Dripping faucets

It may seem like not much water is lost. The truth is, at the end of the day a lot of water would have gone to waste as you scratch your head paying the water bills.

Low water pressure, leaking toilets, leaking pipes, slow draining sink, and dripping faucets are just a few of the plumbing problems that occur at home.

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How To Make A Dream Bathroom Out Of Your Current Nightmare

A bathroom that you hate is a burden we wish on no-one. A place that should be your haven to relax, get comfortable and feel clean can often be anything but. Bad planning, degradation and poor plumbing can make it a room you’d rather avoid altogether. Having a bathroom you love is important, so we’re all behind a good total renovation. If you’re looking to transform your bathroom, our tips should help you do just that.

Preparation

Before you start gutting everything and paying money out anywhere and everywhere, make a checklist. Decide everything you need, who and how many this bathroom is meant to accommodate. If you’re looking to cut some costs, see what you’re willing to tackle with DIY sense and which you need professional help for. With each step further you take, consult your checklist. Going in without a plan is the quickest way to have a bathroom you’re far from happy with.

Budgeting

You might very well be willing to pay to have each and every inch renovated. If you have the cash to get your dream bathroom, then why wouldn’t you? However, that doesn’t mean you can just skip the budget. There’s no reason you should find yourself spending way too much on one aspect of the bathroom. That only means you might and find that you have to settle for less further down the line. No matter your financial situation and your plans, make sure you put a budget together and make sure you stick to it. There’s little worse than a half-finished bathroom.

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Plumbing

If you’re completely reshaping the bathroom, you might very well be beyond the realm of DIY or having an interior decorator. Plumbing is unfortunately notorious for companies who are willing to sell you down the river and get paid to sub-par work. Make sure you hire a plumber you can trust, with the proper accreditation. If they have recommendations you can trust then that’s even better. Don’t worry, there are plenty of great plumbers out there who’ll leave you with a bathroom running squeaky clean.

Renovation

Do you want your perfect bathroom but you’re not sure how to put it together? Could you benefit from the expertise of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing? The right renovator can be a god-send. They take everything you want and their expert knowledge to produce the exact bathroom of your dreams. Bathroom renovations are a big undertaking so don’t leave anything to chance. After all, you don’t want to be doing another renovation a few years down the line.

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Soak it in

Now that you’ve got your nice, lovely bathroom all put together, make sure you really enjoy it. What’s the point of having a glamorous bathroom or a luxurious bath if you’re not going to take the time to soak it in? Get yourself some of the most deliciously pampering products available. Bath salts, scented candles, get the whole lot going and just let your worries drift away. After getting this far, you’ve definitely earned it.

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Ways To Fix A Clogged Drain

Getting rid of the log in your drain can really be a pain in the ass, most especially if you have no idea how you can get this done. If ever you try doing it yourself without any knowledge, then it will either lead to self injury or to a damaged plumbing system. With that in mind, here are ways to fix a clogged drain the safest ways possible.

Make use of hot water

How water has the capability to get rid of any drains in your clog. Boil water, pour it into the drain and try to see if it works after some time. If it doesn’t, try it again.

Clogged Drain

Use a plunger

With the use of a plunger, you can easily apply pressure on the clog in the drain. Look for any other sinks related to the drain and block these with the use of a damp rag.

Seek professional help

In the event that the above methods did not work, it is time to call in the experts. Call for a company which specializes in drain repair Toronto. When you do this, you can surely save time, effort and of course, money since you can avoid damaging your pipes. Keep in mind that you should only hire professional plumbers. This is because they have the proper equipment and adequate knowledge to fix the problem in your drain.

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