DIY Vs. Professional Plumbing: When to Call in the ProfessionalsPublished: February 14, 2024

Why is plumbing important? Well, your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home. Without it, you won’t have any access to one of the most precious resources in the world: water.

However, your plumbing system will inevitably encounter some problems, such as cracked pipes, leaky faucets, and more. When that happens, you usually have to decision to make: whether you fix the problem yourself or call for help from a professional plumbing company.

Never fear because in this blog, let Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling help you with the ins and outs of dealing with your plumbing and heating problems. Here’s a list of plumbing problems you can deal with by yourself and what to look out for that tells you it’s time to call backup.

Dealing with Leaky Faucets

One of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face is leaky faucets. Although it’s only a tiny problem, it can become a massive issue in the long run. Not only that, but the constant dripping noise can be annoying. Leaky faucets can also lead to high water bills and water wastage.

DIY Repair
Using a few basic tools, you’ll be able to fix leaky faucets quickly. However, it can be a meticulous process since you have to disassemble, replace the parts, and reassemble everything again. If you are good at keeping track of parts and know the process, then fixing a leaky faucet is no problem.

Call for an Expert
If you’re not sure or confident about your skills in keeping track of parts and the process of fixing a leaky faucet, then it might be time to call for an expert. On the other hand, you can also call for help if you have already tried your hand at fixing it, only to find it is still leaking. Plumbing leak repair is one of the most common services that professional plumbing companies do for their clients.

Unclogging Drains and Toilets

Slow and clogged drains can be frustrating and can render your fixtures useless. Plenty of methods and techniques are available for you to choose from to solve these problems easily. One of the standard tools to use is your trusty plunger.

Otherwise, there are chemicals available in the markets that can help unclogging your drains. However, be careful when using these products since they can do more harm than good to your drainage and pipes.

DIY Repair
More often than not, clogged drains and toilets can be fixed even though you’re not a plumber. As mentioned, you can use chemicals that are made especially to clear clogged drains. The major downside of using this method is that it can corrode your pipes over time and can be dangerous and toxic.

Another unclogging method you can use is by using a plunger to remove the clogs from your drains and toilets. Hooks and snake drains can also be used, but this equipment might not be available in your home for quick use. You won’t have to worry about being bombarded with plumbing that might smell like rotten eggs.

Call for an Expert
You already used the chemical and plunger methods for your clogged drain and toilet, but if you’re still experiencing clogs or slow drains, then it’s time for the big dudes. The professionals. Some clogs can be easily removed by disassembling and assembling the fixture. With their knowledge and equipment, fixing your clogged toilet and drain will be quick and easy.

Replacing Shut-Off Valves

Shut-off valves can be found under sinks and behind the toilet. Their function is for you to be able to turn the water supply for your toilet or sink on or off. The shut-off valve’s location makes it easy to reach and access even without using any kind of equipment. So if there’s any problem, like leaks, you can replace the shut-off valves yourself.

DIY Repair
If you want to DIY your repairs for your shut-off valve, you might need to have tools that aren’t found in your home. The good news is that pliers and wrenches are more than enough. However, if you have sweat valves, which are soldered, a soldering torch might be needed. And that’s a tool that not many homeowners might be familiar with. In other cases, compression-style valves may need to be cut first to remove it before attaching a replacement.

Call for an Expert
If a wrench can let you easily remove parts to be replaced, then you’re good. But if it doesn’t work or you’re dealing with stubborn compression valves or old sweat valves then you need some help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from plumbing companies near you.

Running Toilet

More often than not, the root causes of running toilet problems are minor faults in the interior component. Because of that, running toilet problems can be fixed as long as you have the right tools.

DIY Repair
Make sure that your internal components, found behind the bowl of your toilet, are in their proper places. If you do, then your running toilet problem is as good as fixed. Some running toilet problems can be caused by one or more of the following:

• Your fill tube got detached from the overflow tube
• The flapper valve’s chain got tangled
• Your flapper valve itself needs to be replaced
  

Fixing these problems is more or less doable if you are using the right tools.

Call for an Expert
If these minor fixes don’t solve the problem, then it’s something more serious than the misplacement of the internal parts. After a thorough plumbing inspection, the experts will know what the problem is, what to do about it, and have the equipment to fix it. 

Benefits of Enlisting Help from Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Buffalo, NY

Is your kitchen sink slowly draining? Are your shower drains or toilet clogged? If you’re having trouble with dealing with emergency plumbing problems, don’t hesitate to seek help. If you are still wondering how asking for professional help can give you, here are some of the perks you can get!

Thorough and Detailed Knowledge. Professionals aren't called professionals for nothing. They spent time and effort learning all their skills and knowledge regarding the plumbing system. Thanks to that, they’ll know what ails your plumbing, know where to look, and how to fix it.

Latest Equipment. Not only are these plumbing experts armed to the teeth with their vast intellect, but they’re also well-equipped with the right tools that can solve just about any plumbing issue you’re having.

Peace of Mind. No need to worry about making any mistakes or making matters worse. If you’re not confident with your handiness skill, then it’s best to leave your plumbing maintenance and care to the skilled hands of a professional.

Professional Plumbers in Western New York

It’s entirely possible for you to DIY your plumbing repairs and fixes. However, they can be tedious and needs meticulous attention. If you’re not squeamish and you’re down to get down and dirty, then go right ahead and get to fixing!

However, there will always be instances where the issue is more than you can handle. The fix might need tools that you don’t have, or it’s more dangerous to do. If that’s the case, don’t wait for someone to get hurt or make your plumbing issue worse.

Call a professional like Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for help! If you’re ever in the Buffalo or Western New York area, we’ll be there for you and solve your plumbing problems. Check out our website for more information and promotions about your plumbing needs and more!