DIY Plumbing Repairs: What You Can and Can’t Do with Proline Plumbing and Sewer Vancouver, Washington

When it comes to plumbing issues, many homeowners consider tackling repairs themselves to save money. While DIY plumbing can be a rewarding experience, it’s crucial to know your limits to avoid worsening the problem. At Proline Plumbing and Sewer, we’re committed to helping our customers navigate the world of DIY plumbing safely and effectively. Here’s a guide to what repairs we recommend that you can perform, and ones you should not.

DIY Plumbing Repairs You Can Handle

1. Clogged Drains

What You Can Do: Drain cleaning minor clogs in sinks and bathtubs are often manageable with a plunger or a simple drain snake. For light blockages, you can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, followed by hot water to clear the clog.

What to Avoid: Avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as these can damage your pipes over time. If these methods don’t work, it’s time to call a plumber near you for more advanced solutions.

2. Leaky Faucets

What You Can Do: Replacing a worn-out washer or O-ring can often fix a leaky faucet. Make sure to turn off the water supply before starting and follow instructions for disassembling and reassembling the faucet.

What to Avoid: If the leak persists after replacing parts, it might indicate a more significant issue with the faucet or the underlying plumbing. In such cases, contact Proline Plumbing and Sewer for a professional inspection.

3. Running Toilets

What You Can Do: Often, a running toilet is due to a faulty flapper or fill valve. Replacing these components is a straightforward task that many homeowners can handle.

What to Avoid: If you find that the problem isn’t fixed by replacing these parts or if the issue is with the toilet’s internal mechanism, it’s best to call us and schedule an on-site visit with one of our seasoned technicians to prevent further complications.

4. Low Water Pressure

What You Can Do: Sometimes, low water pressure is caused by sediment buildup in faucet aerators or showerheads. Cleaning these parts can restore normal pressure. If you are not sure how to do this, Proline offers an assortment of pipe descaling and drain cleaning services.

What to Avoid: Persistent low water pressure might indicate a deeper issue with your plumbing system or water supply. For such problems, Proline Plumbing and Sewer’s 24-hour emergency service can provide a quick resolution.

DIY Plumbing Repairs Best Left to the Professionals

1. Major Pipe Leaks and Burst Pipes

What You Can Do: Temporarily turning off the main water supply and containing the leak can help minimize damage until help arrives.

What to Avoid: Major leaks or burst pipes require specialized tools and expertise. Attempting to repair them yourself can lead to further damage or incomplete fixes. Contact a local plumber immediately to address the issue professionally.

2. Sewer Line Issues

What You Can Do: You can perform basic maintenance, like not flushing inappropriate items down the toilet or avoiding grease in the kitchen sink.

What to Avoid: Sewer line problems, such as blockages or damage, require professional intervention. Attempting DIY repairs on your sewer line can lead to significant issues and costly sewer line replacement. Proline Plumbing and Sewer specializes in sewer line inspections and repairs.

3. Water Heater Repairs

What You Can Do: You can check the temperature settings and ensure the water heater is functioning correctly.

What to Avoid: Complex water heater repairs, including those related to heating elements or internal components, should be handled by professionals. Incorrect repairs can lead to safety hazards or further damage.

4. Complex Plumbing Installations

What You Can Do: Basic installations, such as replacing faucet handles, are manageable for many DIY enthusiasts.

What to Avoid: Installing new plumbing fixtures, especially in complex setups, requires a deep understanding of plumbing systems. Professional installation ensures compliance with local codes and prevents future issues.

When in Doubt, Call Proline Plumbing and Sewer!

If you’re unsure about tackling a plumbing issue yourself, or if you encounter a problem that’s beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to call our office. A member of our friendly staff will get you on schedule. We also offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services near you, so help is always just a call away when you need it most. Our experienced team of technicians is here to assist with any plumbing challenge, ensuring your home and business's plumbing system remains operating in top condition.