10 Plumbing Fixes That Require a Professional

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Plumbing is one of those things you just don’t notice until it stops working, and then it’s a mess. A clogged drain can mess up your morning, a leaky faucet can keep you up at night, and a burst pipe will send you into a panic. Some things can be resolved with a bit of elbow grease and a YouTube tutorial, but others should be left to the experts. You’re not planning on turning a little mistake into a big mess, are you?

In this article, we will get into some plumbing issues that should let off alarm bells. These aren’t your standard fixes, these kinds might leave you ankle deep in water (or worse) if you mess with them. So, let’s chat about when to toss the plunger and call in reinforcements.

Clogged Sewer Lines

You can’t just break your way out of a clogged sewer line. If water starts backing up in your sinks, tubs or toilets, you’ve got a bigger problem on your hands. Tree roots, collapsed pipes or just years of buildup, can lead to sewer line blockages. You don’t want to use drain cleaner for this — you’ll need specialized equipment and expertise to clean it up without damaging the pipes.

Low Water Pressure

Insane Cleaning Hacks You Won't Believe Actually Work! — Image Credit: Nicole-Koehler/Wikimedia Commons

If your formerly powerful shower now feels more like a drizzle, it’s easy to cast the blame on the water company. However, low water pressure can sometimes mean there’s a problem you can’t see, including mineral deposits in the pipes, a broken pressure regulator or a leak. A wrench and a prayer won’t diagnose the root cause.

Leaky Pipes

At first, a leaky pipe is harmless enough, right? A few drops of water here and there. Wrong. Wasted water aside, those drips really add up, potentially damaging your walls or floors. The average household can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually due to leaks, says the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you see signs such as water stains, damp spots, or an unexplained increase in your water bill, it’s time to bring in a pro.

Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are many homeowner’s nightmare. It’s messy. Water gushing into your home will ruin floors, furniture and more. There are no quick fixes here. If you do have a damaged section, a professional plumber can replace the section and help you avoid future problems.

Water Heater Troubles

Having a water heater that won’t heat is extra frustrating, but trying to fix it yourself is not only futile, it’s dangerous. There’s a lot that can go wrong with components like gas lines and electrical wiring. Improper repairs to water heaters can lead to gas leaks, fires or even explosions. So, for this one, always call a professional.

Major Pipe Replacements

Repiping a home is not the same thing as exchanging an old garden hose, it’s not even close. Repiping needs proper permission, permits, and knowledge of local plumbing codes! It’s not a weekend DIY project, it’s a job for a properly trained person who knows how to do it without just ripping your walls up unnecessarily.

Gas Line Issues

Smelling gas in your home? If it happens, don’t wait; call a professional immediately. Not only are gas leaks dangerous, but if left unchecked, they can be fatal. Because gas line repairs are a specialty that requires specialized tools and a thorough knowledge of safety protocols, it’s pretty clear that this is one job that needs to be done by professionals.

Wrong Toilet Installation

Repairing a Running Toilet — Photo Credit: Pexels

A new toilet installation seems easy until it starts leaking or it won’t flush. Installing a toilet poorly can cause water damage and waste water and will eventually cost you a fortune. If it isn’t done right the first time, you’ll waste time and get frustrated. A licensed plumber will ensure it’s done right the first time.

Recurring Drain Clogs

Clogged drains, no matter how often you clean them is a sign that you have a bigger problem. If you’re experiencing chronic clogs, it could be a sign of damaged pipes, or blockages further down the line. Hydro-jetting is something plumbers use their advanced techniques to do when these stubborn problems arise, leaving your pipes as good as new.

Sump Pump Failures

No one wants to come home from work to find a flooded basement because your sump pump failed during a heavy rainstorm. In the case of mechanical failure or an installation problem, a sump pump is best left to the professionals who can have it up and running before the next downpour.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.