Small Plumbing Issue? When Is It Better to Call a Pro vs DIY?

Plumbing problems are an inevitable part of home ownership. Whether it’s a clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or a water pressure issue, you’re bound to run into an issue with your plumbing at some point in your life. While some small plumbing headaches are manageable with the right products and some elbow grease, it’s usually better to go with a professional. Since many plumbing issues can be complex and DIY repairs can result in unintended damages, scheduling a plumber for most repairs is usually the safest and most convenient choice. As you decide if your plumbing issue can be solved with a DIY plumbing repair, review a few common plumbing problems and when to call a plumbing pro.

leaky pipe being repaired with a wrench

Dripping Faucet

Do you have a steady faucet drip that just won’t go away? Are you at your wit’s end hearing it over and over again? Dripping faucets can lead to moisture problems and higher water bills, two things that no homeowner wants to deal with. A leaky faucet is a very common problem in households and probably something you or your family has dealt with in the past. The fix could be as easy as replacing the washer or cartridge, which most homeowners can do themselves. 

However, if the dripping persists after you’ve tried the DIY route, it’s time to call in a professional for a faucet repair service appointment. Trying to do anything more complicated than swapping out an old cartridge or washer can increase the risk of damaging the water fixture and creating larger plumbing issues. An expert plumber can identify the exact reason for the dripping and take action to fix it. 

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains happen all the time and can sometimes be easily solved with a plunger or drain snake. However, if these methods don’t work, we wouldn’t recommend using store-bought drain cleaners to unclog your drains, as these cleaners can damage your pipes.

If your drain doesn’t seem to be unclogging with a simple plunger or drain snake, it is best to call a certified plumber to come and take a look. Instead of using store-bought drain cleaners with damaging chemicals in them, a trained plumber will remove the clog with a safe drain cleaning solution. During a drain cleaning appointment, they’ll inspect your drains with a specialized camera. Next, they’ll remove the clog with a drain cleaning solution that removes all debris and doesn’t harm your pipes. 

Running Toilet 

Running toilets can drive up water bills in a short amount of time. While fixing your running toilet could be as simple as replacing the flapper or fill valve, you’ll need a professional to help if the fill tube itself is the problem. 

Since repairing or replacing fill tubes can require specialized tools, trained plumbers should handle the job to ensure the fill tube is appropriately fixed. Additionally, if the answer to why your toilet won’t stop running isn’t obvious, it’s best to contact a professional for help. Scheduling an appointment as soon as possible can prevent high water bills and problems from spiraling out of control.

Leaky Pipes 

Over time, a leak in your home’s pipes can lead to mold growth and water damage. Your water bills can also increase because of damage to your home’s plumbing system. Even if you can locate the leak, we never recommend trying to repair leaking pipes on your own.

Since leaking pipes can indicate other serious issues and potentially cause hidden water damage throughout your home, it’s better to turn to a professional. Pipe systems in homes are complex and hard to access. If you try to fix a complex pipe leak, you could accidentally cause major damage to your home. Instead of putting your home and plumbing system at risk, let a plumber detect the leak and fix it for you.

Low Water Pressure 

Low water pressure can be extremely frustrating. Nothing is worse than taking a shower after a long day’s work and having a pitiful drip instead of a nice, sustained flow of water. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as cleaning your shower head. However, if you still notice a weak stream of water coming from your faucet or shower after you’ve cleaned off the faucet head, you could have a larger issue, such as a failing pressure regulator or a damaged water heater, that requires a plumber.

Choose Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains for Plumbing Repairs in Novato and Vacaville

If you’re looking for plumbing repairs near you in Novato, Vacaville, or the surrounding Northern California area, turn to Peter Levi Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Drains. From shower and bath repairs to leak detection and water heater repair services, we’ve got the solution for any plumbing issues you may be having in your home. With over 35 years of experience and a team of certified plumbers who provide upfront pricing, we’re confident we can safely and effectively solve your plumbing problem. We also offer several coupons!

Learn more about our plumbing repair services today. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call us at 800-605-5713.

NOVATO
24 Digital Dr STE 1
Novato, CA 94949

VACAVILLE
1021 Mason St, STE 11
Vacaville, CA 95688

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Sat. 7:30am - 4pm
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