D-I-Y or Call an Expert?

There’s a fine balance when it comes to home plumbing repairs. On the one hand, if you do the repair yourself, you can save some money and learn a little about your home plumbing system while also getting the satisfaction of a job well done.

On the flip side, if you don’t properly repair the problem, you can potentially turn a simple leak into a plumbing emergency and possibly add some extensive water damage to your repair bill. It’s crucial to be able to distinguish a simple job that you can take on yourself from one where you should call in a licensed plumber from the get-go.

Know Your Skill Level

Experience is the most important factor to keep in mind while you’re deciding on whether to call a licensed plumber or go the DIY route. If you built your house and installed all the plumbing yourself, you are probably prepared to take on any and all challenges. But, if you have never picked up a wrench, you might want to think twice before tackling anything more difficult than a leaky faucet.

Of course, even with little-to-no experience, there are some jobs you can tackle on your own. The key is to know when to stop before you make things worse. The following are tasks that most homeowners can complete on their own:

• A Clogged Shower Drain or Toilet: These are usually simple jobs that you can resolve with a plunger or a small hand snake. More importantly, it’s hard to make things worse even if you fail to clear the clogged drain. Keep in mind that main line backups however, will require large specialized equipment which can be dangerous to operate. These jobs are probably best left to the pros.
• A Leaky Faucet: This is a trickier job and requires some rudimentary plumbing tools – but as long as you remember to shut off the water supply before you start and follow directions carefully – it’s possible to repair a leaky faucet on your own even if you don’t have any plumbing experience.
• Sink Stopper/pop-up Adjustment: This is another relatively easy task that only requires a pair of pliers, a flashlight and some patience. Also, because the repair is in the drain and not the pipes that supply the water – you are a little more limited in the damage you can cause. Just be sure to check your work and always test by filling up the sink with water and letting it drain. This will show you immediately if there are any issues that need to be fixed.

Know When to Call and Expert

After you master the basics and expand your skillset, you may feel comfortable taking on more complicated jobs. However, you still need to know your limits. For jobs that require going into walls, involve issues with your water heater, or present problems with the main sewer line, you will almost always need professional help.

Another benefit to hiring a licensed and experienced plumber is that they can spot issues quickly and make recommendations that will keep your home safe. Plumbers in Bozeman require 4 years of state-approved training before they can become licensed in the State of Montana.

Call Ranger Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for the best plumbers in Montana. If you live in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, or the surrounding areas we can help. We always answer our phones! (406) 586-6959