15 Jul Should You DIY a Pipe Repair?
When we think of home repairs, we may think of patching a small hole in the walls or unclogging the sink. For bigger projects, we might consider fixing a window or repairing the roof. But many of us might hesitate when it comes to DIY pipe repairs.
Damage to your pipes may take many forms. From a small leak to a pipe bursting, there are a number of things that can go wrong. As such, the necessary repairs may vary greatly depending on the damage.
In almost every situation, it’s safer to trust a professional plumber to repair your pipes. However, there are some minor repairs you might be able to DIY. Curious what kind of pipe repairs you can DIY? Keep reading to learn more.
DIY Smaller Plumbing Projects
The key to figuring out which pipe repairs you can DIY depends on the amount of damage that’s already happened. If it’s a new problem without a lot of damage, you may be able to repair the pipe yourself. If you have an older house, it may be time to replace galvanized piping.
Small Leaks
Pipe patches are a way for DIY-ers to fix small leaks in their pipes. Pipe patching kits can be found at most hardware stores. However, for the die-hard DIYers, pipe patching kits can be made utilizing a c-clamp, a piece of rubber patch, and an adhesive to secure it.
It should be noted that small leaks are rarely a random occurrence. Generally, small leaks indicate a greater issue, that pipes are wearing out or corroding. In these cases, it’s best to replace the pipe.
Water around your pipes
If water is accumulating around your pipes, it could be a sign of a leak. It could also indicate that moisture is building up from the pipes. In this situation, you can fix this by adding insulation around your pipes. DIY-ers may also apply drip tape to the pipes, which can be found at most hardware stores.
Noisy Pipes
Do you hear your pipes? Your home is supposed to be a safe haven of peace and quiet. If you wish to silence the clattering, knocking, and banging of your pipes, it’s not difficult. If you have access to your pipes, you can wrap them or secure them into their position to stop them from moving around so much.
When Should You Not DIY
While the above repairs are pretty easy to complete on your own, there are some pipe repairs that you should always call a professional to help with. There’s nothing more terrifying than realizing you bit off more than you can chew… Especially when it could lead to long term damage to your home if done even slightly wrong. Here are some repairs you should definitely leave to the pros:
Sewer Line Repairs
Sewer line repairs can quickly turn into a complicated project. A plumbing professional will have the right tools and equipment to solve any problem that may arise with your sewer line. They also have extensive training and experience. Most homeowners nowadays consult online tutorials before starting their repairs. There’s no tutorial out there that can prep a homeowner to notice and properly diagnose the more complicated sewer problems. Additionally, there are a number of safety issues associated with sewer line repairs that plumbing professionals can better navigate.
Burst Pipes
While you can safely patch a small leak here and there, burst pipes are an entirely different monster. They can pour gallons upon gallons of water into your home and damage your home’s structure and foundation quickly. A professional plumber can stop the flow of water, clean up the spilled water, and stop further damage.
535 Plumbing
Do you need your pipes repaired? Call the experts at 535 Plumbing for help with diagnosing issues in your pipes and quickly repairing the problems before they cause damage to your home. Schedule your appointment by calling (808) 300-0535. Mahalo!