When DIY Plumbing Is Appropriate & When It’s Time To Call Our Master Plumbers!

There are times when DIY plumbing makes sense and other times when you’ll absolutely need help from our Master Plumbers!

Team Photo of Master Plumbers at Beehive Plumbing in Northern Utah, the best plumber in salt lake city

It’s no secret that northern Utah homeowners tend to experience unique plumbing challenges compared to other regions throughout the United States. This has a lot to do with our hard water issues and the specific household demands associated with living in a high-elevation, arid climate.

Although DIY plumbing is technically a viable option for some minor, quick-fix problems, the vast majority of plumbing repairs require the assistance of experienced Master Plumbers. With the emergence of YouTube and social media tutorials all over the internet, it’s become increasingly important for people to recognize when they can handle a plumbing project and when they should call professional plumbers.

The Beehive team is here to help you save time and money on your plumbing expenses while preventing potential disasters. Below, we’ll detail when it’s appropriate to consider a DIY project—and when it definitely isn’t!

Appropriate DIY Plumbing Fixes

It’s generally ill-advised to attempt a DIY plumbing project; however, there are some scenarios in which it’s appropriate to do your own research and conduct your own plumbing repair.

Below are some common situations when a DIY plumbing fix is somewhat appropriate:

Fixing Running Toilets

It’s always annoying when your toilet won’t stop running, and this issue is particularly alarming because it can quickly run up your water bill.

The good news is that this toilet repair can often be fixed by simply adjusting your toilet’s float or flapper. When these components wear down, you can easily find replacement parts and tools at your local hardware store.

Minor Drain Clogs

Clogged or slow drains are another very common issue that can potentially be resolved without professional assistance. For minor clogs, you can sometimes use an auger or plunger to eliminate the obstruction. Baking soda and vinegar is another effective solution for minor drain clogs.

However, it’s incredibly important to avoid using over-the-counter chemical drain cleaners in your property’s plumbing system. These products are notorious for corroding and eventually damaging pipes!

Replacing Faucets & Showerheads

Dripping showerheads and faucets can often be repaired or replaced by simply following a manufacturer’s manual.

This type of DIY repair project also requires a minimal amount of tools, and this is an important project to keep in mind for your property’s overall water conservation!

When You Should Call Our Master Plumbers

There are countless scenarios in which you’re going to need help from the Beehive team, and our entire website is dedicated to these projects.

Some of the more common dilemmas in which northern Utah homeowners need our help include the following:

Sewer Line Repairs

If you notice that several of your property’s drains are simultaneously clogged or you recognize significant sewage backups throughout your plumbing system, it’s time to call professional plumbers.

These symptoms indicate sewer line repairs, which generally entail severe damages or blockages within your property’s main sewer line. This type of repair is typically difficult to diagnose and can potentially pose health risks when left unattended!

Water Heater Repairs

There are all sorts of potential water heater repairs that you might need at your home, including leaks, lack of hot water, and strange sounds. Your water heater is undoubtedly one of your most valuable appliances, which is why these projects require professional experience and attention to detail.

DIY water heater repairs often lead to even worse issues, and any mistakes with these repairs can create both water and electrical safety risks!

Remodel Plumbing Projects

When you’re considering any type of remodel plumbing project, you’ll have to ensure that professionals handle this work. Although there are plenty of YouTube videos about people doing DIY bathroom and kitchen remodels, it’s important to remember just how many permits and local codes that you’ll have to abide by.

Making even the slightest mistake with your remodeled plumbing can lead to costly issues and mistakes when you decide to put your home on the market!

Answering Other Plumbing FAQs

It’s normal to have plenty of questions when you’re experiencing plumbing repairs, and below are some FAQs that we receive on a regular basis:

Do water-saving plumbing fixtures really make a difference here in northern Utah?

Yes! Given our region’s arid climate and existential water shortage issues, the importance of water conservation in 2024 simply can’t be overstated. Low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators are incredibly important for home and business owners who want to reduce their water usage.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for clogs in my plumbing system?

Although chemical drain cleaners can provide quick fixes for minor clogs, it’s crucial to use these products as sparingly as possible.

Using these drain cleaners too much can quickly damage your property’s plumbing system, which is why it’s always better to get professional help when you’re experiencing severe or recurring clogs.

How often should I get plumbing inspections?

It’s generally recommended that you get professional plumbing inspections yearly or every two years at the very least.

In northern Utah, hard water is a widespread issue that countless home and business owners grapple with daily. Hard water is known for exacerbating the overall wear and tear on fixtures and pipes, which is why regular plumbing inspections are extra important in our region.

The best part about getting plumbing inspections is that you can catch lingering dilemmas long before they become major problems!

Plumbing Maintenance Tips To Keep In Mind!

There are many things that home and business owners need to consider when it comes to plumbing maintenance, including:

Proactively Preventing Clogs: It’s crucial that your entire household understands how important it is to be mindful of what goes down your drains and into your plumbing system. This means avoiding pouring food scraps and grease down your kitchen sink and flushing anything but toilet paper.
Get a Water Softener: Considering the severity of Northern Utah’s hard water issue, it’s a good idea to invest in a water softener to help prolong the lifetimes of your fixtures and pipes.
Regular Leak Detection Checkups: It’s important to remember how small drips can eventually lead to big plumbing problems. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect your toilets, sinks, and water heater for leak warning signs.