Dealing with plumbing issues ranks right up there as one of the most stressful parts of owning a home. Whether it’s an annoying drip from a leaky faucet, the gurgle of a slow drain or the unsettling smell of sewage, it can be tough to know when to grab your toolbox and pull up YouTube videos or call in a master plumber. Understanding when to call a plumber doesn’t just offer peace of mind but also prevents costly damage in the long run.
To help you figure out which plumbing issues are safe to tackle on your own and which ones require calling a plumber, here is some real-world experience from the pros at B&L Plumbing on common plumbing problems, the biggest DIY mistakes and clear warning signs that you need a professional.
Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Face
According to our experts at B&L Plumbing, these are some of the most frequent plumbing issues homeowners face:
Backups
A backed-up drain or toilet can throw your entire household into chaos. If water (or worse, waste) is moving in the wrong direction, you’ve likely got a blockage that needs immediate attention.
Toilet Troubles
From constantly running toilets (which can waste gallons of water daily) to ones that refuse to flush, toilet issues are more than an inconvenience — they can drive up your water bill and potentially damage floors (and ceiling if the toilet is on an upper floor) if leaks go unnoticed.
Garbage Disposal Issues
When a disposal jams or stops running altogether, it can lead to odors, clogged sinks and frustration. Garbage disposal repair can be tricky if you don’t know how the unit is wired or assembled.
Shower Cartridges
If you’re getting nothing but scalding water or your shower temperature swings wildly, a worn-out shower cartridge may be the problem.
Sewer Backups
This is one of the most serious plumbing problems. A sewer backup can quickly become a health hazard, so if you notice foul smells or waste backing up in multiple drains, it’s time to call a master plumber.
Water Heater Problems
Whether it’s a leak, inconsistent temperature or no hot water at all, water heater issues can disrupt daily life especially in wintertime.
Kitchen Faucet Failures
A dripping faucet may seem minor, but those little drips can add up on your water bill. In more severe cases, internal faucet components break, causing steady dripping or water pressure issues.
Washer Valve Leaks
Washing machines use a lot of water in short cycles. If valves or hoses are compromised, you could end up with significant water damage in a matter of minutes.
When Can You DIY?
Knowing which plumbing issues you can tackle yourself — and which you should call a plumber for — saves you time and money, not to mention frustration. B&L Plumbing’s experienced plumbers suggest that minor repairs are often safe for confident DIYers, provided they have the right tools and basic know-how. Here are two easy DIY plumbing fixes:
- Replacing a Toilet Flapper
A running toilet is commonly caused by a worn-out flapper. This simple rubber or plastic seal in the tank can be swapped out relatively quickly, stopping the constant flow of water. - Tightening Loose Nuts on Pipes
A slow drip under your sink might be fixed by a careful tightening of the nut around the fitting. However, the key word here is “careful.” Over-tightening can crack pipes or strip threads, leaving you with a bigger issue.
Common DIY Pitfalls
Even if you’re handy, certain mistakes can turn a small fix into an expensive repair. Our plumbers have seen homeowners jump into big projects without shutting off their water (or gas) properly. Others rely on guesswork, which can break parts, cause more leakage or lead to hidden mold growth. So, if you’re unsure about a repair, call a professional plumber especially if the problem involves complex systems or requires specialized equipment.
5 Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional Plumber
While DIY can be satisfying, there are clear red flags that signal you need more than just a quick fix. Here are five telltale signs it’s time to pick up the phone and call a licensed plumber.
1. You Don’t Have a Working Shut-Off Valve (or You’re Dealing with Gas)
Anytime you’re dealing with a fixture or pipe and you can’t properly shut off water or gas to that specific area, stop. Likewise, any work involving gas lines (e.g., for water heaters) can be dangerous. Plumbers have the expertise to handle gas safely and ensure everything is up to code.
2. Persistent or Unstoppable Backups
Are you seeing water backing up in your sink, shower, and toilet simultaneously? That’s a sign of a severe blockage — often in the main sewer line. This can quickly escalate into a health hazard if sewage begins to flow into your home. Professional plumbers have specialized cameras, hydro-jetting equipment or other advanced tools to clear and repair your line.
3. Suspicious Leaks or Strange Smells
Leaks aren’t always obvious; sometimes, they hide behind walls or under floors. Water stains on ceilings, unexplained dampness, mold growth or a musty smell often point to a hidden leak. Also, if you ever smell gas or sewage in your home, you need an expert assessment right away. Never attempt to fix these on your own.
4. Higher-Than-Normal Water Bills
If your water usage stays the same but your bills spike, it’s a sign water is going somewhere it shouldn’t. You might have a small, slow leak deep within the pipes, or a more significant issue in the main line. A thorough inspection by a master plumber can identify and repair the source and bring your bill back down to normal.
5. Slow Drains That Don’t Improve
A single slow drain might just need a plunger or a minor cleaning. But if several drains are clogged or if your sink repeatedly returns to a sluggish flow after each “fix,” the problem likely lies deeper in the system. DIY augers might offer a temporary fix and chemicals damage pipes over time. A plumber can quickly diagnose and correct the underlying cause, ensuring the problem doesn’t keep coming back.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
Ignoring or postponing needed repairs often leads to bigger (and costlier) headaches:
- Widespread Water Damage – Even a small drip can rot wood, warp floors and foster mold growth behind walls.
- Potential Gas Leaks – If your home has gas-powered appliances, any DIY error could be hazardous to both your property and your family’s health.
- High Repair Bills – Catching a leak early means a quick fix. Waiting too long could mean tearing out walls, repairing structural damage or replacing an entire fixture.
- Flooding Risks – A sudden burst in a compromised pipe can release gallons of water before you can shut it off.
- Long-Term Leaks – Temporary patches may fail, leading to more severe damage later.
Have a Plumbing Concern? Call B&L Plumbing
Whether you’ve got a running toilet or are dealing with something as serious as sewer backups, the plumbers at B&L Plumbing can help.
- Quick Diagnosis: Our skilled team uses advanced tools to pinpoint problems fast.
- Reliable Solutions: We don’t just patch issues; we fix them thoroughly and safely.
- Friendly, Professional Service: We respect your home, communicate clearly and stand behind our work.
Contact B&L Plumbing today to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you get back to normal — without the stress or guesswork.
