Should plumbing repairs ever be a Do-It-Yourself project? Well, in some cases it might be alright. For instance, perhaps you have a clog that is close to the surface of your sink drain and you can just relieve it on your own with nothing more than a sink plunger and a little bit of elbow grease.
So sure, we do encourage “DIYers” in some cases, but definitely not all. When it comes you’re your plumbing, it may be unsafe to try to handle things on your own, as you can wind up doing more harm than good to your plumbing system and possibly even leave yourself susceptible to more problems in the future. We advise that for trickier problems, you contact a professional Palatine, IL plumber.
Drain Clogs
Why shouldn’t you handle deep drain clogs on your own? After all, they’re easily resolved with some store-bought chemical drain cleaners, right? Well, that’s only part of the story. Yes, drain clogs can temporarily be relieved by that bottle of liquid drain cleaner you picked up from the store. But the chemicals used in these solutions do more than eat through a clog, they eat through your pipes eventually, too.
Additionally, they don’t effectively remove the clog, so you may find yourself facing the same exact problem a few months later to no avail. Recurring issues may also point to deeper problems in your drains, including damage from tree roots, and water leak detection tests are crucial for preventing hidden damage. If your clog can’t be removed with a plunger or a homemade cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar (also great for cleaning your garbage disposal) then calling an established business with trusted Chicago plumbers for drain snaking, hydro-jetting, sewer line repair, maintenance services, or replacement services is your next best step. In the Windy City, strict plumbing code requirements and many aging homes are another reason professional service is often the safer choice.
Water Pressure Decline
Low water pressure may have a simple solution, depending on what is causing it. Sometimes, is as simple as removing the aerator from the affected faucet or tap (a small screen at the end of the opening) and cleaning it out. But this is usually only an appropriate fix when the water pressure is only impacting one tap in your household; when it affects overall plumbing systems, it should be checked by licensed plumbers offering fast and reliable service in Chicago IL and the nearby suburbs.
If your whole house has had a sudden or gradual drop in water pressure, then something more serious may be going on. Perhaps you have a clog or obstruction deep down in the sewer line that requires professional drain cleaning or repair. Recurring issues may also point to deeper problems in your drains, including tree roots. Or you could have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, including the main water line, allowing water to escape behind a wall or beneath your property, and in the surrounding suburbs as well as the city, extreme winter weather can also contribute to frozen lines or burst pipes that reduce pressure.
If you notice a drop in water pressure and it’s not resolved by cleaning out your aerators, then it’s time to give our pros a call for emergency plumbing services, available 24 hours a day. As a local plumbing team, we respond quickly when a plumbing emergency affects residential or commercial plumbing needs. Severe cases may also require water line repair, sewer line repair, or replacement services. Ongoing maintenance services and regular plumbing inspections can help catch drain issues early and save money.
When DIY Plumbing Goes Wrong
As we alluded to above, there are some simple repairs and plumbing jobs that an experienced DIYer can handle. Perhaps it’s tightening a nut when a leaky faucet starts dripping, but ongoing fixture problems may need faucet repair instead of repeated DIY fixing. However, many DIY projects go wrong, and you can end up paying for your initial attempt at repairing the issue and a follow up visit from a pro to effectively resolve the issue with quality workmanship. Leaky faucets can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually.
Licensed plumbers can also handle toilet repair, sink repair, faucet installation, garbage disposal installation, water heater repair, and water heater installation when a DIY attempt is no longer appropriate. A trained technician can also service toilets, restore hot water, and provide gas line repair when safety is a concern.
Don’t wait too long to call in a pro once you feel the problem has gone beyond what your capabilities allow, since professional repair services are available 24 hours a day when a job becomes urgent. If your whole house has had a sudden drop in pressure, a leak behind a wall or beneath the property, a problem with the main water line, or the need for water line repair may be the cause. There may be plenty of “how-to” videos on the internet, but without the right training and experience, there are a number of things that can go wrong. For homeowners with a busy schedule, flexible appointment times can make that first call much easier.
For Chicago plumbing work, verify a valid plumbing contractor license and ask for itemized written estimates so you get dependable plumbing solutions before hiring. For emergency plumbing services in Chicago IL, choose a local plumbing option for Chicago and the nearby suburbs that offers fast, reliable, and efficient service; licensed plumbers respond quickly to emergency calls, including burst pipes and flooding repairs, and Chicago plumbers should understand flood prevention systems when handling urgent pressure and leak problems. Ask whether they can replace damaged lines safely, and look for strong reviews from happy customers in the surrounding suburbs.
For expert plumbing service, installations, or maintenance contact Reliance Plumbing Sewer & Drainage, Inc. Our knowledgeable plumbers serve the North Shore and Northwest Chicago suburbs. Rely on Reliance!