Radiant Heating

The Good, The Bad, and The Leaky: Plumbing DIY Tips to Save You Time and Money

Plumbing DIY Tips
10 Sep

Got a leaky faucet or a clogged drain? Fear not, for these plumbing DIY tips have come to save the day (and your bank account). Tackle minor leaks, clogged drains, and toilet troubles like a seasoned pro. It’s cheaper, faster, and might even earn you a few bragging rights.

Well fear not, for we have leveraged decades of experience to put together this guide to plumbing DIY tips. As you’ll see, there are some quick fixes and lifestyle changes you can easily handle yourself. We’ll go through those, but also briefly highlight tasks where, frankly, it’s better to let the pros take over before your DIY ambitions become DIY disasters.

Let’s dive in!
water tap prevention concentrated man cleaning water faucet touching spout pipe

Plumbing DIY Tips You Can Handle (No Plumber Required!)

Let’s start with the good news: There are things you can totally tackle on your own without calling us at Ros Plumbing. We promise we won’t be offended. In fact, we encourage it—just don’t go overboard.

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

We get it, that bacon was delicious. But pouring grease or oil down your kitchen sink? Big mistake. It’ll solidify in your pipes and turn your drain into a greasy, clogged mess. Scrape that stuff into the trash instead. Also, if you’re cooking with oil, butter, or grease, make sure to wipe down the pans with a paper towel before rinsing them. Grease buildup is one of the most common causes of blockages—and it’s 100% avoidable!

Use a Strainer in Your Sink

Water leaks can lead to significant water waste. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household's leaks waste more than 10,000 gallons of water annually. Regularly checking and repairing leaks in faucets, pipes, and toilets can save both water and money, making your home more eco-friendly.

Fixing a Running Toilet

Toilet constantly making that annoying hissing sound? Nine times out of ten, it’s just the flapper or the fill valve. And guess what? Replacing them is pretty easy, and you can do it with a couple of basic tools and a YouTube video.
Cup Plunger
Flange Plunger
Accordion Plunger

Unclogging a Drain (With the Right Plunger)

Not all plungers are created equal! If you’re trying to unclog a toilet with a sink plunger, you’re likely making the problem worse. Let’s break it down:
  • Cup Plunger (Sink Plunger): This is the classic red rubber plunger most people think of. It works best on flat surfaces like sinks and tubs where the cup can create a proper vacuum seal.
  • Flange Plunger (Toilet Plunger): This one has a fold-out rubber flap that fits snugly into the curved toilet drain, creating the necessary suction to dislodge clogs. Pro tip: Don’t use the same plunger for your toilet and sink. Just... don’t.
  • Accordion Plunger: Made of hard plastic, this one creates a lot of force and is designed specifically for toilets. It’s not as easy to use as the others and can scratch your toilet, so use it with caution.

Pro tip: Always ensure the plunger is submerged in water to create the best suction seal.

service-maintenance-worker-repairing

Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Just like any other part of your home, your plumbing system needs regular checkups. Scheduling routine inspections with a professional can help catch small issues before they become major problems. Things like checking for leaks, inspecting water heaters, and ensuring backflow prevention devices are working properly can save you time and money in the long run. Ros Plumbing offers comprehensive maintenance services, keeping your home’s system running smoothly year-round.

Emptying the Traps

Your home’s traps, located under sinks, are designed to stop bad smells from creeping up. However, they can get full of gunk over time, so make sure to clean them out regularly to prevent odors and blockages.

Replace Showerheads and Faucet Aerators

Upgrading to low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators is an easy DIY project that can help you save water (and money). These simple swaps can also improve water pressure and reduce your water bill.

Know How to Turn Off Your Water Supply

It’s crucial to know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case of a plumbing emergency. Whether it’s under the sink, in the basement, or outside, knowing how to quickly turn off the water can prevent major flooding and damage. Imagine the panic of scrambling to find it while water gushes out—knowing where it is can save the day!

Plumber installing disposer

Leave These to the Pros (Seriously, Don’t DIY This)

While DIY plumbing can save money initially, there are some tasks that require more than just a wrench and a little elbow grease. Attempting to fix these can lead to bigger, more expensive problems. Here’s when you should pick up the phone and call a professional:

Major Pipe Leaks

If you see water pouring out where it shouldn’t be, drop the wrench. This is NOT a job for a quick DIY fix. Call a good plumber, fast. Professionals are great in a crisis and know exactly how to do a thorough and insurance-friendly job, that resolves plumbing issues in the long run.

Installing Plumbing Appliances

Installing that shiny new dishwasher or water heater might seem straightforward, but it often involves complex connections (and sometimes electricity!). You definitely don’t want to wing this one—let the pros at Ros Plumbing handle your new installations.

Gas Line Issues

If any plumbing repair involves gas lines, leave it to a certified professional. Gas leaks are dangerous and not something to handle on your own, unless you fancy dealing with explosions or severe health risks.

Frozen Pipes

During cold weather, pipes can freeze and crack. While you may be tempted to thaw them with a heat source, this can weaken the pipes over time, making them more vulnerable to bursting. If frozen pipes are a recurring issue, call a pro to assess the situation and find a permanent fix.

Sewer Line Clogs

Blocked drains can be frustrating, but if the issue is deeper down in the sewer line, DIY methods won’t cut it. These clogs require special equipment and expertise to avoid flooding and further damage.

Backflow Issues

Backflow can lead to serious contamination of your drinking water, which is why it’s best left to the professionals. Ros Plumbing offers certified backflow testing and repair services.

Plumbing Mistakes

Why DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper

Here’s the thing about DIY plumbing: What might seem like a money-saving move can quickly turn into an expensive plumbing mistake. When things go wrong (and they often do), you’re not just paying for the fix—you’re paying for the extra damage caused by the DIY attempt. Plus, certain DIY disasters can void your insurance.

The Ros Plumbing Makes All the Difference

At Ros Plumbing, we’ve been saving San Francisco homes from DIY plumbing fails for decades. Our team has seen it all—from the grease-clogged drains to the botched appliance installs. We love a good challenge, but we also love preventing one. Whether it’s installing new appliances or conducting backflow testing, we’ve got you covered.

Before you dive into your next home repair, consider these plumbing DIY tips—and remember, when things get tricky, we’re only a call away!

Whether you're installing, repairing, or servicing your radiant floor heating system in San Francisco contact Ros Plumbing today.

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