Plumbing Resource Guide
Some plumbing issues are easy DIY fixes. Others require a licensed professional. Knowing the difference saves you money on unnecessary service calls and prevents costly damage from problems you shouldn't tackle yourself.
A burst pipe is an emergency. Shut off the main water valve immediately and call a plumber. Every minute of delay means more water damage to floors, walls, ceilings, and belongings. Don't try to repair a burst pipe yourself — temporary patches fail under pressure.
When more than one drain backs up at the same time, the problem is in your main sewer line, not individual fixtures. This requires professional equipment — a motorized snake or hydro jet — and often a camera inspection to identify the cause.
Complete loss of hot water could be a failed heating element, bad thermostat, pilot light issue, or a unit that's reached end of life. While relighting a pilot is safe for homeowners, anything involving gas lines, electrical connections, or the tank itself should be handled by a pro.
A dripping faucet wastes water and money but isn't an emergency. Many faucet repairs are DIY-friendly with basic tools. If you're not comfortable or the leak persists after your attempt, call a plumber.
Water around your water heater's base needs professional attention. It could be the pressure relief valve, a connection, or the tank itself. If it's the tank, you need replacement before it fails completely.
A running toilet wastes significant water but isn't an emergency. Replacing the flapper is a simple DIY fix. If that doesn't solve it, a plumber can diagnose the actual issue in a quick visit.
Strong sewage odors inside your home indicate a sewer line problem, dried-out trap, or broken vent pipe. Some causes are simple (running water in an unused drain), but persistent sewer smell needs professional diagnosis.
