Drain and pipe issues are among the most common household challenges homeowners face. It’s all too familiar: fix one leak in the bathroom, and a stubborn puddle shows up underneath the kitchen sink. Though these issues can be frustrating, many drain repairs can be done easily without professional help.
Continue reading with us at Weiss-Johnson, as we explore the common drain repair challenges we see. We’ll walk through when it’s safe to roll up your sleeves and get to work yourself, and when it’s time to call in the experts. Let’s dive in!
DIY-Friendly #1: Minor Sink or Shower Clogs
We’ve all been there. You’re brushing your teeth, and notice the water starts pooling instead of draining properly. Chances are, your drain is clogged with hair, soap buildup, and other debris. If this is the case, you can try repairing the drain yourself with a household-safe mix of baking soda and vinegar.
Simply pour a pot of boiling water down the sink beforehand to loosen any debris. Then, take half a cup of baking soda and pour it down the drain, followed by one full cup of vinegar. Let it sit for around 15 minutes before rinsing.
DIY-Friendly #2: Tightening Loose Drain Connections
If you’ve noticed tiny leaks coming from the pipes underneath your sink, it could mean a number of things. One of the most common, but surprising culprits is loose-fitting slip nuts. These sink parts are tiny, but they’re essential to preventing leaks. Simply take a bucket and put it under your sink, then find the slip nuts and tighten them by hand. Afterwards, turn on your sink and see if the leak is gone. If not, it may be time to call a professional.
DIY-Friendly #3: Unclogging a Toilet
Clogged toilets happen. Fortunately, they’re usually fairly simple to fix yourself. Take your plunger and cover the opening of the toilet. Make sure the seal is tight. Then, use smooth motions to push and pull the plunger. Eventually, the blockage should come loose and clear the drain.
Expert Needed #1: Recurring Clogs Throughout the Home
If you’re noticing multiple clogs throughout your home that just seem to keep happening, that’s a sign there’s a more significant issue that requires professional drain repair. Whether it’s damaged pipes or foreign objects, these types of severe blockages shouldn’t be left alone or DIY’d. Doing so risks only making these issues worse and potentially costing you more time and money to deal with later.
Expert Needed #2: Visible Water Damage or Foundation Cracks
Your plumbing system is designed to be completely contained at all times. Any water streaks on walls, or cracks in the foundation or floors around pipes might mean leakage issues. While it may be tempting to diagnose these issues yourself, it’s best left to a professional plumber. These damages mean it’s been left untreated for so long, and it’s now visible. DIY drain repair at this stage can expose your home to mould growth or further structural damage to pipe systems.
Expert Needed #3: Gurgling Drains, Bubbling Toilets
If your drains are noisier than your coffee machine in the morning, that’s a clear sign that it needs to be looked at by a professional. Drains are designed to be quiet, so any sort of abnormal sounds or bubbling usually points to a significant blockage.
When this happens, using your sink or toilet can trap air in the pipes, causing these bubbling or gurgling sounds. Unlike minor clogs, these blockages are deep and typically require a specialized drain repair process to avoid pipe damage.
DIY Didn’t Work? We’ll Handle the Heavy Lifting
Not all drain repairs can be dealt with yourself—sometimes it’s best left to the professionals. At Weiss-Johnson, our certified plumbing experts are ready to help. We’re Edmonton’s chosen HVAC and plumbing experts, with almost 50 years of business under our belt. Connect with our team today, and discover why generations of homeowners have placed their trust in us, time and time again.
