Most common plumbing service calls that could have been DIY

[ShaneT]

Hi everyone,

First time poster, long time listener...

I'm writing an article for a plumbing blog and I'm wondering for the professionals here, what are the most common plumbing service calls that you receive that the average homeowner could have fixed themselves. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[hj]

As far as I am concerned, NO plumbing service calls should be DIY, unless the person is qualified to do it, an which case they would not call me in the first place. If someone does NOT know how to do the repair, I don't want them doing something to make the repair harder.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

I'm writing an article for a plumbing blog and I'm wondering for the professionals here, what are the most common plumbing service calls that you receive that the average homeowner could have fixed themselves. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Tightening up the hand spray on a kitchen pull-out spout.

 

[Dgeist]

Not a plumber, but I'm surprised when I hear of someone (who is otherwise reasonably handy) calling for help on the following:
- Replacing worn out toilet flapper valve
- Clearing debris out of faucet aerators
- Regular water heater draining

 

[Dj2]

Most common issue: LEAKS of all sorts.

 

[Tripp Knightly]

Sewer gas odor caused by an evaporated trap in a rarely used drain (floor drain, guest shower...).

 

[hj]

These COULD be DIY, it the customer KNEW the problem, but usually they only know the symptoms and WE have to determine the cause and cure. Which is why they call us.

 

[Bluebinky]

If you believe Amazon, some day soon "Alexa" will be able to help you diagnose many simple plumbing problems. Since they think I am to old and stupid to work for them directly, should I "help" them in my copious spare time?

 

[hj]

why would you want to do that, if they are so smart, let them do the whole job?

 

[Craigpump]

I have customers who call us to change their water filters and clear aerators. Pretty basic stuff if you ask me, some people are better off in condos than homes in the country.

 

[Plumber69]

Probly a good one would be a plugged tub drain. Check for long hairs. Mechanical po drains plugged up with hair to