In the age of YouTube tutorials and home improvement shows, the do-it-yourself spirit is stronger than ever. There’s a huge amount of satisfaction that comes from fixing a problem with your own two hands—and saving a bit of money in the process. For small jobs like swapping out a faucet or plunging a minor clog, a DIY approach is often perfectly fine.
But when it comes to your home’s complex and pressurized plumbing system, a simple mistake can quickly turn a small issue into a catastrophic, flood-inducing nightmare.
At Scott’s Plumbing, we believe in empowering homeowners. Part of that empowerment is knowing when a problem is too risky to handle yourself. Here are five plumbing jobs where calling a licensed professional is the smartest, safest, and often cheapest decision in the long run.
1. Main Sewer Line Clogs
The Problem: Multiple drains are backing up, you hear gurgling sounds from your toilet, and there are foul odours. The DIY Temptation: Heading to a rental shop for a power auger (a “snake”) to clear it yourself. The Risks: A main line clog from tree roots or a collapsed pipe is a serious issue. A rented auger is often underpowered and can easily get stuck or break off in the line. An inexperienced user can even gouge or crack an older pipe, turning a blockage into a far more expensive excavation and repair job. Plus, you’ll be dealing with hazardous raw sewage. The Pro Solution: A professional uses commercial-grade equipment and can run a camera down the line to identify the exact cause and location of the problem, ensuring the right fix is applied.
2. Water Heater Repair or Replacement
The Problem: Your water is cold, the tank is leaking, or the pilot light won’t stay lit. The DIY Temptation: Watching a video and trying to replace a part or the entire unit. The Risks: This is one of the most dangerous DIYs.
- For Gas Heaters: An improper connection can lead to a natural gas leak—a severe fire and explosion risk—or a carbon monoxide leak, which is deadly.
- For Electric Heaters: You face the risk of high-voltage electrical shock.
- For Both: An incorrectly installed temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve can turn the tank into a literal bomb. This job is not worth the risk. The Pro Solution: A licensed plumber is trained to handle gas and electrical connections safely, ensures all work is up to code, and manages the proper disposal of your old unit.
3. Leaks Inside a Wall
The Problem: You see a mysterious water stain on your drywall or ceiling, or smell a musty odour. The DIY Temptation: Cutting a small “exploratory” hole in the wall to find the drip. The Risks: Water travels, so the source of the leak is often far from where the stain appears. You can end up cutting multiple unnecessary holes. Worse, you risk accidentally cutting into another pipe or, even more dangerously, electrical wiring inside the wall. A DIY patch on a pressurized water pipe is also highly likely to fail after the wall is closed up. The Pro Solution: An experienced plumber knows how to trace a leak to its source with minimal damage and has the tools to make a permanent, reliable repair.
4. Rerouting Pipes for a Renovation
The Problem: You want to move a sink, toilet, or shower during your kitchen or bathroom remodel. The DIY Temptation: Assuming it’s a simple case of extending the pipes. The Risks: Plumbing is governed by strict building codes that dictate everything from pipe size to, most importantly, the exact slope needed for drains to work properly (a 1/4-inch drop per foot). Getting the venting or slope wrong will result in gurgling, smelly drains that constantly clog—and a failed inspection that will force you to tear out your brand new wall. The Pro Solution: A professional ensures your new layout not only looks great but functions perfectly and is 100% up to code, protecting your renovation investment.
5. Low Water Pressure Throughout the House
The Problem: All your faucets and your shower have frustratingly weak flow. The DIY Temptation: Searching online and guessing at the cause. The Risks: While it could be a simple issue, whole-house low pressure is often a symptom of a larger problem, like a failing pressure-reducing valve (PRV), heavily corroded and constricted old pipes, or even a hidden leak somewhere on your property. Replacing the wrong part won’t solve the problem and will just waste your time and money. The Pro Solution: A plumber has the diagnostic tools and experience to systematically test your system, identify the true cause of the pressure loss, and recommend the correct fix.
The DIY spirit is admirable, but wisdom lies in knowing your limits. When it comes to these five issues, calling a professional isn’t giving up—it’s making the smart choice to protect your home, your family, and your wallet.
Facing a plumbing problem that feels over your head? Trust your gut. Contact Scott’s Plumbing, your licensed and insured Cochrane expert, for a safe and reliable solution.