When a toilet clogs or a faucet starts to leak, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. DIY plumbing is one of the most common approaches homeowners take to save time and money, but it can often lead to far bigger problems down the road.
While some minor fixes can be done safely with a bit of know-how, others can quickly turn into costly disasters, especially if you’re dealing with older pipes, unpredictable Colorado weather, or hidden issues within your plumbing system.
In this blog, we’ll break down the risks of DIY plumbing, explain what tasks are safe to handle yourself, and highlight the types of issues that require professional attention. Whether you’re facing a clogged toilet fix, sudden leaks, or summer plumbing issues, Lion Home Service is here with expert Fort Collins plumbing help, so you can avoid emergency calls and unnecessary repairs.
Why is DIY Plumbing Risky?
Plumbing systems are more complex than many homeowners realize. What starts as a simple fix often leads to broken fittings, water damage, or even code violations if handled improperly.
Common Risks of DIY Plumbing
Worsening the original problem
Tightening a pipe too much or using the wrong sealant can escalate a minor issue into a major leak.
Accidental damage to other systems
Improper plumbing work can affect gas lines, electrical wiring, or HVAC equipment, especially in tight or shared spaces.
Invalidating warranties or insurance coverage
Some home insurance policies require licensed professionals to remain covered for repairs.
Creating code violations
Unpermitted or improperly installed plumbing can cause problems during inspections or resale and may require rework at your expense.
Unexpected emergencies
A small mistake with a pipe or valve could lead to flooding, structural damage, or contamination of your water supply.
What’s Safe to Do Yourself
To be fair, not every plumbing task needs a professional. If you’re handy and careful, there are a few safe and simple jobs most homeowners can handle.
DIY-Friendly Plumbing Tasks:
- Replacing a faucet aerator
- Unclogging a drain with a plunger or a drain snake
- Tightening a loose toilet handle
- Installing a new showerhead
- Cleaning out P-traps (under sinks)
- Replacing worn-out rubber washers
For these low-risk tasks, just turn off the water, use the right tools, and double-check for leaks.
But even with seemingly easy jobs, like a clogged toilet fix, there can be complications hiding below the surface. If the issue keeps coming back, it might be time to look deeper.
Plumbing Jobs You Should Never DIY
Now let’s talk about the jobs that should always be left to licensed professionals. These are the kinds of repairs and installations that, if done wrong, can lead to emergency plumbing situations.
1. Water Heater Repairs or Installation
Water heaters involve electrical or gas components and high-pressure water systems. A mistake here can cause serious injury or even explosions. These should always be handled by professionals who understand both plumbing and safety code requirements.
2. Sewer Line Problems
If you notice sewage smells, slow drains throughout the house, or water backing up from multiple fixtures, don’t attempt to DIY this. Sewer line blockages and breaks require specialized equipment and expertise. Digging without proper permits can also lead to fines or damage to city infrastructure.
3. Pipe Replacements or Re-piping Projects
Replacing old or corroded pipes may seem straightforward, but one wrong cut or poorly sealed joint can flood your home. In Fort Collins, some older homes still have galvanized or cast-iron pipes, which require careful handling and possibly whole-home updates.
4. Underground or Slab Leak Repairs
Leaks beneath your foundation are notoriously hard to locate and repair. Trying to dig or break concrete without professional diagnostic tools can cause thousands of dollars in damage without fixing the real issue.
5. Bathroom or Kitchen Remodel Plumbing
If you’re moving fixtures, altering layouts, or changing pipe placement, you’ll need a licensed Lion Home Service plumber to ensure everything is installed to code. Mistakes here can cause long-term drainage and water pressure issues.
Emergency Plumbing: When to Call Right Away
There are times when waiting or trying a DIY solution can make things worse. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to stop what you’re doing and call for emergency plumbing help:
- Burst pipes
- No running water
- Major leaks or flooding
- Sewage backups
- Water heater failure
- Frozen pipes
- Sudden drop in water pressure
These are issues that can escalate within minutes. Lion Home Service offers Fort Collins plumbing help with quick response times and expert diagnostics to resolve emergencies before they damage your home.
Summer Plumbing Issues You Might Not Expect
In Colorado, summer brings its own set of plumbing problems. The combination of heat, sudden storms, and higher water usage can put stress on your system.
Summer in Colorado can bring a surprising range of plumbing issues. Tree roots often grow into sewer lines during warmer months, causing blockages that disrupt your entire system. Outdoor spigots, weakened by the spring thaw, may develop cracks that go unnoticed until you’re using them regularly. Sump pump failure is another major concern, especially during sudden summer storms that can lead to flooded basements.
Increased water usage across neighborhoods can contribute to low water pressure, while grease buildup from frequent barbecues can slow down drains. Finally, with more guests in the home during the summer months, clogged toilets become a common, and often frustrating, problem for many homeowners.
What to Expect from Professional Plumbing Help
Hiring a licensed plumber doesn’t just mean getting the job done; it means getting it done safely, correctly, and up to code.
At Lion Home Service, we offer:
- Accurate diagnosis of hidden plumbing issues
- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
- Licensed, insured, and experienced technicians
- Fast emergency plumbing service when you need it
- Friendly, respectful service from a locally trusted team
We serve Fort Collins and surrounding communities with a commitment to education, prevention, and long-term solutions.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), water damage from plumbing failures is among the most common and costly issues in residential properties, often made worse by improper DIY repairs.
Does Lion Home Service Offer Plumbing Services In My Town?
Here at Lion Home Service, we pride ourselves on being a full-service plumbing company for the following locations:
- Fort Collins plumbers
- Loveland plumbers
- Greeley plumbers
- Longmont plumbers
- Windsor plumbers
- Boulder
- Estes Park
- Bellvue
- Fort Lupton
- Eaton
- Fort Morgan
Skip the Stress. Call Lion for Reliable Fort Collins Plumbing Help.
When your sink leaks or your toilet backs up, it’s easy to feel like you need to fix it fast. But knowing the difference between a safe DIY job and a dangerous one can save you money, time, and frustration.
Whether you need a stubborn clogged toilet fix, help navigating summer plumbing issues, or 24/7 emergency plumbing service, Lion Home Service is just a call to (970) 510-0522 away.
Book online, call, or text now to schedule your plumbing service with Lion, the trusted name in home comfort and safety for Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Longmont, Windsor, and the surrounding Northern Colorado communities. Visit our coupons page to see the latest deals.
