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DIY Plumbing vs. Calling the Pros: What San Diego County Homeowners Need to Know
If you’ve ever owned a home, you know plumbing problems never show up at a good time. The toilet starts running in the middle of the night. The kitchen sink slows to a trickle. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix. Other times, you think it’s simple and end up with water all over the floor.
The truth is, some plumbing jobs are fine to do yourself, and some just aren’t worth the risk. Knowing the difference can save you a big headache later. At Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air, we help San Diego homeowners every day with both kinds of problems, the small ones you can handle and the big ones that need a pro.
Simple DIY Plumbing Projects for Homeowners
There are a few plumbing fixes most people can take care of without much trouble. These jobs don’t need special tools or training, just a little patience.
- Clearing small clogs in sinks, showers, or toilets
- Fixing a running toilet
- Replacing a showerhead
Clearing Minor Clogs Safely
If a drain is slow, start with a plunger. If that doesn’t work, try a small drain snake. Those two tools can clear most light clogs. Stay away from chemical drain cleaners. They eat through metal pipes over time and don’t do much for real blockages anyway. If the water still won’t drain, it’s probably a bigger clog farther down the line. That’s when it’s time to call a plumber.
Troubleshooting and Fixing a Running Toilet
A toilet that keeps running wastes a lot of water. In most cases, it’s something small, like a worn-out flapper or a float that’s not adjusted right. You can find both parts at any hardware store for a few dollars. Shut off the water, pop the tank lid off, and take a look. If you replace the parts and it still won’t stop, the valve or seal could be worn down. That’s a quick fix for a plumber.
Quick and Easy Showerhead Replacement
A new showerhead can make a big difference in both water pressure and how your shower feels. Unscrew the old one, wrap a little plumber’s tape on the pipe threads, and screw the new one on by hand. Turn the water on to check for leaks. It’s an easy job that takes five minutes and makes your bathroom feel new again.
When to Put the Tools Down and Call a Plumber
Some plumbing issues look simple but get messy fast. Anything that involves gas lines, your home’s main pipes, or big leaks under the floor should always be handled by a professional.
- Water heater installation and repair
- Sewer or main line clogs
- Major pipe or slab leaks
Water Heater Installation and Repair
Installing or repairing a water heater isn’t a DIY project. You’re dealing with gas, pressure, and electricity all in one spot. One wrong step can turn into a leak or a serious safety issue. Our plumbers handle water heater installation across San Diego every day and make sure everything is safe and up to code.
Sewer or Main Line Clogs
If more than one drain in your house is backing up, it’s not a surface clog. It’s in the main line. Plungers and snakes won’t touch it. Professionals use camera inspections to find the exact spot and hydro jetting to clear it out. Those tools are built for bigger blockages that you can’t reach on your own.
Major Pipe or Slab Leaks
Leaks under floors or inside walls are hard to spot and even harder to reach. In San Diego and El Cajon, slab leaks are a common problem. Our plumbers use specialized leak detection tools to locate the source and trenchless repair methods to fix it without tearing up your whole floor.
Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air: Local Expertise for San Diego County
Since 1978, Anderson has been the name people in San Diego County trust when it comes to plumbing. We’ve worked in homes across Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, and everywhere in between.
- Thousands of five-star reviews from local homeowners
- The Anderson Guarantee on every job
- AMP Membership for yearly maintenance and service discounts
- Financing options for big repairs or replacements
We live here, we work here, and we treat every customer like a neighbor.
Need Help From the Experts? Give Us a Call Today
If your DIY repair didn’t go as planned, or the problem’s just too big to tackle, we’ve got you covered. Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air provides full plumbing services across San Diego County, including camera inspections in Escondido, hydro jetting in Carlsbad, and slab leak detection in El Cajon.
Call us today to schedule service or speak with one of our plumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small things like plunging a drain, changing a showerhead, or fixing a running toilet are safe to handle at home.
If you’ve tried the basics and it still drains slowly, or if the clog keeps coming back, it’s time to call in a professional.
No. It involves both gas and electricity, and it needs to meet local safety codes. Always hire a licensed plumber.
Turn off the main water valve right away and call for emergency plumbing help. Don’t try to patch it yourself.
Run hot water through your drains every now and then, fix leaks right away, and schedule a professional inspection once a year.
