When a plumbing issue strikes, your first instinct might be to grab a wrench, search for a how-to video, and take matters into your own hands. After all, how hard could it be? As it turns out, very.
While some minor issues like a dripping faucet or replacing a shower head can be safe for confident DIYers, there are certain problems that call for professional expertise. Attempting to fix them yourself can lead to costly repairs, water damage, or even serious safety risks.
At Holt Plumbing & Heating, we’ve seen countless well-meaning homeowners in West Des Moines and across Central Iowa make small mistakes that turn into major messes. To help you avoid that stress (and expense), here are five plumbing problems you should never try to fix yourself.
1. Sewer Line Backups
Why You Shouldn’t DIY:
A sewer line backup isn’t just unpleasant, it’s potentially dangerous. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and contaminants, and trying to clear a blockage without the right tools or protective gear puts your health at risk.
Symptoms of a sewer line problem include:
- Multiple drains clogging at once
- Gurgling sounds from your toilets
- Sewage smells coming from drains
- Wastewater backing up into showers or sinks
Most blockages occur deep in your main sewer line, not where a plunger can reach. DIY fixes like chemical drain cleaners won’t cut it and can damage your pipes further.
What to Do Instead:
Call Holt Plumbing & Heating for a professional sewer inspection. We use specialized video cameras to locate the issue and can clear it with safe, effective hydro-jetting equipment. If tree roots are the problem (a common Iowa issue), we’ll help you explore long-term solutions.
2. Water Heater Repairs or Replacement
Why You Shouldn’t DIY:
Water heaters are complex appliances that deal with both electricity or gas and large volumes of hot water under pressure. A wrong move can cause:
- Scalding burns
- Water damage
- Electrical fires
- Gas leaks or even carbon monoxide exposure
Even if your unit “just needs flushing” or “seems a bit noisy,” improper maintenance can void your warranty or shorten the system’s lifespan.
What to Do Instead:
Leave water heater repairs to trained professionals. At Holt, we handle everything from flushing and anode rod replacement to full tank and tankless installations. We’ll also help you determine if your unit is repairable or if it’s time for an upgrade.
3. Burst or Frozen Pipes
Why You Shouldn’t DIY:
In Iowa, frozen pipes are a winter reality, and one of the leading causes of burst plumbing. When a pipe bursts, the damage spreads fast. A single pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in just a few hours.
Attempting to thaw a frozen pipe yourself (especially with a blowtorch or space heater) is incredibly risky and could:
- Cause the pipe to burst unexpectedly
- Start a house fire
- Miss a hidden crack or leak point
What to Do Instead:
Shut off your home’s main water supply and call Holt immediately. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing services ensure a technician is available when you need one. We’ll repair or replace damaged sections, insulate exposed pipes, and help prevent future freezing.
4. Major Drain Clogs or Slow Drains
Why You Shouldn’t DIY:
It’s tempting to pour chemical drain cleaner down the sink and hope for the best. But these products are often corrosive and unsafe for your pipes, especially in older homes. They might temporarily restore flow, but they don’t remove the actual blockage, especially if it’s caused by:
- Tree roots
- Collapsed pipes
- Grease buildup
- Hair and debris deep in the system
Snake tools can help, but if used incorrectly, they can scratch pipe walls or get stuck, making the situation worse.
What to Do Instead:
Our team uses camera inspections and professional-grade tools to identify the source of the clog and clear it completely. We offer drain cleaning services that are safe, thorough, and guaranteed to restore proper flow without damaging your plumbing.
5. New Fixture Installations That Involve Pipe Modifications
Why You Shouldn’t DIY:
Swapping out a faucet or shower head is usually fine. But installing a new toilet, bathtub, or sink, especially in a different location, requires a solid understanding of your home’s water pressure, venting systems, and drainage slope.
Mistakes in pipe positioning or slope can lead to:
- Improper drainage
- Leaks inside walls or under floors
- Sewer gas leaks
- Violations of building codes or insurance issues
What to Do Instead:
Whether you’re remodeling or adding a bathroom, trust Holt to handle all fixture installations and pipe modifications properly. We’ll ensure everything is code-compliant, leak-free, and built to last.
The Hidden Cost of DIY Plumbing Mistakes
We get it, DIY projects can be fun and cost-effective. But when it comes to plumbing, a cheap fix today can become an expensive disaster tomorrow. The true costs of DIY mistakes can include:
- Mold remediation from hidden leaks
- Structural damage to flooring or drywall
- Higher water bills from undetected drips
- Replacing entire systems that could have been repaired
- Health risks from exposure to contaminated water
How Holt Plumbing & Heating Can Help
We’ve built our reputation in West Des Moines and across Central Iowa by being the team homeowners trust when things go wrong, or when they want to prevent problems in the first place.
With Holt, you get:
- Flat-rate pricing (no surprises)
- Emergency service 24/7
- Vetted, experienced technicians
- Friendly, honest advice
- A satisfaction guarantee on every job
Whether you need a quick repair or a full plumbing overhaul, we’ll treat your home like it’s our own.
Know When to DIY—and When to Call Holt
Being a homeowner doesn’t mean you have to fix everything yourself. When it comes to these high-risk plumbing problems, calling a professional isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Let Holt Plumbing & Heating be your go-to partner for everything from drain clogs to water heater installs. We’ve been doing this for over 75 years, and we’re not slowing down any time soon.
Contact Us Today
Need help fast? Whether you’re facing a frozen pipe or a suspicious drain issue, we’re ready 24/7 to jump in and make things right. Your comfort is our mission, and your safety is our top priority.
