If you own a home, learning a little about your home’s plumbing will help you make simple repairs, saving the time and cost commitment you take on when hiring a plumber. Keep in mind that anything other than a small repair requires the advice and skill of a trained plumber, but a few simple tasks are easily accomplished by the home do-it-yourself handyman.

Materials The first step in any plumbing task is understanding the materials you use. Failing to use the right type of pipe can not only damage the line, but also put your home in violation of local building codes. Most water lines in homes have rigid copper piping.

This cannot be bent, so it requires soldering at joints and tees. If you have never soldered, do not risk an expensive mishap. Contact a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly. Other pipes used in homes include flexible copper, plastic PVC, ABS, PEX, and galvanized steel. Go to the hardware store and familiarize yourself with these various types of pipes before you begin any project in your home.

Fixing Leaks Leaks are the most common type of plumbing problem that the average do-it-yourself handyman attempts to fix without professional support. For faucets that leak, tightening the nut below the hand wheel can often fix the problem.

However, you can damage the valve if you tighten it too much, so proceed slowly. If your copper pipe is leaking, cut the pipe where the leak occurs, then join it back together using a union. This requires no soldering.

Considering Safety If you feel confident in your soldering ability and attempt to repair copper piping, practice proper safety at all times. You must invest in a good pair of safety goggles, and consider protective clothing to avoid burns on your arms or legs. Always perform these tasks when someone else is in the home with you. This ensures someone is around to seek help if an accident occurs.

When to Ask for Help Any time your plumbing tasks include replacing a major component, such as a toilet, water softener, or water heater, you need to call a plumber. Also, if you do not feel comfortable with your soldering skills or have no experience with soldering and need to repair copper pipe, call a professional. Attempting a repair that you are not comfortable with can cause expensive problems. It’s far better to hire a professional at the beginning than risk causing damage to your home.