When to Tackle Plumbing Yourself—and When to Call a Professional

As the long-awaited warmer months roll in, many homeowners are eager to refresh their spaces—and for some, that means dusting off their DIY skills. Whether it’s resealing a bathroom or tackling small home improvements, DIY can seem like a smart way to save money, especially with the ongoing cost of living pressures.

It’s no surprise: studies show saving money is the second most popular reason behind DIY projects. However, despite good intentions, DIY mishaps have ended up costing UK homeowners more than £6 billion, with the average repair bill sitting at £4,861—and for one in ten households, exceeding £10,000.

So when is DIY safe? And when should you absolutely call in a professional?

When it comes to plumbing and heating, DIY can quickly become dangerous. One wrong move could cause a leak, a burst pipe, or worse—serious water contamination. Repairs for major plumbing damage often cost far more than hiring a professional plumber in London from the outset.

Even more critically, mistakes involving gas appliances could lead to carbon monoxide leaks or gas explosions, putting your safety—and even lives—at risk.

On top of that, DIYers often overlook regulatory compliance. All plumbing and gas work must still meet strict regulations, even if you're doing it on your own property. Failing to comply could lower your property’s resale value, delay future sales, or lead to expensive legal trouble.

If you're not qualified or confident, it’s simply not worth the risk. A trusted heating engineer or plumber in London like Pleasant Plumbers has the training, certification, and experience to keep your home—and your investment—safe.

While you should leave plumbing repairs to the pros, there are a few safe, simple steps you can take to boost your home’s energy efficiency:

Bleed your radiators:
Cold spots on your radiators? They might need bleeding.

• Turn off your heating.
• Use a radiator key to release trapped air until water starts to drip.
• Retighten the valve and re-pressurise your boiler if needed.

Lag your pipes and cylinder:
Properly insulating pipes and your hot water cylinder helps retain heat and reduces energy waste. Just measure, cut, and secure foam lagging around exposed pipes and fit an insulating jacket over your hot water cylinder.

Insulate key areas:
Prevent heat loss by checking insulation around windows, doors, lofts, and letterboxes.

Looking beyond heating, water efficiency matters too:

Clear gutters and drains:
Winter debris can cause blockages and water pooling around your property—clean them regularly.

Install a water butt:
Collect rainwater for garden use—a great eco-friendly upgrade.

Locate and maintain your stop-valve:
Know where it is and make sure it turns easily. In a leak emergency, shutting off your water supply quickly can prevent significant damage.

Fix dripping taps:
A slow drip can waste thousands of litres a year. Tightening a tap might work—but if leaks persist, it's time to call a professional.

Before you attempt any plumbing DIY, it's worth taking a moment to check in with an expert. At Pleasant Plumbers, we believe in honest advice with no pressure. If you’re unsure whether a fix is DIY-friendly, you can always call or WhatsApp us on 0800 046 1000.

If we think it’s a simple fix you can handle safely yourself, we’ll guide you through it completely free of charge. And if it's something best left to the pros, we’ll be ready to help—ensuring the work is done safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

A properly maintained home isn’t just safer—it’s smarter, more efficient, and more valuable too.

Searching 'Plumber Near Me?' Plumber London or Commercial Plumber London? We operate all across London! If you need a trusted plumber in London then get in touch with us today on 0800 046 1000 or email us on [email protected]