Should I Call a Plumber or Fix It Myself? A Lubbock Troubleshooting Guide
Every homeowner eventually faces a plumbing problem—whether it’s a clogged drain, a leaky faucet, or a toilet that won’t stop running. But the real question is: Do you fix it yourself, or is it time to call a plumber?
If you live in Lubbock, you know the area’s plumbing challenges—from hard water buildup to shifting soil and older pipes in certain neighborhoods. Some issues are simple enough for a quick DIY fix, while others require professional tools and expertise to prevent expensive damage.
This guide from Cotton City Plumbing breaks down the most common plumbing problems, what you can safely handle on your own, and when it’s best to call a Lubbock plumber.
Common Plumbing Problems You Can Fix Yourself
DIY plumbing fixes are great for minor issues that don’t involve cutting pipes, dealing with sewage, or using specialized equipment. Here are some safe and simple homeowner-friendly repairs.
1. A Clogged Bathroom or Kitchen Sink (Minor Blockage)
DIY Fix:
✔ Use a plunger
✔ Try a drain snake
✔ Clean the P-trap under the sink
✔ Remove hair or debris from the drain cover
When to Call a Plumber:
❌ If drains clog repeatedly
❌ If multiple drains clog at once (could be a sewer issue)
❌ If you smell sewage or hear gurgling noises
Repeated clogs are common in Lubbock homes with hard water or older pipes.
2. A Running Toilet
DIY Fix:
✔ Check the flapper
✔ Adjust the float
✔ Inspect the fill valve
Toilets are relatively simple mechanisms, and most running-toilet issues can be fixed with basic parts from a home improvement store.
Call a Plumber If:
❌ The toilet frequently clogs or overflows
❌ You notice leaks around the base
❌ The tank fills very slowly
❌ It happens in multiple bathrooms
3. Low Water Pressure in One Faucet
DIY Fix:
✔ Remove and clean the aerator
✔ Check for debris or mineral buildup (common in Lubbock’s hard water)
Call a Plumber If:
❌ Entire home has low pressure
❌ Pressure changes suddenly
❌ You suspect a leak
❌ Hot water pressure is low (could be a water heater issue)
4. Small Faucet Leaks
DIY Fix:
✔ Replace a worn-out washer
✔ Tighten loose connections
✔ Swap out O-rings
Call a Plumber If:
❌ Leak is under the slab
❌ Moisture appears inside walls or ceilings
❌ The faucet base is corroded
❌ Multiple fixtures leak simultaneously
Plumbing Problems You Should Leave to a Professional
Some issues look simple on the surface but can lead to major damage if handled incorrectly. These problems require the skill, tools, and experience of a licensed Lubbock plumber.
1. Sewer Line Backups or Multiple Drains Clogging
This is a red flag for a possible sewer line blockage, often caused by:
Tree roots
Collapsed pipes
Grease buildup
Shifting West Texas soil
DIY attempts can make the problem worse. Call Cotton City Plumbing immediately.
2. Burst or Leaking Pipes
A burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage fast.
Professional repair is mandatory if:
Water is leaking inside walls
You see ceiling stains
There’s water pooling outside your home
Pipes freeze and crack during winter
3. Water Heater Problems
Water heaters are complicated and can be dangerous to work on. Call a plumber for:
No hot water
Leaking tank
Popping or banging noises
Rusty-colored water
Pilot light issues
Lubbock’s hard water often accelerates sediment buildup, which requires professional flushing.
4. Slab Leaks
Homes in Lubbock are especially vulnerable to slab leaks due to shifting foundations. Signs include:
Hot spots on the floor
Unexplained water bill increases
Low water pressure
Sound of running water when everything is off
Only a licensed plumber should handle slab leak detection and repair.
5. Major Toilet Problems
Avoid DIY if:
The toilet backs up frequently
Wastewater overflows
The flange is loose or damaged
You suspect sewer line issues
6. Gas Line Issues
Gas lines require licensed professionals only.
Never attempt DIY repairs on:
Gas leaks
Gas water heaters
Gas appliances
Sewer gas smells
If you smell gas, leave immediately and call emergency services, then contact a professional plumber.
How to Decide: A Simple Lubbock Plumbing Checklist
Ask yourself:
✔ Is the problem small and localized?
DIY is likely safe.
✔ Do I have the right tools?
If not, you may do more harm than good.
✔ Has this happened before?
Recurring issues need a plumber.
✔ Is water leaking where it shouldn’t be?
Call Cotton City Plumbing.
✔ Am I dealing with sewage, gas, or major pipes?
Never DIY.
Why Calling a Local Lubbock Plumber Matters
Plumbing systems vary from city to city—and Lubbock has its own unique challenges, including:
Hard water leading to mineral buildup
Shifting clay soil impacting underground pipes
Older neighborhoods with aging plumbing
Seasonal freezes that threaten exposed pipes
A local professional understands these issues and can diagnose problems quickly and accurately.
Call Cotton City Plumbing When You Need a Trusted Lubbock Plumber
Whether your DIY fix didn’t do the trick or you want a professional to handle the job safely, Cotton City Plumbing is here to help. We’re Lubbock locals, and we know how to solve the unique plumbing challenges of West Texas homes.
Need a plumber you can trust?
Contact Cotton City Plumbing today for fast, reliable service—done right the first time.