For the hands-on homeowner or the enthusiastic DIYer, there’s an undeniable sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from fixing home issues with your own two hands. However, venturing into the complex world of plumbing without the proper knowledge or tools can lead to disastrous outcomes.
In this blog post, we’ll go through the potential risks and consequences of DIY plumbing projects, helping you distinguish when to don the tool belt and when to hand the wrench over to a professional.
DIY Plumbing: What Projects Can You Handle Alone?
First things first, it's important to recognize that not all plumbing tasks require professional intervention. There are many small jobs that are both safe and timely for you to do yourself.
DIY plumbing jobs can include but aren't limited to:
- Fixing running toilets
- Toilet flapper issues
- Clogged drains
- Leaky faucets
Armed with a few basic tools and insights from reliable resources, these issues can often be rectified without much trouble. However, if the issues persist or when it comes to more complex tasks, the situation changes considerably.
Risks of DIY Plumbing
Before you decide to tackle that plumbing project, let's uncover the array of risks that come with DIY plumbing adventures.
Water Damage
One of the most immediate and consequential risks is water damage. A misstep in fitting pipes or a fault in installation can result in leaks. Small leaks can quickly become big problems, leading to mold growth, structural damage, and extensive water damage that demands professional remediation.
Electrical Hazards
Plumbing and electricity coexist closely within our homes. Insufficient knowledge of plumbing can elevate the danger of electrocution. For complex plumbing tasks, it is advisable to seek the expertise of a professional plumber who possesses the necessary skills to mitigate electrical hazards.
Health Hazards
Without the correct protective gear and procedures, you could expose yourself to harmful pathogens found in wastewater.
Additionally, incorrectly dealing with sewer lines or drains could result in contamination and health hazards—not only to you but also to your household.
Wasted Time & Money
In the eagerness to fix a problem quickly and save money, DIY plumbing can ironically lead to wasted time and additional expenses. The initial repair might go awry, causing more extensive damages that will require costly fixes from a professional afterward.
Voided Warranties
Certain appliances come with warranties that are voided if repairs are not conducted by a licensed professional. Therefore, attempting to fix a water heater, for example, can lead to the loss of the warranty and potential future costs.
Expensive Repairs
Without the expertise of a professional plumber, your repairs may not be as seamless as they appear. The chances of improper installation, incorrect parts, and other issues are higher, which can lead to appliance failure or overall damage, resulting in costly repairs.
When Should You Hire a Plumber?
Outside of the small repairs you can do at home, there are many other instances when it's time to call in a professional. Recognizing these signs can save you time, money, and potential damage to your home.
Signs to hire a professional plumber include:
- Recurring clogged drains
- Leaky pipes
- Low water pressure
- No hot water
- Odd sounds
- Water damage
- Plumbing installations
- Home remodels
When you find yourself in need of expert assistance, don't hesitate to contact our reliable team at Smith's Plumbing Services. With our experience, skills, and dedication, we are here to provide you with top-notch plumbing services that you can trust.
Get in touch with our team today by calling us at (901) 290-1110 or sending us a message online to get started.