DIY plumbing can be tempting, but there are certain situations where it is best to hire a professional plumber. Learn more here.
Between 2015 and 2017, there were over 43 million DIY home projects done. 73 percent claimed they felt comfortable not calling a professional. There was enough instructional information online to teach them the ropes.
While being handy is a great skill to learn, it’s not always the best decision.
There are many cases, especially in plumbing, when you need a professional’s expertise. The integrity of your home’s plumbing system and its functionality depend on it.
So, when should you call the plumber and when should you try DIY plumbing? Here are the hard and fast rules to remember.
When to Do-it-Yourself
You don’t need to call a plumber for minor plumbing adjustments. Like, replacing a showerhead or unclogging a toilet. Both scenarios are usually straightforward.
You can also get away with fixing leaky faucets, clearing a clogged shower drain, or replacing the faucet altogether.
While these projects may require some video instructions, they’re manageable on your own. Of course, you can always call a plumber to do it for you. But, if you want to save some money, feel free to DIY.
DIY methods are great for preventing plumbing disasters. You can maintain your pipes yourself. For example, opening doors so your heat reaches pipes in different rooms.
You can also perform monthly drain cleaning practices to prevent clogging. Pour a drain-cleaning mixture down the drains regularly. And, of course, never pour oil down the drains.
When to Call the Plumber
There are some plumbing projects that are too complicated for a simple YouTube tutorial to cover. This is especially true when it comes to building codes and safety.
When you’re renovating your home, it’s best to call a plumber. They can advise you on how your renovations might affect your pipe system. Always hire a plumber when moving pipes or fixing broken ones.
The water heater is another component of the plumbing industry best left to the pros. If you install one incorrectly, it becomes a big safety hazard in your home.
Most of the time, replacing a toilet is okay to do on your own. But, this process can easily go wrong if the floor’s uneven, the bolts are too tight, or there’s a crack in the toilet. In these cases, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The same goes for repairing a garbage disposal unit or dishwasher. There are many intricate systems inside each unit that you don’t want to affect.
Are You Considering DIY Plumbing?
Often, the average homeowner has what it takes to remedy their plumbing problems. This is especially true when it comes to clogged drains and leaky faucets.
However, there are also many cases when it’s smarter and safer to call a plumber.
Use the guide above on when DIY plumbing is a good idea and when it isn’t. If in doubt, feel free to call your local Sacramento plumber for advice. We’re always ready
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