From cost savings, convenience of not having to wait for a plumber, and a feeling of self-sufficiency, a good number of homeowners are nowadays getting more inclined toward the DIY Intervention in troubleshooting simple and common plumbing issues.
As interesting as it may seem, DIY plumbing can sometimes present homeowners with several limitations, including a void warranty, further damage to the systems, and personal injury.
This article explores the various plumbing situations that warrant professional intervention.
Major Line Bursts
While minor leaks can be addressed through simple DIY hacks and bypass professional handling, this can prove insufficient in major leaks or when pipes burst.
Plumbing Services done right the first time!
This is because the bursts can put your safety at risk from the increased water pressure. Since you lack the technical skills to address the issue promptly, the bursts will have caused significant damage indoors and outdoors, costing you lots of repair money. Conversely, professionals perform immediate quality repairs to prevent massive damage and recurrent issues.
Water Heater Issues
Water heaters are one critical component whose repair and troubleshooting can be intricate for DIYers. This is because any mishap could cost you the entire appliance, attracting insurmountable unnecessary replacement costs. You could also be risking serious physical injuries, for instance, electrocution from water heater repairs, without the right skillset. Professional plumbers, on the other hand, possess the required knowledge to maneuver intricate components and use specialized repair equipment and tools.
When DIY Intervention Proves Ineffective
In as much as DIY plumbing comes with many unforeseen benefits, it is worth noting that it may never come in handy in all, situations all the time. Professionals are better equipped to handle complex issues that require specialized skills, equipment, and tools. For instance, DIY troubleshooting is beneficial for temporary solutions as homeowners wait or plan for professional intervention.
Reduced Water Pressure
Among the many signs of leaks and clogging is reduced water pressure indoors. This is because when a leak occurs, lots of water ends up in the ground, instead of water fixtures, causing a drop in pressure. With low water pressure, most of house chores and cleaning tasks will be difficult to handle. The lack of proper tools and equipment to fix invisible leaks and the lack of technical skills to maneuver are the reasons you should let a professional deal with it.
Local Building Codes
No kind of DIY plumbing can help in passing quality inspections, no matter who does it. It will still take a professional plumber to recommend and install the required fixtures if you are to pass the safety assessment inspections. Additionally, professional plumbing is crucial for expediting the approval and permit acquisition when handling new projects. Given their deep understanding of building codes and the entire process of acquiring permits, you are better off with a professional than with an amateur. It will help you with compliance and avoid the legal implications of non-compliance.
Issues with Sewer Lines
While it may be easier to address minor drain issues like clogging and blocking, it may be a little complicated to deal with issues to do with sewer lines. Given their larger sizes and lack of knowledge with specialized equipment, professional plumbing can address issues to do with sewer lines, better and more effectively to prevent future recurrence.
Installation of New Fixtures
However tempting it may be, never try to handle the installation of new plumbing fixtures. Lack of or inadequate knowledge and skills in working with specialized equipment can set you up for serious problems going into the future. To ensure you start right, quality and long-lasting solutions, consider leaving the work to a professional.
Emergencies
During emergencies where every moment counts, the speed with which you move can have a massive impact on the extent of damage. Small delays during pipe bursts, for instance, can cause massive inconvenience in terms of water damage, temporary evacuation, and suspension of business operations. Instead of risking these inconveniences with DIY, professional plumbing can help combat or salvage the situation much faster and effectively.
From financial savings to, sense of self-sufficiency, and convenience, DIY solutions to plumbing issues can be very tempting even in situations that require the intervention of a professional. What you may not be aware of is that the same solutions you are looking for can set you up for failure and even bigger problems, going into the future. If you are unsure or not confident about a particular issue, it is better to consult a professional plumber.
