Should I DIY or Call a Professional Plumber?  

DIY is all the rage nowadays. It offers homeowners the chance to take on challenging projects to grow their skills and expertise. Solving complex problems also offers a sense of accomplishment.

Hiring a plumber costs money. Some homeowners gravitate towards doing things on their own by using a hammer or crimping tool to save on costs.

Even the best DIYers know that there is a ceiling to their capabilities. At some point, they realize that they may need to involve professional help. You also don’t want to be doing tasks that require the intervention of licensed professionals and city permits. Taking on such tasks may mean breaching codes, which may result in fines and orders to undo the work.

So, when is it possible to DIY, and when should you call a professional plumber? Let’s find out:

When to DIY

Various indicators can help you differentiate between jobs you can do on your own versus tasks best left to the professionals because some things are like installing laminate flooring. A DIY approach may be viable if:

  • You don’t have to relocate pipes or install new piping.
  • The work doesn’t entail opening up new walls or ripping up the floor.
  • An appliance doesn’t require any water line or drain line.
  • The work does not include installing plumbing systems that require permits that ensure the safety and welfare of building occupants.

Some common plumbing tasks that meet these conditions include:

Leaky faucet repair and replacement  

You can repair leaky faucets by ordering new internal components online. Sites such as Amazon and local hardware stores stock up on the parts. Alternatively, you can consider replacing the entire faucet. Replacing a faucet is a 10-minute job at tops.

Toilet, sink and drain unclogging  

Armed with a plunger or DIY snake drain, you can resolve toilet, sinks, showers, or tub drain clogs. Pouring down a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can even work on minor blockages.

Running toilet repair  

A running toilet is a liability because it wastes a lot of water. If water leaks from the tank, it may fail to get up the level needed to flush the toilet.

You can deal with this problem by replacing the internal components, including the fill valve and flapper. Your local hardware store may have the replacement parts, or you may order them online.

If you ever feel out of depth about a particular issue, don’t hesitate to call team emergency plumber. You must be very careful during the repair process to avoid damaging other components. For instance, some homeowners may use drain cleaning chemicals that result in a buildup of heat, which damages their drainpipes. Being too aggressive with a drain snake can pose a risk to pipes and connections.

When to Call a Professional Plumber  

You may be hesitant about hiring a professional plumber because of the expenses involved or if you feel that the problem is within your capabilities.

First, it’s helpful to know the type of plumbing emergencies that require professional help. Some of these tasks include:

  • Water heater repair and routine maintenance
  • Sump pump configuration, installation, and repair
  • Main sewer line diagnosis and unblocking
  • Low water pressure diagnosis and resolution
  • Frozen, cracked, and burst water pipes
  • New water piping installation and rerouting
  • Gas leak detection and piping.

You get a wide range of benefits by hiring a plumber. Plumbers undergo extensive training before working on residential and commercial plumbing systems. Their journey starts after they graduate from high school. Educational training at a trade school takes about 2 years, after which the plumber undergoes an apprenticeship program that may last for 2 to 5 years. The plumber becomes a licensed journeyman. After four years or so, they can apply for a contractor’s license.

A professional plumber may have encountered the same issues countless times before. It makes them less prone to making rookie mistakes that frequently occur with DIY projects. For instance, you may think that you patched up a pipe well only for the dripping to continue. The undetected leak can cause rotting or mold growth.

Professional plumbers carry liability protection and apply for a surety bond. You can get compensated for any damages to your property. If they don’t apply for the right permits or perform a subpar job, you can file a complaint and seek recourse. Many plumbing companies also offer warranties for certain repair tasks or installations.

There you have it! Make finding a good plumber a priority for permanent and lasting results.

Dominik Sherman

Dominik Sherman, an authority in home organization, earned his degree in Interior Design from the University of Washington. With over 15 years of experience in space optimization and minimalist design, Dominik joined our platform in 2020, offering innovative and practical home organization solutions. Before this, he ran a successful home organizing consultancy, helping clients transform their living spaces. Dominik is also an avid gardener, finding peace and inspiration in the harmony of nature and organized spaces.

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