Having a DIY mindset is a good thing. You can save money and learn a few things by handling basic home repairs yourself. But there are times when there is no substitute for professional work. Learning to recognize those times is important, especially when you are talking about plumbing.
Most of the plumbing in your home is hidden. And while plumbing is simple in principle, plumbing problems can lead to extensive and costly damage if they are not addressed quickly enough. Often times, a homeowner’s DIY skills are put to the test when plumbing repairs are necessary.
So, how do you know when it’s time to call in a plumber? Salt City Plumbing, a local plumbing in Salt Lake City, UT, offers the following:
1. When Leaks Are Hidden
It is pretty easy to tell that the kitchen faucet is leaking just by looking at it. And because the faucet is easily accessible, replacing it yourself is no big deal. Things are different when leaks are hidden. When you cannot see the source of a leak, you are probably looking at a problem requiring more extensive repairs.
Perhaps you have noticed a water stain on the living room ceiling. The stain looks wet around the edges, implying that you have a slow leak in the plumbing above. This is a job best left for professionals.
2. When Drains Are Chronically Clogged
The occasional clogged drain is typical for most homes. However, if you experience chronically clogged drains on a regular basis, there may be something serious going on. There may be a broken drain line somewhere. There may be debris stuck in the line. Who knows? A plumber is the most qualified individual to figure out the problem.
3. When You Need a New Water Heater
A plumber is also the most qualified person to replace your water heater. Moreover, some states and local jurisdictions require that all residential water heater replacement jobs be completed by licensed plumbers. Even if you’re not required by law to call in a plumber, this is one job you probably don’t want to tackle yourself. An improperly installed water heater can be dangerous. Let a plumber do it.
4. When You Are Having Sewer Problems
Problems related to the sewer are generally not tackled by homeowners. First and foremost, sewage lines are not easy to get to. Second, they are not easy to fix. Your best bet for sewer problems is to call in a plumber. Let someone with experience deal with your sewer instead of taking your chances on a DIY project.
5. When Work Needs to Be Inspected
Finally, certain types of plumbing jobs have to be inspected by municipal inspectors for the purposes of maintaining local code compliance. Any such work should be done by a professional. Even if local laws allow you to do the work yourself, municipal inspectors do not tend to look very favorably on DIY work. Not utilizing a professional could result in an inspector nitpicking your work to the point of never approving it.
Local inspectors and plumbers tend to know one another. They are familiar with one another’s work. Bringing in a professional not only guarantees that the job will be done correctly, but it also smooths the path toward a timely inspection and quick approval.
Being a DIY homeowner is a good thing. Just know your limits. When those limits involve plumbing, call in a professional to do the work for you. Some plumbing jobs are just too difficult to handle on your own. That’s okay. It is not the end of the world.