DIYs are a major accomplishment for many homeowners, and who wouldn’t love to successfully take on a plumbing project? Without the proper equipment or skills, though, you might discover that taking on the project in the first place was a mistake. Incorrect handling of some jobs, such as fixing gas leaks, installing water heaters, and cleaning sewage, can result in serious physical harm or even death.
Other tasks, including setting up a sump pump or working on difficult-to-reach pipe repairs, could cause harm to your house or land you in legal trouble with the authorities. In these emergency situations, you should stop watching the YouTube video and call a professional instead of trying to save money by doing it yourself, for your safety and wellbeing. The plumbing jobs that you should leave to the experts can be seen clearly in the list below.
1. Gas leaks
The first fix you should never attempt on your own and should always leave to a professional is a gas leak. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reported in 2018 that 40 fire fatalities in the US are caused by natural gas leaks per year. Electric fireplaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, and stoves all have gas lines. If you suspect a leak, it’s crucial to avoid turning on any electrical switches, starting a car, or bringing any kind of flame close to the gas because these gases are extremely combustible. Open your windows if you believe there is a gas leak, shut off the gas if it’s safe to do so, and then dial your gas provider right away. Your gas company’s experts will know how to fix a gas leak safely for you and your family.
2. Replacement of a water heater
Replacement or repair of a water heater is another task that should only be performed by a plumber or other expert. The majority of water heaters are powered by natural gas, and if something goes wrong, a fire or electrical issue could result. Another risk associated with water heaters is the potential for improperly installed pipes to explode and spray hot water everywhere. Therefore, consult a professional if your water heater leaks or you see corrosion, pressure issues, or temperature issues.
Unsurprisingly, typical tank water heaters have a shorter lifespan than tankless (on-demand) water heaters. You might want to find out the benefits and drawbacks of tankless water heaters if you’re considering switching from a conventional heater to an on-demand one. Water supply pipes that have been improperly replaced or repaired may leak. Your home may sustain water damage as a result of the subsequent leak. This implies that you will wind up paying a contractor to come in and repair the water damage in order to avoid paying a plumber to fix something that is very simple. Oh, and you will also be spending money on a plumbing company to fix the broken pipes.
3. Major sewer line clogs
Homeowners should abstain from clearing a main sewer line backup on their own. These signs of a major sewage line clog include a gurgling toilet, a tub or shower filled with waste water, or water emptying from a washing machine and flooding a toilet. Even though many DIY websites advise using Coca-Cola or drain cleaner to clean your pipes, doing so can actually cause more harm because it will corrode the pipes. Unfortunately, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds if you assume it means you should try fixing the pipes in another way.
Managing sewage in any form, much like managing gas, can be harmful to your health. Almost two million incidents of sickness are brought on by sewage poisoning each year, according to the National Resources Defense Council. You can become very ill from sewage either by coming into contact with it or by inhaling the microorganisms that it contains. Only a professional with the required training, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be trusted with handling a sewer backup. If your kitchen or bathroom sink is merely blocked (with no waste water backed up), it’s most likely not a major sewer line clog if you don’t notice any of the signs listed above. You might be able to take care of this yourself; otherwise, call on an expert for major drain clearing.
4. Fixing inaccessible pipes
Last but not least, homeowners should never try to fix a plumbing issue that involves pipes that are hidden, such as those that are underground or in a wall. Before you can uncover damaged pipes, many regions require a city-issued digging permit, and you’ll probably get hit with a steep fee if you don’t have one. In addition, homeowners are at risk from subsurface utilities like natural gas and electricity cables. A plumber has the knowledge to avoid underground dangers, the capacity to obtain the proper permits, and the tools to do excavation.
Internal leaks and subterranean pipes both face some similar difficulties. Opening walls exposes electrical wiring and allows access to internal pipes. The wall needs to be put back together once the issue has been resolved. A plumber can manage all the details; he can carefully open the wall, expertly fix the leak, and organize the repair of the damaged wall.
5. Repairing plumbing in multiple-occupancy buildings
The majority of states have made amateur repairs to multi-occupancy buildings prohibited. No matter how skilled you are with plumbing, you cannot take care of plumbing problems on your own. There are additional residents in the building, so if you botch the repair, many more people will also be put in danger.
Yes, you can perform the occasional fixture tightening here and there, but if you have even the smallest doubt about something, don’t waste time; hire a professional to handle the repairs.
In conclusion, many homeowners adore being able to perform simple repairs around their property. Being good with the items around your house is, after all, a wonderful ability to have. As a matter of fact, going back and forth on the phone with experts to come in and do the job when it’s not even a major issue might save you a ton of time and money. Nevertheless, some homeowners rush through repairs a little too quickly. Some issues cannot be easily fixed by the average person. To complete the task correctly, they require the knowledge and training that specialists possess.
