DIY plumbing has become quite a popular activity in recent years. Ambitious homeowners with absolutely no experience whatsoever are installing the plumbing in a new bathroom or kitchen, thinking a quick YouTube tutorial is all they need to learn the intricacies of the profession. Only after a few failed attempts do they realize that installing new plumbing is not as easy as it looks.
But the time and money it takes to make this realization pale in comparison to those people who think they have successfully installed new plumbing in their new bathroom, only to be dealing with incessant leaks a month or two later.
The point is: there are some plumbing jobs that folks can do on their own – but there are a number of plumbing issues that only the pros should handle.
When Is It a Good Idea to Call a Plumber?
Plumbing jobs that only the pros should handle fall into a couple of categories. There are the jobs that are simply too dangerous for DIY enthusiasts to take on. There are also jobs that require more technical know-how than the average person will have, and should thus be left to the professionals. Let’s take a look at an example for both groups.
Jobs That Are Too Dangerous
Gas line repair
Jobs that are too dangerous include gas line repair, which is probably the most dangerous job a plumber has to do. If you think you have a gas leak (probably because you got a whiff of gas in the air) then the first thing you should do is leave the house and call 9-1-1. The authorities will bring in a plumber to deal with the leak, which includes putting in preventative measures to stop it from happening again.
Sewage
Another dangerous job is fixing a sewage issue – or any job related to the drain-waste-vent system, for that matter. This is one of those jobs that is not incredibly difficult, but it sure does come with a high risk if you make a mistake. It also requires heavy digging, which, depending on state or municipal regulations, might not be possible without first getting permission from local authorities. This is definitely one of those jobs to leave to the professionals.
Jobs That Are Too Challenging
Adding/Rerouting Existing Pipes
Let’s say you just finished an addition on your home, and now it’s time to connect the plumbing. Depending on the location of the bathroom and kitchen, and the complexity of existing piping, this job can be a real headache. Of course, if it’s just a bathroom in the basement then maybe it’s quite clear where the new intakes are and if you need any new lateral connections. In most cases that we see, rerouting existing pipes should be done by the pros.
Rounding It Up
Doing DIY plumbing projects is a great way to learn more about how your house works, and, in some cases, to save money. However, it’s important to realize when you are being over-ambitious and should call the professionals before getting yourself tangled up in a plumbing mess!
