How to Tell When it’s Safe to DIY and When to Call a Plumber
The “Do It Yourself” (DIY) movement has gathered major steam. It can be a great way to save money since you won’t have to hire outside help. You might be tempted to go ahead and treat all projects yourself. Don’t get too excited. There are some cases where a professional opinion will prevent you from causing more harm than good. Plumbing is one such area. You can strike a balance between identifying smaller problems that are easy to fix and those that require major intervention.
Installing New Parts in Your Faucet
Faucets are comparatively easy to replace on your own. Start by identifying where the leak is coming from. Is it at the base of the spout or dripping from the head of the spout itself? Turn off the water supply so you can work without causing a serious spray. Organize the parts in the order you took them out. Many of the parts can be identified by a brand name stamp. Take the worn-out parts to a hardware store to replace them.
Access to Pipes
Exposed pipes are usually in your basement or attic. You can quickly head down- or upstairs to check their status. Beware if a pipe problem is hidden behind your walls. A plumber can diagnose the situation. They have the expertise to actually reach those pipes in a way that won’t destroy your house.
Risk of Damage
Water loss has larger implications than an annoying leak. It leads to higher water bills and the spread of mold. You might need to install new carpeting if it has been exposed to bacteria. That impacts your HVAC system and your home’s air quality. Head the problem off at the pass by calling a plumber. They can sometimes give you a referral to an HVAC repair company for ease of mind.
Personal Experience
Be realistic with yourself. You might have a lot of DIY projects under your (tool) belt. That doesn’t mean you are qualified for all of them. Legitimate plumbers have licenses. The requirements for these licenses vary from state to state. The length and type of experience a plumber has means that they are “journey level” or specialty plumbers. They are also insured to work in your home. That way you won’t lose any money by making a mistake on your own. Plumbing is literally embedded in the foundation of your home. A good plumber can strengthen that foundation for years of use.