Plumbers can be expensive, that’s no secret, and many plumbing jobs can be done yourself if you have the proper skills and equipment. Lots of do-it-yourself (DIY) jobs are easy, like changing a shower head, unclogging a drain, or even replacing a toilet if you’re experienced, but there are plenty of jobs that are simply too large or too complicated for anyone but a properly trained professional plumber. Only true professional plumbers have the skills and tools needed for a lot of jobs around your home. Here are just 3 plumbing problems you should never attempt on your own, be it because of the plumbing code, access issues, or just to get the job done quickly and properly the first time.
Extending Hot Water Lines
If you’re installing a new sink or bathroom that requires hot water, you may be able to do much of the work yourself. Installing a new sink or even shower is possible, although very technical, time consuming, and difficult for someone without the right skill set, but the actual hot water pipes is a whole different issue. Plumbing code, picking the right pipes, and properly running these pipes through your hot water heater (which itself may need replaced to keep up with demand) is a job for a plumber. Hot water pipes have a greater likelihood of bursting and warping, so you need to get the right pipes in the right place without ruining all the hot water in your home and leaving yourself open to possible water damage from burst pipes.
Re-Routing Sewage Pipes
Sewage pipes, often simply called drain pipes, take water away from the appliance and eventually out of your home via your main drainage pipe. Some individual draining issues can be performed on your own, but replacing these pipes, or upgrading and fixing your main sewage line, is a job for the professionals. They’ll need to safely turn off the water, get the correct type of piping for your home, and affix it properly to the drainage system on your street. This can involve permits and shutting off water on your street, but any and all code violations in this instance can result in sewage backup, heavy fines, and environmental damage.
Fixing Water Mains
While you should always know how to turn off your homes water supply so you can stop leaks and fix some other problems, turning off the main water main to your whole street requires a plumber, permits, permission, and access. You can get the proper paperwork on your own (it’ll be a hassle no matter where you live), but you probably cannot finish the job in a timely fashion, which is more than just a detriment to your social standing in the neighbourhood. Legal issues can arise when people are left without water for too long, which can get you into major trouble. To fix a water main, you need someone who can get the job done quickly the first time to avoid inconveniencing your neighbours too much and getting in trouble with the authorities.
We can do a lot of plumbing jobs ourselves, but some are best left to the professionals. Always err on the side of caution when considering a DIY job, and never do any of the jobs above on your own.
