If you have a plumbing issue, your first instinct might be to research a DIY plumbing solution. After all, why pay for a professional when you can do it yourself and potentially save money?
The downside to that thinking is that plumbing is highly complex, and it is extremely easy to make mistakes if you don’t have the right experience. While you may be able to fix a leaky faucet just fine, replacing a toilet incorrectly can create future problems that cost even more time and money to fix.
With that in mind, the team at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air is here to discuss some of the common pitfalls when performing DIY plumbing and why it can ultimately do more harm than good.
Contact us today to speak to our experienced plumbers in Bainbridge, CA!
Wrong Tools
Do you do a lot of handyman work around your house? If not, odds are you won’t have the right plumbing tools for the job. Buying a set of specialized plumbing tools might not be worth the investment unless you are performing regular plumbing work in your house. Moreover, if you don’t have specific knowledge, it’s really easy to accidentally use the wrong tool or use the tool incorrectly. If you spend a lot on quality plumbing tools, you may only end up using them a few times.
Bad Repair Technique
Another common pitfall is improper plumbing repair techniques. For instance, you can’t use certain sealants on plastic piping, and pipe installation and layout can have a massive effect on water retention and overall plumbing efficiency. Plumbers go through a lot of study and receive specialized training to understand how to repair plumbing systems appropriately, and you’ll have a lot of difficulties if you just rely on videos and articles online instead of specialized training. If you make bad repairs, you might cause a major leak and significant water damage.
No Insurance Coverage
A major reason to stay away from DIY plumbing is due to a lack of insurance coverage in the event of mistakes. For example, say you try to make plumbing repairs, use the wrong gasket, and create a giant leak and significant water damage. In this case, your homeowner’s insurance would not cover the cost of repairs so you would have to pay for them out of pocket. Insurance policies explicitly specify that they will not cover damage due to negligence if an unqualified professional makes repairs. In contrast, professional plumbing companies carry liability insurance specifically for situations like this. If a licensed and insured contractor messes up repairs, they will cover the cost of damages, not you.
Potential Injuries
Plumbing deals with raw sewage, which can pose a health hazard. You can also get exposed to black mold when working with plumbing which can cause medical complications. For instance, if you mess up a sewer repair job, you can expose your family to black water, which contains harmful microbes. Depending on the severity of exposure, you or your family might require medical attention.
Using the Wrong Components
There is an extremely wide range of plumbing components to choose from and you are very likely to make the wrong choice unless you are very careful and do a lot of research. For example, you might choose pipe fittings that are the wrong size or use a component that is made from the wrong materials. Similarly, you can install the components incorrectly and cause damage.
Void Your Warranty
One of the most important reasons you should generally shy away from DIY plumbing repair is it can void any warranties on your plumbing appliances. For example, if you try to fix your water heater and mess it up, you won’t be able to use the warranty to replace the damaged unit. Even if you make successful repairs, if it breaks later, the manufacturer might use the fact that you previously made DIY repairs as a reason to not honor the warranty agreement.
Is DIY Plumbing Ever a Good Idea?
As a general rule of thumb, you should contact an expert for your plumbing work. However, there are a few minor instances where DIY repairs are not a bad idea and you can potentially perform them on your own without much trouble.
Leaky Faucets
The most likely cause of a leaky faucet is a loose washer. Faucets contain a small washer that seals water flow when the handles are closed. The washer can come loose so that water dribbles out even when the handle is closed. Tightening the washer should fix the leak problem. Faucet leaks can also be caused by a damaged cartridge.
Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are also fairly simple to repair without specialized equipment. The most common solution is to pour a mixture of vinegar and baking soda down the drain and flush it with hot water. The chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda produces heat that softens any clogs, and the hot water forces it down the remainder of the drain. You can also buy a drain snake to break apart clogs in the U-bend.
Small Leak Patch
If you notice a small leak in your pipe, you can apply a temporary patch or seal to buy some time until you get a professional to replace the pipe. Simple methods of sealing a pipe leak include duct tape, epoxy, rubber cement, plumbing repair sleeves, and pipe clamps. If you can’t find the leak source, you may not be able to seal it on your own and will have to call a professional for leak detection services.
Your 24/7 Home Plumbing Experts
Read our blog to learn the answer to the question: “Do you need a plumber to install a sump pump?” If you would like to learn more about the common pitfalls of DIY plumbing or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Cooper’s Plumbing & Air online or give us a call today at (866) 464-7132! Learn more today.