Many plumbing problems occur in homes on a routine basis.
You must be prepared for anything that may come your way, from clogged sinks
and pipes to leaky faucets and septic tank issues.
Many people will turn to DIY solutions because they are
cheap and convenient. However, they may end up doing more harm than good. Many
cleaning products contain abrasive chemicals that can damage pipes.
One wrong move and a small leak may transform into a flood
that damages your entire basement, kitchen, or bathroom. If you are currently
dealing with water puddles or leaking pipes, you should call a licensed and
bonded plumber instead of training to haphazardly fix the problem yourself.
When looking for a plumber to work with, ensure that they
have a proven track record of success, and all of their products should be
backed by an iron-clad guarantee for peace of mind.
Some minor issues do not require a plumber. A quick video
tutorial and a few tools will usually suffice to tackle small problems.
However, larger issues should only be taken care of by a consummate
professional who has years of experience in dealing with such matters.
Here, we will discuss five reasons why DIY plumbing fails
more often than not.
Types of Plumbing Emergencies You May Run Into
Plumbing issues, however small, are no joke. Toilet
emergencies, in particular, can be quite problematic. If you are dealing with clogged
toilets, you need first to identify the cause of the blockage.
Toilets currently serve as the most frequently used plumbing
fixture in most North American homes. Due to their frequent use, they are
highly susceptible to wear and tear. Clogs are the most common type of issue
that most homeowners face.
A leaky water heater is another common plumbing emergency.
Some telltale signs of a leaky water heater include water dripping from the
pipes, water puddles around the apparatus, and a dripping sound emanating from
the heater itself.
Burst pipes can also be quite serious. They are considered a
plumbing emergency by most experts. The water damage caused by burst pipes can
be extensive and expensive to repair.
Clogged garbage disposal is also something that you will
want to avoid. Non-organic waste should never make its way into your garbage
disposal unit. Also, when you run your disposal, you need to run water while it
is in use to reduce the risk of clogs.
Running toilets is also a fairly common issue that you
should avoid whenever possible. It should be noted that running toilets are
usually caused by a flapper valve that has become worn out due to the ravages
of time.
Water should not flow freely from the toilet tank to the
toilet itself. If you are dealing with any of the above issues, you should call
a plumber to diagnose and solve the problem properly.
Why DIY Plumbing is a Bad Idea
If you don't have all the tools, you will have some
problems. Most homeowners do not have access to the specific tools plumbers use
to get the job done.
Even a rudimentary DIY kit for plumbing purposes will take a
considerable amount of time and money to put together, and there is no
guarantee that you will use it correctly. There is a strong possibility that you
will worsen the minor plumbing problem.
If you fail to fix a clogged drain, you may make the clog
worse. You can also cause injuries when you tackle a plumbing issue without the
necessary tools and know-how.
Complex plumbing issues can cause very serious injuries. If
you want to avoid injury, you should leave your plumbing repairs to the
professionals. You may also damage other parts of your home while doing DIY
plumbing.
A seemingly minor plumbing issue can become a disaster that
affects your home if you are not prudent. If the damage is extensive enough, it
may cost you several thousand dollars to fix your home.
Also, if you are not familiar with the most effective ways
to fix plumbing issues, you may run into problems sooner rather than later.
It takes several years, if not decades, of training and
experience to accurately diagnose and treat plumbing problems. An improper
diagnosis may exacerbate an existing problem, requiring even more money and
time to rectify the root cause of the issue.
Why Do You Need a Professional Plumber?
A professional plumber will ensure that your drainage system
is working properly and that it is also installed correctly.
Plumbers have extensive experience working in residential
and commercial buildings to handle many plumbing problems. A good plumber will
have the expertise and tools to fix the issue in a relatively short period of
time.
They will use state-of-the-art drain inspection cameras and
innovative cleaning tools to eliminate the cause of the problem. If you are
currently dealing with a plumbing emergency, you need plumbing solutions
from a seasoned veteran.
Erring on the Side of Caution
You need to know how to diagnose plumbing issues before
tackling them properly. Most people don't know how to tackle serious plumbing
issues. Most people also lack the necessary tools to properly diagnose and
treat a plumbing problem.
While it may be tempting to tackle your plumbing issues on
your own, you will likely do more harm than good unless you have the same level
of training as a licensed and bonded plumber.
When you work with a plumber with a proven track record, you
will know that your home is in good hands. You can enjoy peace of mind and
focus on work or your family while your plumber does all the hard work.
They will also explain what caused the issue and provide
tips on preventing the problem from forming again.
Stephanie Alexander is a blogger. She is currently a blog manager, predominantly based in the Greater Toronto Area, managing content for a few different blogs for different clients with wildly varying information needs or topics of interest. She likes to research topics mainly related to home improvement. Most recently she graduated from the University of British Columbia with her Bachelor's in Business Administration and Creative Writing with Honours.