Plumbing issues are bound to happen, but not all plumbing problems are created equal. Plumbing problems in the home differ by the complexity of the task of fixing them, their cost and the impact they can have on your home and plumbing system.
Some plumbing issues are straightforward enough that a homeowner armed with appropriate tools and information can fix them, says RGroup Management Company. These plumbing issues pose very little threat of causing major damage since there is almost no chance of anything going awry.
On the other hand, there are plumbing problems in your home that should only be fixed by a professional plumber. These problems typically can cause major damage to the house within a very short time. In other words, they are plumbing emergencies.
A plumbing emergency is a problem that renders your home unlivable by making the plumbing systems unusable. Plumbing emergencies can damage the structures of the building, and they often pose a significant threat to people’s health.
Another set of plumbing issues that non-professionals should never tackle are those that cost a lot of money to fix. Solving these plumbing issues requires specialized knowledge. It involves complex equipment and complicated procedures.
What are the specific types of plumbing issues you should never attempt to fix by yourself, and why?
10 plumbing issues you should never try to fix by yourself
Burst or frozen pipes
Burst pipes often happen as a result of weak sections in the piping. Frozen pipes are the result of failing to protect pipes during winter. A burst pipe can quickly flood a home and cause massive property damage. The risk of this problem repeating is high if it is not handled by a professional plumber the first time.
Gas leaks and gas plumbing
Working with gas lines comes with a major risk of death by gas inhalation or fire. Professional plumbers are trained to minimize the risk that comes with this problem. When non-professionals work with damaged gas lines, they endanger themselves and the entire home. This risk is not worth taking.
Major drain clogs
A major drain clog will cause several drains in your home to malfunction at the same time. It will also cause frequent or chronic drain problems that refuse to go away. Using DIY solutions instead of a professional drain cleaning service for this kind of problem gives it more time to worsen and cause even more damage.
Water pressure issues
Water pressure issues should be left to a professional if they are present across the entire home instead of a single faucet or showerhead. This water pressure issue often originates in the pipework or water heater. Finding the exact cause is not always easy, and the problem can do major damage to appliances.
New toilet installation
A new toilet installation might seem like a minor problem until you realize that one misstep can result in severe water damage to your home. A wrongly installed toilet will not only affect your enjoyment of the fixture but can result in problems that will force you to replace the new toilet before you want to.
Professional drain cleaning
Professional drain is a service every home needs. Professional drain cleaning will clear drainpipes of debris that cannot be removed with DIY methods and chemical or enzymatic drain cleaners. Professional drain cleaning should be done yearly as a maintenance step to prevent clogs and blockages. Leave this job to a professional plumber.
Water heater problems
Water heater problems, such as new water heater installations, no/insufficient hot water in the home and tank leaks, should be handled by a professional plumber. Working with a water heater comes with a significant risk of electrocution, gas inhalation, gas fires, water heater tank explosion and serious water damage.
New plumbing installations
Plumbing installations are subjected to strict rules for good reasons. That is because of the risk they pose to life, personal health and sanitation, your neighbor’s property and city infrastructure. Doing a new plumbing installation yourself will affect your property’s value negatively.
Sewer line and sewage issue
A damaged sewer line will put your home at risk of sewer line backup and several sanitary issues. Your sewer line issues can also cause problems in the city sewer systems. Due to the complexity of the issues and the cost of fixing them, sewer line problems must always be fixed by professional plumbers.
Underground pipe leaks
Leaky underground pipes require specialized knowledge and equipment to diagnose and fix the issues. A broken underground pipe poses a huge threat to the structural integrity of your home. Problems with underground pipes should be left to the experts. The cost of trying to fix the problem by yourself could be monumental.
Hiring a professional to fix any of the above plumbing issues should not be viewed as a cost but as an investment in your peace of mind and the safety of your home.