We all know you should rarely do your own plumbing or electric jobs. No matter how many times we go on YouTube and watch tutorials, the project almost never turns outright. In the end, it will end up costing you more money and hassle, and you will most likely have to call in the Calvary.
While doing it yourself isn’t a guaranteed bad idea, it’s important that you, as a homeowner, know your limits. There are times when you should just call a professional and let an expert handle the mess, even if you have done a couple of projects successfully in the fast. It’s important to keep in mind that you can risk causing damage to your home or injuring yourself, and no one wants that. Below is a list of projects you should never try on your own.
Cleaning Out a Clogged Sewer Line
Everyone knows that feeling when they go to flush the toilet, and the water starts to rise instead of swirl down. Panic ensues, and you rush for the plunger, but nothing seems to work! At this moment, finding the right plumber is imperative to your toilet’s survival. Since your sewer lines are clogged, this usually means your whole plumbing system will be affected, and no one wants to be in that house whose septic tank erupted on their front lawn.
A sewer backup can often damage your home, and a professional should be there to help fix the issue since it will need special equipment, or else the problem could just be made worse.
Repairing a Burst Pipe
No one wants to deal with a leaky pipe, especially since it can happen at the most inopportune times, and most times, this plumbing repair is an emergency. It’s maybe not like a “the bathtub fell through the ceiling” level of emergency, but it’s still bad. While one small pipe could be tamable on your own, odds are the problem goes deeper, and calling a contractor will save you time and energy. Many of us may choose to use a pipe patch, but that’s only a temporary fix. Most of the time, the pipe is old and will need to be replaced, which is totally the job of a capable master plumber.
Underground Repairs
If you have to go on your hands and knees under a crawl space or into a damp basement, the answer should always be “no.” You’ll absolutely need special working tools for going into the underground infrastructure. You should only attempt to check out the issue in an emergency situation. You may not know that you’ll most likely also need special working permits from your town council, just like you would need a building permit for an expansion. You can get into a lot of trouble if your town finds that you’ve been doing serious repairs without the proper paperwork. Nothing is worse than having a household issue and an unwanted fine from the town.
Faulty Gas Lines
First things first, if you suspect there is a gas leak, get out of your home, and call the gas company. Don’t light any matches nor wait for the proper authorities. Only when a certified inspector appears to assess the situation should you go back near the residence. You should already have your gas lines expected each year, but this situation is when you should have a licensed plumber and reliable professional taking care of business.
If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of hiring a reliable plumber or doing it yourself, take a look at reviews in the local area. While it may save you a few pennies to do it yourself, sometimes the hassle-free and safe option should outweigh the desire to do it yourself.