Around 73 percent of millennials describe themselves as DIYers. And the average American home has about 9 DIY jobs that need attention. Fortunately, many home maintenance tasks are small enough for the average DIY enthusiast to manage them competently.
Yet, some problems usually require professionals to attend to them. For instance, Australia has extremely strict rules surrounding electrical work. DIYers can usually not carry out any work involving electricity in their homes.
Some tasks require specialist equipment and skills. Roofing and tree felling are dangerous jobs best left to professionals. And the same should be said for plumbing in many cases.
When should you DIY your plumbing issues, and when are professionals needed?
Understanding when you are capable of handling a home repair project is key to any successful DIY operation. Considerations should include whether you have the right tools and experience to finish the repair work properly.
Experience, of course, is gained over time. And confidence is a good thing. But, many DIYers have become unstuck by being too zealous, and sometimes repair work becomes even costlier due to amateur errors.
The professionals at Wills Plumbing Adelaide were keen to point out where DIY work is possible and where experienced plumbers should be used. Often in an emergency, it is best to call a professional plumber immediately rather than attempt DIY fixes. In some instances, DIY plumbing could be hazardous.
Five Plumbing jobs you can DIY
These are five plumbing tasks that DIYers can successfully tackle. You will still need proper tools, and a little research will help. But these simple tasks might be handled by any competent DIY fan.
1. Dripping faucets
Leaky faucets are a common household plumbing issue that is easy to handle. There are different kinds of faucets on the market now. But, most leaky faucets require a new seat washer, O-rings, or cartridge.
YouTube is awash with basic plumbing guides, including how to fix leaky taps. You require basic tools and a how-to guide in most cases.
2. General toilet problems
Toilets that keep running are wasting water. A toilet always filling up may need a replacement ball cock or fill valve. You might need to remove the cistern lid and make a minor adjustment. If you need to replace any parts, you should have little difficulty.
3. New bathroom fixtures
Installing a whole bathroom may be beyond your means. But there are numerous guides on installing a bathroom sink if you need to. Smaller bathroom fixtures like taps and showerheads shouldn’t present too many challenges.
Basic tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and plumber’s tape will be all you need to install basic bathroom fixtures.
4. Unclogging a drain
Unclogging a drain can often be an urgent task. Blocked drains are unpleasant and unsanitary. But before you need to call a professional plumber, you can try some DIY tricks.
Some caution and care should be taken as you can easily make blockages worse. The pressure from a clogged drain can also overload pipes and cause them to burst. However, armed with a drain snake and a plunger, you may clear the problem yourself.
If that doesn’t work, a combination of boiling water, vinegar, and baking soda, can be tried. If the blockage remains, it may be time to call your local plumber.
5. Installing a washing machine
This goes for dishwashers and dryers also. Remove your existing appliance, and push your new one into place. Next, connect the water supply hoses, followed by the drain hose. Now, you can plug your new appliance in.
You will need to level the machine. To do this, place a level on the top of the machine. Adjust the appliance’s feet accordingly until it is level. Before you push the machine firmly into place, test it for leaks.
Five Plumbing jobs that need professional assistance
The plumbing industry has changed over the years. Innovations and advances are making plumbing systems more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Plumbing techniques such as replacing old pipes from the inside with epoxy resin. This innovative fix saves time and money.
Other complex plumbing tasks also require skills beyond the average DIYer. Or they require certification as the work is hazardous.
1. Water heater installation and repair
Water heaters can be hazardous when not correctly installed. Any gas-powered water heater should only be touched by a qualified professional. Incorrect installation could lead to risks of electrical fires or gas leaks too.
You may invalidate the warranty if you try to fix or fit a water heater. Using a professional will ensure your appliance remains under warranty and protected against any further problems.
Plus, water heater installations must comply with building codes and regulations. Professional plumbers will be aware of compliance.
2. Water tank failures
If your water tank starts to leak, you must follow a few steps to avert disaster. If a water tank completely bursts, your home will be flooded quickly. If you are sure your water tank is leaking, turn off the energy supply – gas or electricity. Then shut down the water supply too.
You will need to call an emergency plumber now. The tank will need draining (which you can do yourself) and assessing. Water tank repairs aren’t always possible. But, if they are, a professional plumber will give a better assessment than an amateur DIYer.
3. Gas line installation and repair
Natural gas is dangerous. Not only should gas lines be handled by experienced professionals, but they must be qualified too. The average cost of installing gas lines may be $2,000. But, the cost of tackling gas lines yourself may go beyond money.
4. Sewer line repairs
Repairing or installing sewer lines can involve heavy machinery. Sewer lines must be properly connected and sealed to prevent water contamination. Leaks can enter groundwater, causing pollution.
Plus, working on sewer lines is potentially hazardous. Plumbers have the right safety equipment to fix sewer systems and adhere to legal guidelines. Compliance is essential in the installation of sewage systems and septic tanks.
5. Major plumbing system alterations
Ensuring compliance is a major part of a professional plumber’s role. The NSPC lays out best practices and regulations for the plumbing industry. A major plumbing installation or remodel will require experience and skill.
Proper planning will need to be carried out on a plumbing system remodel. And once again, building codes must be adhered to. And if something goes wrong, you will have peace of mind of having a warranty on your plumbing work.
Summary
Anything involving gas or electricity is best left to the professionals. And in some regions, it may be illegal even to attempt repairing wiring or installing electrics. Professionals should always deal with things such as gas leaks. But, some plumbing tasks are safe to take on yourself.
Fitting kitchen and bathroom appliances and fixtures are usually fairly straightforward. Showerheads and toilet seats should present no issue to any competent adult. Leaky faucets are also an easy fix usually. However, major work should always be left to the pros.
