The Pros and Cons of DIY Plumbing

Our professional plumbers have seen their fair share of disastrous DIY plumbing jobs. The allure of saving yourself a few dollars by trying to fix that leaky pipe is tempting, but if you aren’t sure what you’re doing, you could cause more damage.

Is DIY plumbing for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons so you can decide whether reaching for that wrench is the right decision.

What Plumbing Problems are Most Common?

Your home plumbing system is a complicated network of water lines and sewerage pipes, from drains to faucets to toilets to washing machines.

 

A host of problems can happen, including leaks, bursts, and clogs.

While it’s not always possible to avoid plumbing issues, there are steps you can take to make sure your plumbing system is in good working order, including:

• Check for leaks
• Inspect your water heater
• Clean your drains
• Test your water pressure
• Inspect your toilets
• Check your washing machine hoses
• Maintain your garbage disposal
• Winterize your plumbing

When to Call a Professional

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to prevent plumbing problems. And when pipes burst, or clogs cause major backups, it’s always advisable to call a professional. Not only will it save you time, but it’ll also save you a more expensive repair bill further down the line.

The Pros of DIY Plumbing

Ready to tackle those pipes? Here are the advantages of fixing those troublesome plumbing issues yourself.

Save Money

DIY plumbing can be a great way to save money and feel like a handyman (or handywoman) in the process. Plumbers charge for their skills and their time, so by tackling small plumbing jobs yourself (like fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a showerhead), you can save cash on professional fees.

And once you’ve bought all the tools you need for the first plumbing job, you won’t have to pay out for them again in the future. You’ll have everything to hand to carry out those DIY plumbing tasks.

Discover New Skills

By taking on a plumbing project yourself, you’ll learn new skills like how to use a pipe wrench (without hitting yourself in the face), how to seal a leaky faucet (without causing a flood), and how to snake a drain (without feeling sick about all the gunk that comes out).

What’s more, you can impress your mates with your newfound plumbing knowledge.

Achieve Something Different

Imagine the rush of accomplishment after you’ve successfully stopped a faucet dripping. Or your sense of pride in clearing that annoying drain clog that left your bathroom floor wet after every shower.

Even if there’s no emotional payoff, plumbing is an excellent skill because it gives you a sense of accomplishment and independence. And who knows, it may even encourage you to tackle other repairs around the house.

The Cons of DIY Plumbing

A word of caution. Plumbing isn’t something to take lightly. There are plenty of reasons to hire a professional. So let’s look at the negative sides of DIY-ing your plumbing.

Mistakes are Costly

DIY plumbing can be a fun pastime, but it’s not without its potential pitfalls. For example, get it wrong, and you could end up causing a flood in your home.

While this might not be the case for minor mistakes, major plumbing problems should always be left to the professionals. If you accidentally cause further damage, you’ll end up with an even greater problem and find yourself with a hefty bill in addition to the headache.

It’s Time-Consuming

Some would say that a few hours of vacation time and some elbow grease are the preferred alternative to paying out for a plumber. But do you really want to spend your free time with your hand down a clogged drain, pulling out hair and grime?

DIY plumbing isn’t a quick job. It takes time to figure out how to do the job, gather the right tools, and then set to work. What would you rather do with your weekend?

Injury Risk

It may seem simple, but there are several risks associated with plumbing. For example, you could come across electrical wires, and we all know water and electricity don’t mix. Or accidentally splash harsh chemicals on yourself when clearing a clogged pipe.

Don’t place yourself or your family at risk. Professional plumbers have spent years training with the right equipment and procedures to help prevent injury.

If in Doubt, Give A Professional a Shout

Professional plumbers have years of experience, know how to do the job right, and can provide services that go above and beyond what any DIY plumbing could achieve. It saves you time and stress.

When you call Bell Bros, one of our experienced plumbers will troubleshoot your issue and develop the best possible repair plan.

Contact us today for all your home plumbing needs.