Maintaining and repairing your home can be pricey. Especially if you have to hire a professional every time. As a homeowner, you might try to do it yourself to save some cash. While it is true that home improvement stores offer a variety of tools for such activities and that the internet is loaded with tutorials, handling your own plumbing issues may not always be advised.

The reasons DIY plumbing might be a bad idea are as follows.

• Potential flooding
• Accidental Pipe Breakage
• Pipes May Burst
• May Damage Drainage
• Fire Risk
• Inexperience
• Potential for Injury

The plumbing system of your home is exceptionally delicate and comprehensive. One mistake could not only result in higher costs, it could detrimentally impact the structural integrity of your home. This system is not only deeply embedded within the home, it includes water. Moisture and excess water -when released inappropriately -is known to be highly damaging to structures. In this guide, you will be introduced to 7 reasons why you should not handle your own plumbing issues.

Reason #1: The Potential for Flooding

One of the main reasons you should avoid handling your own plumbing issues is the fact that there is a high risk for flooding. There are several ways this may occur. One of the most common is the fact that many accidentally overlook the fact that they must shut off the main water source to the home prior to starting their plumbing project. Other reasons for flooding include using too much force to open valves, accidental pipe breakage, and improperly sealing pipes and other components where water flows.

Reason #2: Accidental Pipe Breakage

The next reason why it is not advised to do your own plumbing work is that you may accidentally break a pipe. Pipe breakage during DIY repair and maintenance most often occurs because of the fact that a pipe is difficult to remove or open at a connection point. Many homeowners lack the tools, knowledge, and/or skill to determine how to loosen the pipe, how much pressure is required, and if special tools are needed. As a result, too much force may be used or the wrong tools are used and the pipe or pipes break. This can result in very costly professional repairs. Actually, a much higher expense than just hiring a plumbing professional right in the beginning.

Reason #3: A Pipe May Burst

During the winter months, it is not at all uncommon for a pipe to become frozen. It is not uncommon for a homeowner to try to handle the issue themselves in order to save on funds; however, many have found this to be a mistake. When working with a frozen pipe, you must keep tabs on the pressure within the pipe, avoid using heating strategies that could increase that pressure, and know how to handle the event without causing a major plumbing disaster. If a pipe burst, it will cause severe issues that are much bigger and much more expensive than the original problem. Bursting a pipe will prove to be disastrous -for both your wallet and your home.

Reason #4: Drainage Components May be Damaged

Clogs are very common in households across the country. Be is soap, scum, hair, or other items that become lodged in the drainage of your plumbing system, it is best to enlist the assistance of a professional plumber. Failure to do so could result in damage to the drainage components of your system. Yes, there are over-the-counter drain cleaners, but these may contain chemicals and other substances that are damaging to the plumbing system that you have in your home. Only a plumber will be able to review your plumbing system to determine the best strategy and/or substances to handle the clog that you are experiencing.

Reason #5: Fire Risk

If you are having an issue with your hot water heater and attempt to correct the issue yourself, you may find yourself facing a fire risk. The components of this aspect of your plumbing system have the capability of overheating, sparking, and even causing burns and fires. Why risk your health and safety and the safety of your home when a professional plumber can handle the issue safely?

Reason #6: Inexperience

While it is true that many plumbing jobs are easy enough to figure out on your own, you may run into an issue that you do not know how to handle. When this happens, you may find yourself stuck and in need of a professional to continue. If the plumber is unable to visit right away, you will find yourself inconvenienced by the fact you cannot use your plumbing. Secondly, you will find that the plumbing job becomes much bigger and much more expensive than if you would have hired a professional to start with.

Reason #7: Potential for Injuries

The next reason you should hire a professional and not do your own work on the plumbing system is the possibility that you may become injured performing the work. Plumbing work often requires the work of specialized tools and equipment. Not only are these components usually expensive, they may be dangerous to operate. Additionally, the work is usually performed in tight spaces. Therefore, you may find yourself uncomfortable or at risk for additional injuries. Why risk it when plumbers have the skills and know-how to use the tools and equipment and handle the spaces that they work in?

Let Us Help

DIY Plumbing can be a bad idea. If you are in need of plumbing assistance, we here at Reynolds Plumbing can assist you. We offer a high level of residential services. We have been in the business for over 30 years and have the skills, tools, and expertise to handle any and all jobs. In addition to this, we also offer heating and air services. Our team is licensed, insured, and exceptionally knowledgeable in all plumbing systems and components. If you would like to learn more about what we offer or you would like to set up an appointment, you may contact us today by calling: 765-966-0994