The plumbing do-it-yourselfers (DIY) need to know their limits. As homeowners, we all want to save a buck whenever possible. We need to know when to say, “I need a plumbing professional.” All plumbing companies have had to come in right behind a DIY job gone wrong and, in some cases, terribly wrong. Some seem to think they can watch a video and duplicate someone else’s success, and nothing could be further from the truth. You cannot replace years of plumbing knowledge and practice. There are some jobs that a homeowner is entirely qualified to accomplish, and others are not.
There Are Some Plumbing Projects That A Homeowner Can Repair
A homeowner is completely capable of clearing a drain. You can clear most drains using a plunger, but there are those drains that require a plumber’s snake. A fifteen-foot hand crank snake cost just under twenty dollars at your local home improvement store. It’s an excellent tool to have around the house, and the device is capable of unclogging some tough clogs. Additionally, a homeowner is also capable of fixing a toilet leak. In most cases, a toilet leak is usually a worn-out flapper, and the cost is around five or six dollars and easily replaced. If your toilet is old, you may even consider replacing all the parts for less than thirty dollars.
Your Showerhead Is Another Plumbing Project For The Average Do-It-Yourselfer
Leaks are another problem homeowners may experience. While a homeowner can repair some leaks, there are others they should stay clear of them. A P-Trap leak is a simple fix for most do-it-yourselfers. The P-Trap is the drain pipe that’s under your sinks and looks like a ‘P.’ In most cases, they are simple to replace. Most of the chrome-plated leaking P-Traps are replaced with Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) pipes. ABS is much easier to work and lasts as long. Replacing your showerhead is another project for the average do-it-yourselfer. But there are new high technology voice-activated showerheads that are best installed by a professional. Most DIYers can install a bathroom or kitchen faucet; however, the degree of difficulty will vary. There are new kitchen faucet technologies that include touch and voice-activation, a plumbing professional should install these faucets.
A Picture Paints A Thousand Words
When taking on any plumbing project, preparation is everything. Make sure you have the right tools. Some of the necessary tools and supplies used in most plumbing projects are channel locks, pipe wrench, screwdrivers, plyers, plumbers putty, and Teflon tape. When you buy or order parts at your home center, make sure you have pictures ready to show them. A picture paints a thousand words, especially if you’re looking for advice.
What Should The Average Do-It-Yourselfers Stay Away From?
Most, if not all, plumbing contractors will tell any homeowner or handyman to stay away from gas line repairs and installs, water heaters repairs and installations, sewer line repairs, home repiping, and trenchless sewer lines. The best advice for an internal and external pipe repair is to leave it up to a plumbing professional.
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