Did you know that the cost of hiring a plumber can be as low as $45 per hour?
Common plumbing problems include clogged sinks, gas leaks, frozen pipes, leaky taps, and so on. As an informed homeowner, you should know the issues that require DIY plumbing and those requiring a professional.
DIY plumbing hacks might expose you to asbestos, fire, molds, eye injuries, property damages, or even death. Knowledge of the plumbing risks to avoid can keep you and your family safe. Discussed below are some of the tasks that you should never attempt on your own.
1. Unclogging Blocked Sewers
Blocked sewers are common in many American homes. The problem occurs when you dump solid materials such as hair, soap, and sanitary towels in the drains.
Sometimes, these solid materials can get into your sewerage system without your knowledge. And when they do, you can only know of the problem when the sewer blocks.
While the unblocking issue might seem too simple that you can handle alone, it is not advisable to do so. The first reason is to avoid bacterial infection. Drains contain different types of bacteria which can affect your health.
Secondly, you might inhale harmful gases or get injured by other hazardous materials such as glass, which could have found their way into the drain. Even worse, you may damage your piping and the entire plumbing system because you don’t know what you are doing.
The best solution to clogged drains is to seek the help of a plumber. The experts have special cameras that can see through the drain to know the cause of the clog. They can handle the clogging issue more effectively and faster than you.
Just make sure that you ask the right questions when hiring a plumbing service. Proper scrutiny will help you get the best service.
2. Gas Line Repairs
A gas leak is another popular but dangerous problem. It happens when the gas pipes are not installed well or when you fail to properly hook the gas equipment to the cylinder.
Leaking gas can easily cause an explosion in your house and damage your property. When you notice a gas leak, the first step should be to call a plumbing professional. Here are other important steps that you should take:
- Switch off the light and any other electronic devices in the house
- Get out of the house and inform a professional
Here are some of the things that you should not do during that time:
- Do no-strike a match because natural gas is flammable, and you might cause a fire
- Do not check the gas lines to find the cause of the problem
Leaking gas repair requires high-level expertise. The plumber must first disconnect the source of the gas. Plus, the plumber must put on the right attire and use specific equipment.
You will be risking your life by repairing a gas leak.
3. Frozen Pipes
You have probably experienced frozen pipes at least once if you stay in cold areas. The pipes freeze because the temperatures are too low, and the water inside cannot flow since it has solidified.
When faced with this problem, you may be tempted to remove the ice buildup on your own. You may even feel more confident when you read or watch several tutorials online.
Well, you may succeed if the ice buildup is not extensive. However, this is a risky activity that you should not be doing. Only an experienced plumber should resolve the problem.
Here are the main reasons why you should not try to handle the frozen pipes:
- The frozen pipes are prone to bursting
- You may touch mold and other forms of dirt that are harmful to your health
- You may not have the right tools or protective gear and equipment required for handling the frozen pipes.
- Extreme cold may affect your health
- You may damage other parts of the plumbing system when repairing the frozen pipes
However, a plumber can solve the freezing issue and give you helpful tips on preventing it from recurring.
4. Water Heater Repair
You should not touch your water heater when it is damaged. Instead, you should call a plumber or an electrician to inspect it and understand the underlying issue.
Most water heaters use an average of 240 volts of electricity. A single mistake in handling the heater can cause electric shock or burns.
The gas may also start to leak if you use a gas heater. Here are other mistakes that you could make during the process:
- You may interfere with the gas lines and expose your home to the risks of gas explosions
- You may get bacterial infections if you don’t protect yourself well
You may also make the wrong thermostat settings, and cause other costly mistakes.
To be on the safer side, avoid DIY heater plumbing repairs.
5. High and Low Water Pressure
The average water pressure ranges from 45psi to 55psi. The pressure is low when it falls below 45 psi and high when it is more than 55psi. You can notice a change in the normal water pressure by observing or by measuring with your pressure gauge.
It’s normal to be tempted to adjust the pressure. That’s okay, but you should call a plumber if the problem persists. Low-pressure, for instance, happens when a clog or another object is blocking the pipes.
You can damage the pipes if you remove the clogs without the right plumbing tools and equipment. A plumber can help you adjust the pressure and give you practical tips to prevent a similar issue.
Know When to Try DIY Plumbing
Learn to differentiate between what requires DIY plumbing and what requires the intervention of an experienced plumber.
The above are just a few plumbing issues you should not try to resolve using DIY plumbing tools. Never try to fix an issue that looks new to you or which looks hazardous. An experienced plumber can help you.
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