7 Plumbing Tasks You Should Never Attempt To DIY

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7 Plumbing Tasks You Should Never Attempt To DIY

Homeowners will face a range of plumbing problems that demand immediate attention. Although a do-it-yourself approach might help save on the repairs, it’s not applicable in all cases. Attempting a DIY plumbing repair will result in catastrophic damage to your home and plumbing system if you lack the skills and proper tools.  

Several plumbing works require the experience and skills of a professional plumber. If you suspect a severe issue with the plumbing, related emergencies or major installations, you’re better off hiring a plumber. Here are several plumbing tasks you should never attempt to tackle yourself:

7 Plumbing Tasks You Should Never Attempt To DIY

1. Clearing A Clogged Sewer Line 

Once the sewer line ends up with blockage, it can affect your home’s plumbing system. Sewer backup is also likely to occur, which can damage your walls, flooring, furniture, electrical systems and many more.  

When professionals work on a clogged sewer line, it would involve specialized equipment and gear. Additionally, the unhygienic condition of the task is something that most homeowners are not ready to deal with properly. Working with reliable plumber service providers like Fergusons Plumbing and others would ensure a good outcome on any plumbing problem you’re facing, including a possible blockage in the sewer line.  

2. Fixing A Leak In The Gas Lines  

Although a gas leak is a rare event, it can be a dangerous scenario if one occurs. If a gas leak occurs in your home, don’t make the mistake of attempting to fix it yourself. A sign of a possible gas leak is the rotten egg smell. The right move is to evacuate everyone, including your pets, from the house and call a professional.  

After a confirmation from a certified inspector that a leak is due to a faulty gas line, a professional should be the one to tackle the job. If you want to prevent this from happening in the future, make it a priority to schedule a yearly inspection of the gas pipes in your home. 

3. Replacing Old Or Damaged Pipes 

For most homeowners, a leaky pipe will only take a quick fix. Sadly, if you end up with a burst pipe or one that’s deteriorating beyond repair, consider it an emergency plumbing problem that requires the expertise of a plumber to prevent costly mistakes if you try to work on a DIY fix. 

Generally, the ideal solution for a burst or old pipe is a replacement. In most cases, the procedure involves detaching the damaged or old line before placing a new one.  

Remember that proper measurements and positioning are crucial during the replacement process. A minor miscalculation can bring about a leak, putting your home at risk for damage. 

4. Installing Appliances 

If you’re planning to install plumbing appliances, it would require the skills and experience of a professional. An example is a water heater, especially if you plan to replace your current one with a new model. 

During the installation of a new water heater, a professional has the skills and tools to ensure a smooth process. When you’re getting an electric water heater, it requires access to high-voltage electricity. Any mistakes during a water heater installation process can put your home at risk of water damage.  

5. Finding The Cause Of Foul Odour 

Once you start to notice an undesirable odour in your home, the cause can be more profound than a superficial issue. Generally, the smell can be due to bacteria feeding on the build-up in your pipes. Over time, all the substances and debris you flush down the drain can adhere to the sides, forming a biofilm.  

In some cases, the pungent odour can seep out of the vents in the system, especially if they’re in a deteriorating condition. Regardless of the cause, the solution would require taking apart the pipes for a thorough clean, which a professional can efficiently handle. 

6. Dealing With Standing Water  

Once you notice the formation of standing water on your property, whether in your yard, basement or other parts of your house, it can have various causes. 

The water pooling might be due to leaking pipes, a clogged sewer line or damage to the foundation. The only way to determine the root cause is to call a professional plumber to inspect and execute the necessary repairs. 

7. Making Adjustments Or Modifications To The Plumbing System 

If you’re planning a major renovation project that involves the plumbing system, making changes to the pipes and other plumbing elements is not a DIY task.  

When your project requires extending or rerouting pipes or hot water lines, always consult a plumber first.  

A professional plumber will inspect your home to ensure it can accommodate the modifications you want. The plumber will also determine if the adjustments will comply with the plumbing standards and regulations. If not, you can choose from suggestions to achieve what you want for the plumbing. 

Final Thoughts  

As a homeowner, you’ll encounter various plumbing problems over the years. Although you can readily deal with minor issues, it’s best to think twice if you face a serious one. If you’re planning to do any of these plumbing tasks soon, save yourself the trouble by hiring a professional plumber. By doing so, you will ensure a better outcome and save yourself a costly repair job.

Sophie Turner
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