A leaking pipe can disrupt a lot of activities in the home if it is not fixed in good time. It does not just affect the flow of water but also destroys the integrity of the structure. Most people feel all plumbing problems can easily be fixed with a DIY guide.
While this may be ideal for certain situations, there are plumbing problems that require the input of a professional and this is where you need a plumber. When you are searching for a plumber, it is recommended that you make proper findings to avoid working with an inexperienced handyman.
Working with an experienced plumber saves you from making costly mistakes that may affect your building in the long run. With reputable companies like Sugar Bear Plumbing, you get the opportunity to properly fix all plumbing-related problems.
Most people are tempted to use DIY methods due to the cost of using professionals. Well, this may just be a wrong decision as you may be causing catastrophic damages to the plumbing system of your home. To help you identify some problems that should be fixed by a professional, we have discussed common problems associated with the plumbing system of a building.
Top Plumbing Repairs You Shouldn’t DIY
Here are some problems that require a plumber:
Gas Leaks
This problem doesn’t happen often but is dangerous to the health. You will know if your gas is leaking when you start smelling an offensive odor like a rotten egg. When this happens, you need to call a plumber who specializes in natural gas to check it out or you will be risking an explosion in the home.
Flooding
When a pipe is blocked, it can lead to flooding. The problem here is usually deep into the pipes so it will be difficult for DIYers to figure out. A novice attempting to reach it may just damage the entire piping system and this will lead to more flooding.
Additionally, cases involving the invasion of tree roots are difficult to fix by a DIYer so you need to call a plumber.
Sewer Line or Drain Clogs
Clogged drains are another area some homeowners feel they can handle themselves. It may be easy to purchase drain cleaners but the usage is where the problem lies. These chemicals are capable of dissolving the pipes so it is recommended that you call professionals that use special machinery for cases like this.
Standing Water
Anytime there is standing water in the basement, yard, or other parts of the home, it is almost certain that a DIYer will find it difficult to locate the source. Standing water can be a result of several factors like leaky pipes, clogged sewer lines, crack in the foundation as well as other factors that are difficult to locate by a non-professional.
Standing water is capable of causing damages to the environment, the home, and the health of the occupants. However, with a plumber handling the project, it is easier for them to identify the cause of the problem and come up with solutions.
You can find some of the effects of standing water on one’s health here.
Installation of Plumbing Appliances
Installing plumbing appliances without the requisite experience is dangerous. For instance, a water heater deals with 240 volts of electricity so you will need to properly understand the electrical requirements before installation.
You also need to have a professional check any of these appliances when there is an issue with them. You need to know that maintenance is a continuous process and one mistake can cause the breakdown of the machine.
Adjusting the Plumbing System
Are you looking to extend the hot water lines or reroute a pipe? Then note that this is a plumber’s job. A good plumber will properly inspect the building to ensure that the adjustments will fit in. The professional also assesses the adjustments to verify that they are following set regulations and standards by the government.
They can also tell which adjustments are feasible and the ones that can affect the integrity of the building.
Bad Odor
Bad smell is another issue that is beyond physical appearance. Sometimes, one may feel it’s a minor problem but the issue may be deeper than the physical appearance. Most times, it is caused by bacteria feeding on several buildups in the pipes. All the substances flushed down sometimes cling to the different sides of the pipe forming a biofilm.
You will also smell an offensive odor coming from the vents if the plumbing system is faulty. Whatever happens, fixing it will require the pipes to be taken apart and this is not something a DIYer can handle.
Frozen Pipes
Pipes usually become vulnerable to weather conditions like freezing and this can cause the pipes to burst. When this happens, water will stop running. In some cases, one has to wait for the day to get warmer or thaw the affected pipes using a functional heat source.
Plumbing Problems Involving Internal Pipes
If the problem involves internal pipes, do not try to handle it yourself. This is because it requires opening a wall to access the pipes and this can only be handled by a professional who will fix the pipe and the wall without any alteration to the design of your home.
How to Find a Good Plumber
Are you looking to hire a plumber and you are searching for tips to guide you, the following tips will come in handy:
Use Referrals
Start by asking family and friends to refer you to a professional with whom they have worked in the past. You will certainly be provided with a name or two. With this, you can conduct your findings to know the quality of service they render.
Check Online
You can search online for a list of plumbers around you. With the information provided, you can decide on the one to work with. Also, research the company you intend to work with to see if they meet your needs. Be careful when accessing websites as there are fake websites that are out to swindle people. You can find tips to identify a fake website here: https://www.integrityrest.com/standing-water-can-harm-health/
Conclusion
The plumbing system of a building is one aspect that shouldn’t be handled by non-professionals. This is because a minor problem can escalate to a bigger one if not properly handled and this is certainly not what you want for your building. We believe you have noted some problems that you should never DIY in this article.