YouTube and Pinterest are full of DIY help for all things home-related. But when it comes to plumbing, if you’re not an expert, it’s possible to cause more harm than good.
Don’t get us wrong; there are some things you can do on your own easily. Changing the rubber flapper or lever and chain in a toilet is pretty simple. However, you should never attempt to do the following 5 plumbing repairs yourself. Call an expert and save the time, hassle, and cost of an emergency fix!
1. Burst Pipes
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Chances are, you’re not going to try to fix this by yourself, anyway, but just in case you are thinking about it, we’re here to tell you it’s a bad idea. A burst pipe is usually an emergency case.
Until you’re able to find the shut-off valve and turn off the line, water is gushing throughout your home. An emergency plumber can repair the pipe, since a patch isn’t going to be much help at this point, and get the water damage under control.
2. Clogged Sewer Lines
Most people don’t want to mess around with their septic system, but ignoring it makes the problem worse. A clogged sewer line can affect your entire plumbing. If the worst-case scenario happens, your sewer system backs up, which means a lot of waste all over your property and in your home.
In addition to the mess, now you’re dealing with damaged floors and walls and destroyed furniture and electronics. And if it’s not fixed quickly and correctly, you and your family could become sick from the toxic waste that gets into the cracks and crevices.
Call a plumber to get the sewer line unplugged as soon as you realize there’s a problem. They’ll have the equipment necessary to get into the lines without causing further damage.
3. Putting in a New Water Heater
If your water heater is on the fritz and you know what you’re doing, you can change the heating element or nurse it along carefully. When it comes to installing a new one, though, let the professionals do the job.
Water heaters are hooked up to your electrical system. Water and electricity together are never a good combination. If you’re not trained in installing the water heater and handling the electrical components, you could be seriously or fatally injured.
4. Fixing Gas Leaks
A gas leak can be deadly, so if you think you have one, it makes sense that you want to handle the problem immediately. The first thing you should do, rather than tackle YouTube videos, is to get everyone out of the home, including your pets. Treat the suspected gas leak like a fire, and evacuate the property. Leave your things inside, but get people and pets to safe, fresh air.
Next, call 911 or the fire department, whatever emergency responders are in your area. They’ll investigate, and if there’s a leak, they’ll know who to contact to fix it.
5. Underground Plumbing
From electricity to plumbing, anything that has to be fixed underground requires a special permit and tools. If you start a job digging under the surface, you can end up slapped with hefty fines.
And if you don’t know exactly what’s down there, it’s possible to hit cords, wires, and pipes that create extensive damage or cause injury. Let the experts pull the permits and handle the potentially dangerous job.
When it comes to plumbing, there are DIY tasks, and then there are things you should never try doing on your own. These 5 jobs are high-risk issues that are best left in the hands of skilled plumbers.
