When browsing the Internet, with countless videos and blogs, it can be easy to think that you can patch up that leaky pipe or install that new hot water heater yourself. Unfortunately, it’s only when it’s too late do most realize they’re in over their heads with whatever plumbing project they’ve started to attempt. Rather than waste time and money, only to face frustration, invest in contracting a high-quality plumber who can quickly and efficiently address the problem.
Why Go With a Pro?
Just like you shouldn’t diagnose the unsightly mole on your back or the lump under your arm, be wary of assessing the issues in your plumbing system. Minor problems can sometimes be symptoms of a much larger - and costlier - underlying condition. Like you would seek help from a trained and licensed medical professional in the event of suspicious aches and pains, hire a plumber that can properly determine the cause of, and cure, your plumbing ailments. Going with a professional plumber will save you time, money, and the frustrations of dealing with the complexities of pipes and tanks.
Plumbing Projects Best Left for the Pros
Most people don’t want to deal with the contents of their septic tank or the gunk gathering in the sink. At their core, plumbing systems are built to route human waste away from our living quarters, so why would we be enthusiastic about taking a closer look when something goes wrong? Not only is peering into a sewer line unappealing, but it can also be downright dangerous without the right knowledge. Here’s our guide to the most challenging and toxic plumbing projects that should be left to a professional.
Hot Water Heater Installation and Maintenance
At-home handymen often attempt hot water heater installations, but it is often one of the most botched jobs with some hazardous consequences. Installing a hot water heater can involve messing with gas lines, which is not something you want to take lightly. Any leaks or debris around a gas line can cause a fire, putting your household at risk. This is a job that’s better left for someone familiar with working around gas lines, ensuring proper connections, and adequate ventilation.
Water heaters also require occasional servicing to ensure a healthy system and minimize the chances of needing to replace the heater prematurely. Some of the most common symptoms of a water heater in need of care include no hot water, foul-smelling water, or rust-colored water. Diagnosing the underlying issue for these issues can be time-consuming, and you might find yourself on a wild goose chase trying to figure out which part needs repair.
Snaking A Sewage Line
Cleaning out a stoppage in the main sewer line is the worst weekend chore that can end up on your “honey-do” list. It’s also a task that you don’t want to go alone. Once you realize there’s a clog, you need to determine if you have access to the main clean-out and rent a sewer drain snake. Even after completing these steps, there’s still the variable of selecting the right type of snake for your main sewer line. Misusing the snake or using the wrong size can lead to damaged pipes and cause an even larger issue that a plumber will eventually have to repair.
Leak Repairs
There seem to be two approaches to leaky pipes. Either homeowners will try to ignore their leaky faucet, or they’ll immediately head to their local hardware store to fix the problem themselves. While it is a good instinct to deal with leaks sooner rather than later, this is a problem typically best left for a professional plumber. A leaky sink might seem easy enough to change out, but any misstep can lead to a burst pipe and a flooded kitchen. Rather than muddle through with blind optimism, it’s best to call your local plumber.
Septic Tank Installation
Septic tank installation is usually a hefty enough job for folks to lean on their local plumber without any questions. However, if you have the idea to attempt it on your own, hopefully, this is enough to convince you otherwise. Septic tanks systems hold your family’s human waste, meaning that any failure of the system can send toxic matter into the soil or groundwater. This can spread dangerous diseases, like E.coli, which no one wants for their loved ones and neighbors.
There are also rules where you can place your septic tank and good reasons for ensuring it is in a prime location. Many power companies might have rights about how close a septic tank can be to their underground power lines. An inexperienced installer can also put themselves at risk of electrocution if they are not aware of where power lines are located. With so many risks at hand, this is a job that requires expertise. A DIY approach will take days to prepare, cost a ton of money, and potentially put people in danger if done incorrectly.
Appliance Installation
Appliance installation is a no-brainer for calling a plumber. While it might seem simple to hook up a new dishwasher or washing machine, the tiniest of mishaps will cost more money than you thought you were saving. Appliances that are not correctly connected to their water source will leak, and you can inadvertently break regulations. If you’ve already invested in an upgraded appliance, it’s worth paying the extra fee for a professional to enjoy your new purchase rather than regret it.
Plumbers You Can Trust
So, next time you’re presented with a plumbing challenge, remember the risks and challenges of attempting at-home repairs. Save yourself the headache and reach out to professional plumbers that can get the job done.
For those in the Loveland, Milliken, Boulder, and northern Colorado region, never feel alone in tackling these big plumbing projects. Rather than flying solo with just tutorial videos to guide you, trust in Jones Excavating and Plumbing services. Jones Excavating and Plumbing is one of the best in the area. As a family-owned business, Jones puts their customers first, and glowing reviews from their customers keep them in business.
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