Prevent DIY Disasters – Hire a Professional

While do-it-yourself plumbing, heating, and cooling projects may seem like a money-saving idea, the costs of potential DIY disasters far outweigh any money saved by not hiring a pro. As experts with decades of hands-on experience, companies like John Owens Services aim to educate homeowners on why professional installation and repairs are always the safest and smartest choice. Here are some common DIY issues that hiring a licensed contractor can prevent.

Improper Material Selection

without proper knowledge, selecting the wrong materials that don’t meet the code or work with your existing systems is easy. For example:

• Picking undersized pipes that cause drain backups and low water pressure.
• Installing incompatible metal piping that corrodes prematurely.
• Subpar ducting or venting materials that fail energy inspections are used.

Professionals know which materials are formulated for long-lasting, trouble-free performance specific to your home and local regulations.

Incomplete Installations

Rush jobs or skill gaps often mean DIYers don’t complete projects to code. For plumbing work:

• Failure to properly seal fittings allows sewer gas leaks indoors.
• Missing vent pipes create drain clogs and traps that dry out.
• Improper slope on drain lines pools water instead of flowing out.

Heating, AC, and electrical wiring require comprehensive knowledge to comply with safety standards. Professionals don’t cut corners.

Improper Configurations 

Even with suitable materials, configurations need expertise. Examples include:

• Kinked or tangled ductwork reduces airflow and efficiency. 
• Furnaces vented into attics instead of outdoors, risking carbon monoxide leaks. 
• Water heaters placed in uninsulated areas waste energy costs.
• Condensate drains were installed without traps, allowing mold issues.

Pro setups optimize performance, safety, and cost-savings over the long haul.

Future Access Issues

DIYers often fail to plan for later repairs, not thinking about access. This means: 

• Valves or control units buried behind drywall or appliances.
• Pipe runs are placed in concrete without locating the wires left for future detection.
• Under-sink plumbing tangled in tight spaces complicating troubleshooting. 

Pros understand the considerations of access to make systems serviceable for years.

Safety Hazards

High voltage or flammable fuels require caution. DIYers risk:

• Electrical shocks from improper grounding, sealing or junctions.
• Gas leaks or explosions from incorrect pipe sizing or poor venting.  
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from bugs or debris blocking vents and chimneys.

Professionals’ extensive code training avoids construction accidents or health issues at home.

Warranty & Insurance Voids 

DIY work voids manufacturer and installation warranties, leaving homeowners on the hook for replacements and repairs. And:

• Uninsured, unlicensed work hurts property values and risks liabilities for accidents. 

• Permits protect property in disputes over shoddy work done without proper oversight.

Certified installers maintain coverage and good standing for homeowners’ long-term protection.

While DIY saves upfront, the hidden costs of potential disasters, health hazards, or access issues outweigh that in the long run. With professional installation, ongoing maintenance, and repairs by contractors like John Owens Services, homeowners gain:

• Code-compliant, optimized systems that run safely and efficiently for decades. 
• Manufacturer warranties are honored should any issues arise.
• Insured, licensed, experienced technicians to catch problems early and prevent expensive breakdowns.  
• Planned access for simple servicing tasks allows homeowners to manage themselves over time.
• Compliance that protects property values and health and avoids liabilities from unpermitted work.

For such major investments in home comfort, safety, and infrastructure, the small cost of certified installation and repairs is minimal. Considering risks like voided warranties or the need to fully redo botched DIY work, hiring experts deliver lasting peace of mind.