Plumbing problems are no joke, but hiring services from a plumber can be costly. Perhaps while looking up “local plumber near me,” you’ve had second thoughts. Is it an unnecessary expense to pay for services from a plumbing business? Can you handle the repair yourself and spend less money? It is possible you can. But when is it safe to attempt a repair yourself, and when is the point where a licensed plumber should be involved?
Leaking faucets and toilets: When there is a leak coming from a faucet or toilet, there are many safe ways you can repair the issue on your own. It can usually be because of a worn-out gasket, flange, or seal, which you can tighten, adjust, or even replace easily enough without the aid of licensed plumbers who have expertise in Leak Detection.
Drain cleaning: There are some instances where a clogged drain can be handled without having to call professional drain cleaning services. Oftentimes, with the correct plunger or drain snake, you can remove the clog. If it is an especially stubborn clog, you can create a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to pour down the drain along with boiling water in order to dissolve the blockage.
Replacing a faucet or garbage disposal: Oftentimes, you will be able to replace a sink faucet or garbage disposal if you have the correct materials and instructions to follow. If the replacement project is simple enough, you will only need a few basic tools, make sure you know where each part is supposed to go, and make sure you are familiar with the parts of the appliance, the main water supply, etc.
Burst pipes: When pipes break, this can cause a lot of water damage and is a severe plumbing emergency. Repair costs can grow quickly if you don’t call in professional plumbing repair services.
Plumbing leaks: If you are experiencing any signs of a leak, such as low water pressure, visible mold or corrosion, or unexplained water damage, it is recommended to have a plumbing business utilize efficient leak detection equipment to quickly identify if there is a leak somewhere in the water line. If you do not act on a leak right away, it can lead to a large amount of damage.
Sewer line work: If there is any kind of issue with the sewer system, such as sewage backups, this is a problem for qualified plumbers only. Sewage is incredibly dangerous for your home and the people inside it, but working with the sewer line also requires a lot of specific training and materials. If it is done incorrectly, it can affect the sewer main line, which you can get in a lot of trouble for, so always call for an expert sewer line plumber.
Large installations: If you are looking to install something like a water heater, toilet, or any sort of major plumbing system, you will need to consult a licensed plumber, since any mistakes can be detrimental. Some of these types of installations even require a permit before they are put in, which a plumbing business can help attain.
There are many pros to DIY plumbing services, such as saving on labor costs, getting the project done on your own timeline, and getting to grow the confidence of performing a task for your home. But there are many downsides, such as the safety risks and the danger of performing a repair incorrectly, if you know what to do and what not to do with DIY plumbing you can attempt that. Meanwhile, when it comes to hiring a plumbing repair business, you can be assured they have the license, training, and tools on hand for the job. They will also be insured in case there are any accidents during the work. You can also compare quotes from different services if cost is a concern.
Does homeowners insurance cover plumbing? In some cases, yes! In the business of water damage from things like flooding or broken pipes, for example, a homeowner can typically expect the insurance policy to cover it. It most likely won’t cover damage from faulty plumbing fixtures (sinks, water heaters, etc.).
Does a home warranty cover plumbing services? While a warranty won’t usually cover water damage, it is possible it will cover any replacement parts needed within the first year.
Our philosophy is simple, we always want to maintain equipment to give it the longest life possible. Next, we want to focus on repairing when something goes wrong. Then only as the last choice, we replace equipment when needed. That’s the John Owens Way.
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