An increasing number of people are interested in DIY, and there are stores opening everywhere to cater to this need. This is not a new phenomenon, and it’s great to see so many people learning new skills to fix up their homes. There are some plumbing jobs that are suitable for dedicated DIY enthusiasts, and there are others that are not. In this article, we will take a closer look at some more advanced plumbing projects that should be only handled by a
certified professional plumber.
Extensive Remodeling Projects
Remodeling a bathroom or kitchen is a great way to add value to your home or customize it to meet your needs. When you gut either of these areas, you can quickly reveal hazards that you didn’t know about before you started. An extensive remodel may require you to move some of the existing pipes and drain lines. It may be necessary to add in a new gas line to supply a new appliance. Many extensive projects of this nature may need a permit, and a professional plumber will understand the building codes for your neighborhood. Many enthusiastic amateur attempt larger projects and then run out of steam as work and other commitment make demands on their time. This could leave you with a half finished bathroom or kitchen for months until you can get back on schedule.
Installing and Repairing Water Lines
A professional plumber should always be contacted to work on supply, drainage and sewer lines. A line that is mis-connected can represent a significant health hazard due to back-flow issues and contamination. Some repairs may require detailed soldering, and this can create a fire hazard if you don’t have the correct tools and adequate plumbing experience. Finally, if you use the wrong soldering product, you may have solder joints that leach harmful contaminants into your drinking water supply.
Water Heater Installation and Repair
A water heater looks like a simple piece of equipment, it has no moving parts, and the connections appear to be idiot proof. Water tank heaters are heavy and bulky to move into position, and they require a gas or electric power supply that should be installed by a professional plumber. If you attempt a water heater repair, it’s easy to get covered in scalding water or receive an electric shock if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Removing Deep Clogs
There are many smaller clogs that form near the surface of a drain that can be removed by an amateur plumbing enthusiast. Deeper clogs are harder to remove without special plumbing equipment that would be expensive to buy for most people. Even if you can afford this equipment, it would be a bad investment because it would be rarely used and a non plumber would lack training in how to use it correctly. If you do have a persistent deep clog resist the temptation to use chemical cleaners as they can damage your pipes. Contact a local certified professional plumber, and they will be able to manually remove the clog safely.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
