Home improvement stores and do-it-yourself websites make it easy for homeowners to save money making home repairs themselves. But are there times when calling a professional will save more money? There certainly are.
Installation of New Fixtures and Appliances
Hire a professional when installing new fixtures or changing out appliances. This will ensure the job will be done quickly, efficiently and most of all, the warranty will stay intact. Manufacturers of specialty products, as well as some big box chains, require installation by a licensed contractor. Installing the unit yourself may void the warranty or forfeit the ability to return the product should it fail.
Call a licensed contractor any time there is a change in the type of appliance installed, for instance, changing from an electrical water heater to a natural gas water heater. In most cases installing new or deleting existing, plumbing, gas or electrical lines will require a building permit and inspection by the building official. The licensed professional has the knowledge, experience and tools to do the job quickly and efficiently, saving time and money.
Clearing Sewer Lines
If a clog can not be cleared with a plunger in a matter of minutes, something more sinister may be lurking in the lines than a hairball. Improper use of a closet auger or sewer snake can cause break porcelain fixtures, bust drain lines and can cause other serious damage. Continually flushing a clogged toilet can cause other plumbing fixtures in the line to back up and over flow or worse – septic problems. These "homeowner repairs gone wrong" wind up costing two and three times what the original repair would have cost. Call in the pros for drain pipe repairs, stubborn clogs, reoccurring stoppages or continuous odor coming from plumbing fixtures.
Repairing Gas Lines and Repiping
Do all gas leaks emit an odor? No, many times a small gas leak will not be detectable through a human’s sense of smell and gas leaks are one of the biggest dangers for those working on their own gas piping and fixtures.
In fact most city and state building departments require anyone working on gas appliances, fixtures and lines have a license to do so. Leave all gas repairs and installations to the pros.
Anytime a repipe is needed, professional plumbers are your best option. Whether the home needs the plastic – CPVC, PEX or Polybutylene piping – or copper repiped, a licensed plumbing contractor will be able to do the job properly.
Local Code Requirements
When taking on that weekend projects, check with the local building department for regulations and requirements. In some places it is against local ordinances to make repairs or changes to the plumbing system in a residential home or commercial location, especially if it connects to city water or sewer lines, unless licensed.
Even simple projects like changing a toilet can require installation by a licensed plumbing contractor, a plumbing permit and inspection by the code officials. In these areas it is illegal for homeowners to make these repairs themselves and doing so can result in fines or criminal citations.
Katrina Rief-Derrico - Katrina has over 19 years experience in the housing industry and is forever the student. Holistic health and wellness is her passion.
Join the Conversation