5 Household Plumbing Tasks You Should Never DIY

While most homeowners want to find ways to cut costs, including doing stuff on their own through online video tutorials, some jobs are best left to professionals. This includes the installation of massive, complicated electronics and plumbing.  

Doing these tasks without the proper knowledge and tools can lead to costly mistakes and even dangerous situations. Anything from fixing a gas leak to working with high-pressure water systems requires specialized knowledge and equipment. If you want to stay on the safe side, why not give your local, trustworthy plumber a call?

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, you must know when to call in the experts to ensure the safety and integrity of your plumbing. Never put your life and property at risk. Instead, find quality plumbing in the Inner West or wherever you are to get the best results out of every repair and replacement job. 

As a conscious homeowner, never go DIY on these five household plumbing tasks.

1. Fixing A Gas Leak 

Fixing a gas leak is a task that a homeowner should never attempt. They’re deadly on their own, and are especially so if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

Natural gas has no smell. So, it’s treated with a chemical called mercaptan, which gives it a distinct smell of rotten eggs. This is a practical safety measure that makes it easier to detect.

As a rule, if the air in your home starts reeking of bad eggs, immediately evacuate the area and call a professional plumber. 

A professional plumber has the proper tools and expertise to detect and repair a gas leak safely. They will first use specialized equipment to locate the source of the leak and then patch the breaches. This may involve shutting off the gas supply, repairing the affected pipes, or even replacing entire pipe sections. Sometimes, a plumber may need to excavate the ground around your home to repair a leak underground. 

2. Replacing A Sewer Line 

Replacing a sewer line is another complex and challenging task. Attempting this by yourself can lead to huge mistakes that damage your home and cost you a lot. Again, a professional plumber has the know-how to install a new sewer line properly. 

When replacing a sewer line, a plumber will first assess the condition of the existing one and determine the best course of action. It may involve switching the current line with a new PVC or cast-iron pipe. They may need to excavate the area to remove the old line and install the replacement. 

3. Installing A Water Heater 

Installing a water heater is a task that may require some skill and knowledge, especially if the components are bulky. You risk leaks, flooding, and even fire and electrocution hazards if you don’t do it properly. 

Save yourself the hassle by calling a professional plumber. They will have the proper training and equipment to safely and efficiently install a new water heater. Plus, they can help you dispose of old ones the right way. 

When installing a new water heater, a plumber will determine the best location for the unit. They weigh factors such as accessibility, ventilation, and local codes and regulations. If you need to replace an old water heater instead, they can disconnect it and instruct you on how to dispose of them safely. 

Once that’s out of the way, they can install a new water heater, ensuring it’s properly connected to your power supply and adequately ventilated. 

4. Unclogging The Main Sewer Line

A clogged main sewer line leads to nasty sewage backups and flooding. Yet, attempting to unclog it on your own can lead to further damage. Worse still, you expose yourself to life-threatening contaminants. 

Unclogging a main sewer line is a delicate task that requires advanced expertise and tools, such as sewer cameras, hydro jetting, and snaking. Fortunately, a heavy-duty plumber comes with all of this. 

They will first use a sewer camera to inspect the inside of the main sewer line to find the cause of the blockage. These are usually tree roots, debris, or even collapsed pipes. They will then use the appropriate tools and techniques to remove the blockage and restore the flow of wastewater.

5. Working With High-Pressure Water Systems 

High-pressure water systems can be hazardous to work with. Handling these on your own puts you at risk of serious injuries and property damage. This kind of task is yet another one you should leave in the hands of a professional plumber.

These people understand how to manipulate pressure levels to properly service water systems with the right tools. So, if you need a job done for yours, you can save yourself trouble by reaching out to them.

You Know Who To Call

Household plumbing is a vital part of any home. So, it’s natural for you to take care of any problems it may have as soon as they appear. But while homeowners can do minor repairs and replacements on their own, complex jobs are best left to the professionals. If you’re worried about the costs, quality plumbers can negotiate good rates for great maintenance work. Plus, you get to avoid way more expensive problems with their help.

For big plumbing problems, call your local licensed plumber today.

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].