The impulse to engage in do-it-yourself plumbing repairs is totally understandable. What many homeowners don’t realize, however, is the many ways that do-it-yourself plumbing repairs can come back to bite them later. There are many reasons that hiring an experienced plumber is actually a money-saving and danger-avoiding approach to these repairs. Your home is precious and, for many people, it is their biggest investment. It’s worth protecting by getting plumbing projects done correctly, safely and in accordance with all local codes.
To help you grasp the reasons for my advice, I’ll give you some insight from my three decades of experience.
Hidden Water Damage Can Be Incredibly Destructive
One of the most common issues I encounter is hidden water leaks caused by improper repairs. The error may be slight but that’s all it takes sometimes to create a leak that causes damage that could continue, unseen, for months. It can be as simple as a loose fitting or an incorrectly sealed joint. Over time, these errors can result in:
- Mold infestations which can trigger respiratory issues and allergies.
- Structural damage to drywall, wooden beams, floors and even foundations, resulting in extensive and costly repairs.
- Soaring water bills with hundreds of gallons of water wasted daily.
There may be no way of detecting these leaks until enough damage has been done for it to become visible. At that point, the costs to repair the water damage may be substantial.
Avoiding Potential Health Hazards with Professional Services
You may not realize the health hazards involved in some complex plumbing repairs. My staff and I are trained in the right way to deal with these hazards but homeowners typically are not. Do-it-yourself repairs could expose you to:
- Sewage contamination from malfunctioning waste lines.
- Toxic fumes from chemical drain cleaners, solvents or glues.
- Mold and mildew that result from undetected leaks.
These hazards can cause allergies, asthma attacks, lung irritation or infections. It’s safer for you and your family to let us handle these hazards safely. We’ll not only keep ourselves safe, we’ll keep your home safe.
Managing Electrical and Gas Connections Safely
When we’re working on plumbing fixtures or pipes, electrical wiring or gas lines are either directly involved or close by. Having professionals on the job is an investment in your own safety and the safety of your home—especially in kitchens and bathrooms. We know how to deal with electrical wiring or gas lines. Without the proper training and tools, there are the following risks:
- Electric shock or electrocution while working near outlets or wiring, especially with wet hands or tools.
- Gas leaks if gas lines are incorrectly repaired, which can lead to fire, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
As with toxic effects, my staff and I are trained to work around electrical and gas connections. We also know just how to properly repair your plumbing so that water stays safely separated from electrical. We know how to use specialized safety equipment, like ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), to protect ourselves and your home.
We Know How to Avoid Code Violations and Insurance Nightmares
Like most cities, Albuquerque enforces strict building codes and permit requirements for plumbing work. Do-it-yourself repairs can easily and unintentionally violate these codes. We want your home to be 100% compliant with local codes. That way, repercussions like these won’t ever have to keep you awake at night:
- Fines or mandatory corrections when your home is inspected or up for sale.
- Denied coverage under your home insurance policies if an unlicensed repair leads to water damage or a fire.
- Invalidated warranties on appliances or fixtures because of improper installation.
Protect your investment with licensed and insured plumbing services.
Simple Mistakes That Cause Complicated Problems
The most well-meaning do-it-yourself work can cause expensive problems by failing to do some of the little things the right way. You can actually do most of the job right and then fail at these simple tasks:
- Crack pipes by overtightening or by using incompatible fittings.
- Cause corrosion by mixing metals that shouldn’t touch.
- Leave repairs incomplete, addressing only the symptom while the real problem remains out of sight.
What seems like it’s going to be a minor DIY repair can quickly spiral into thousands in water damage, mold remediation, and structural repairs. The reason my plumbers and I go to school is so we can carry out each step of your repair correctly from start to finish. We save you money and headaches by doing it right and finishing it completely.
The Savings Are Not Worth the Personal Injury Risk
Plumbing work can involve using heavy tools or hazardous materials, digging in the ground, climbing in the attic or crawlspace, and balancing on slippery surfaces. Without the right training and safety gear, you’re risking:
- Cuts, burns, or chemical injuries.
- Back injuries from climbing, lifting or working in tight spaces.
- Serious injuries from high water pressure or unexpected pipe bursts.
We’re here to keep you safe. We know exactly what we’re working with and we’ve done every job multiple times and know what to expect.
It’s Time to Call a Professional!
When you’ve got anything more complicated than a clogged drain or a dripping faucet, it’s time to call Rocketman Plumbing! Do-it-yourself has its place, but your home deserves professional plumbing service to protect you and your family. Trust our professionals and keep your Albuquerque home safe and sound. Call us 24 hours a day and seven days a week when you need professionals on the job.