How DIY Plumbing Costs You More Money

Don’t DIY a plumbing solution! Call us at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. at (440) 485-3850.

As a home or business owner, you want a convenient way to save money on property repairs. So when a plumbing problem arises, a DIY solution seems tempting. You probably think you can save money on labor costs and professional services by handling a plumbing project alone.

As Painesville’s trusted plumbers, we know that plenty of plumbing mishaps occur because of a DIY plumbing project. Our experts at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. wanted to steer you away from making a costly mistake. Both old and modern plumbing systems have complex requirements to keep them working.

A DIY plumbing project can quickly go wrong. Discover how it might drain your wallet, patience, and other resources.   

Problems with DIY Plumbing

If you think you’ve encountered a simple plumbing problem, think again! Many issues require special plumbing tools and expertise to fully remedy the predicament. Small problems might indicate big issues that can affect your property later on.

Additionally, you could inadvertently violate the local plumbing code that keeps you and your property safe. Professional plumbers understand how to properly work around these issues. After diagnosing smaller problems, they’ll check for bigger, related problems before making repairs.

By attempting a DIY plumbing project, you put your property, finances, and safety at risk. Learn more about why you should avoid DIY plumbing remedies below. 

Water Damage

If you have a problem with your pipes, you need a professional’s touch immediately. When you handle damaged pipes alone, you add stress to your plumbing system. Pipes require a delicate touch from expert hands.

Otherwise, you could crack or fracture an important pipe. A seriously damaged pipe can cause extensive water damage that could require a call to your insurance company.

Even small mistakes may result in slow, subtle leaks that fly under your radar. Because slow leaks don’t cause immediate damage from deluges, they often go unnoticed. As your water bill increases, surrounding foundations develop extensive water damage.

Water damage also creates a perfect environment for mold spores to spread and grow. Mold negatively affects your respiratory health. You might have to hire restoration services as well as a professional plumber. 

Additional Repairs

Small issues often require additional repairs. You might temporarily fix an issue. However, the damaged component might break again if you didn’t address the source of the problem. 

You’ll have to continue the DIY project until you find a permanent solution. Your purchases of the same replacement parts and repair materials add up. Plus, you might damage a component during your repair process.

By hiring a professional plumber from the start, you’ll avoid a seemingly endless cycle of repairs and hardware purchases. Our experienced plumbers will easily find what lies at the source of your plumbing woes. This saves you time, energy, and money.

New Expenses

When embarking on DIY plumbing projects, you need to allocate the following resources:

• Tools to complete the repair
• Information about how to prevent further issues
• Correct replacement parts
• PPE (personal protection equipment)
• Reliable instructions 

Many plumbing jobs require special tools and PPE that you’ll never need again. You’ll spend the money you thought you saved on professional services to purchase other necessary equipment to safely complete the project. 

Many websites claim to have the instructions needed to complete a task. However, every plumbing system is different. No instructions will apply specifically to your system.

Several of these websites also contain bad information from people who lack professional qualifications. You could end up following guidelines that cause more problems to your already damaged plumbing system. Hiring expert plumbers in your area prevent this.

The same goes for installation. When you need a new sink or toilet, you should call experienced professionals to do the job. You’ll enjoy optimal performance from a new appliance that will last for years. 

Damaged Parts

By installing a new component alone, a couple of problems might arise. Install it too tightly, and you might crack or damage other components. By installing a part too loosely, you leave room for leakage.

The combination of water and air on metal components creates rust. Rust eventually corrodes the affected pieces. So you can add myriad replacements for each damaged piece to your shopping list.

Your project might also affect your system’s water pressure. Strong water pressure helps carry wastewater away. It also brings fresh water into your faucets. Without it, your system will not work efficiently.

Our professional plumbers will install or replace each part securely. You’ll incur no further damage nor cause slow, corrosive leaks. 

Lost Coverage

Do you have property insurance or a warranty? Either agreement may cover all or most of the necessary repairs, but only when performed by a reputable plumber. If you embark on a DIY plumbing project, you’ll render both types of coverage null.

Warranties cover costs associated with repairs and replacements of expensive parts for several years. Insurance policies often contain a clause that covers plumbing maintenance and repairs. Each of these requires professional service from a licensed plumber.

Don’t sacrifice these safeguards by cutting corners or avoiding professional plumbing services.   

Safety

Many people don’t think a plumbing project could jeopardize their safety. But your plumbing system doesn’t just transfer clean, fresh water through your faucets. It also transports black and gray water, which often carries hazardous sewage.

Sewage might contain pathogens and waste materials. If exposed, you and your family could become sick. A licensed plumber has the proper PPE to protect themselves from hazardous waste.

Some plumbing appliances, like water heaters, use natural gases. Gases and heat can create explosive circumstances. A reputable professional understands how to eliminate those hazards. 

Trust Our Reputable Plumbers in Painesville, OH

Before embarking on a DIY plumbing project, get in touch with our reputable plumbers at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. to find out whether you should repair or replace your old plumbing system.

We’ll assess the problem from all angles before finding a solution that protects you, your property, and your plumbing’s integrity. Call us at (440) 485-3850 to schedule an appointment in Painesville, OH.