There are many plumbing jobs that you can do on your own. However, there are a few cases where there is no substitute for a professional. If you’re not sure whether you should call a plumber, have a look at these eight scenarios. Do any of them sound like your problem?
1. You have a plumbing emergency
If you have a plumbing emergency, like a burst geyser or a hidden leaking pipe, it is best to call your local plumber rather than attempting a solution in the heat of the moment. In these scenarios, you need a professional’s opinion, equipment, and expertise, since a swift solution is required. However, if it is a slowly progressing problem or an anticipated one (such as installing a new tap), then there is time to research and prepare, and give it a go yourself.
2. You need a professional opinion
If you’re upgrading your house or trying to make your home more environmentally friendly, it would be a good idea to call an experienced plumber for their professional opinion on your water systems. There will be solutions or technology that they will be privy to, because of their line of work, that the general public may not have access to.
It could also be a good idea for the plumber to install the solution when you’ve made a decision on what to change. If they’ve suggested it, they most likely have experience or knowhow in installing it, and this may result in a cost saver.
3. Geyser drama
Geysers can be dangerous to install and repair. If you’re having problems with your geyser, it‘s best to call in a professional. Geysers tend to be in hard to reach places, like the roof or in an attic. Geysers also have the potential to cause a lot of property damage, if installed incorrectly. If you can’t fix a leak and it results in the geyser bursting, it could mean a significant cost to your property that’s far more expensive than the call out fee would have been for a plumber to fix the problem.
Additionally, your plumber could upgrade your geyser to help you save money in the long run. Installing a timer switch on your geyser or putting on a geyser blanket could result in significant energy cuts in your household. These are just a few ideas – your neighbourhood plumber may have even more and far better ideas on how to save you money.
4. Underground pipes
If the problem you’re facing means that you have to dig up the earth for whatever reason, call a plumber. If you have to locate a pipe in your garden or get through cement and bricks, the amount of time and equipment it would take to achieve this would be costly. A plumber’s experience here is invaluable and doing it yourself would likely result in unnecessary costs, damage, and frustration.
5. Low water pressure
If you’re experiencing low water pressure, you should call in a plumber. The problem, and therefore the solution, may be multi-faceted and an expert’s eye could rule out certain possibilities swiftly. For example, your low water pressure might be a break in the main water line or it could mean that you have a leak somewhere (if you can’t visually see the leak, it may be in a wall or underground), or there could be a pipe problem such as corroded pipes or a blockage.
There are many other possibilities, and a local plumber’s knowledge of the area and general issues common in the buildings around you would be of benefit to you and your home.
6. Blocked pipes
If you’ve tried multiple ways to unclog a pipe and it still isn’t working, the problem may be bigger, or deeper, than you previously thought. Your solutions may not be working because of a far larger problem and it is time to call someone who is certified, has the equipment and the experience.
7. Burst pipes
When a pipe is burst you need to call a plumber as soon as possible. A speedy solution is required to avoid wasting water and costing you a small fortune. Depending on your area and the pipes’ location, a burst pipe could also mean problems for your neighbours too (for example, a pipe in your garden spilling into their driveway). In the meantime, you could turn your water off at the mains to lessen the damage and cost.
8. You need a plumbing Certificate of Compliance
If you’re having major plumbing work done on your property, it is important to receive a certificate of compliance for the work done. A certificate of compliance will be issued to you by a professional plumber certified by Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) after most plumbing work that has been done. This is to give you peace of mind that all work has been completed according to the latest plumbing regulations and recommendations.
Trade work can be dangerous, and your plumbers have liability insurance and credentials. These jobs do hold an element of danger, necessary knowledge, and learnt skill so while DIY can be very satisfying, remember that there is a time and a place for extra help.
At the end of the day, the fallout of attempting a plumbing job that you don’t understand could be extreme. The question to ask may be, is there a chance that I will be waist deep in water in the kitchen today? Would that be worth it? If the answer is no, then it’s time to call a professional.