Having Plumbing Difficulties? Determine if You Need a Plumber
Are you deciding between professional or DIY plumbing service? Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical is here this month to give you some tips and advice on when to call a plumber and when to attempt a do-it-yourself project.
We know that some minor breaks or installation projects do not always warrant a call to a plumber. Maybe your sink is leaking, or there is a small issue in the toilet. These are some things that you, with the proper knowledge, can complete on your own. However, you should leave larger problems like hot water tanks or backflow issues to the professionals.
You may be thinking, “I can just get on the Internet and find a solution. Do I really need a plumber?” Our answer is yes. Large plumbing repairs and installations can be challenging, especially if you need to remove the existing equipment. We hope that you take the time to consider the length and severity of the job before jumping into a hefty plumbing project.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber for Installation
When installing new plumbing equipment, it’s best to leave the project in the hands of a professional. Just because you have installed a faucet in the past doesn’t mean that a hot water tank should be next on the list.
There are a lot of things that go into plumbing installation, especially when replacing old equipment. For example, removing a conventional water heater and installing a tankless model may end with retrofitting the system. Professional plumbers should handle these jobs to make sure they complete the job correctly.
Another benefit of hiring a professional for installation is that they will know what will work best in your home. Depending on the size of your household, your choice of water heater may not be right, or maybe your plumbing will not handle a garbage disposal. Without having the proper plumber inspect your system, you may cause costly issues by installing the wrong thing.
Sometimes Do-it-Yourself Projects Work
We admit that sometimes, a DIY project will work out, but we highly suggest against it. Porch reminds consumers that small jobs like changing hoses, hardware, faucets, and small repairs may work out just fine. That being said, any large changes to the plumbing system should always be done by a professional. This will keep you safe and decrease the chance of damage to your system.
We’ve mentioned it already, but it’s worth repeating – plumbers will know what works for your plumbing system the best. Instead of going back and forth to the home improvement store, a quick call and appointment with a plumber will give you all that you need to know, giving you peace of mind that the system is working.
Know Your Limits – Call a Plumber When You Need Repair
We mentioned that some small repairs may be okay for a do-it-yourself project, but these circumstances are not common. When making repairs, a professional plumber will be able to see if the problem is just as small as you thought, or it could be from a larger issue.
One thing we want to really highlight is the potential to void warranties or cause further damage to the equipment. You may think that you can handle the repairs of a water heater or toilet, only to break off an important part of the equipment. Because the equipment broke at your hand, there’s a good chance that the warranty will no longer cover future repairs. If a plumber cannot get to you right away to fix it, then you’re stuck with faulty equipment and maybe without a bathroom or kitchen. Keep this in mind when planning your next DIY plumbing project.
Things to Check Before Calling a Plumber
There are some things to look for before calling a plumber to the scene. Loud noises or odd smells, while usually bad signs, may just mean your plumbing system is asking for some TLC. Keep this in mind when you think there could be a repair – the system may just need maintenance! Robinson & Son Mechanical & Plumbing offers plumbing inspections to find any issues. Our plumbers can properly inspect the equipment and determine the best course of action for your system.
There are some indicators that the plumbing system needs repair and that you should immediately call a plumber. These include:
- Leaks
- Pooling water
- Backup in drains or sinks
- Water or smells coming from the sewer line
These signs show that there is a definite problem with the system. Be sure to call a plumber and determine the next steps while you wait for them to get there. Leaks, sewer line problems, and backup can end with property damage and health effects, too.
Trust Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical for Plumbing Service
Working in the plumbing industry for over 35 years, our plumbers have seen it all. Instead of struggling through a DIY plumbing project, give our team a call right away. We have a full list of plumbing services that we provide, along with almost four decades of service under our belts. Reach out today for more information or to schedule a repair. We are available 24/7.
Give Robinson & Son Plumbing & Mechanical a call at (304) 757-8063 to schedule service or for an estimate. Follow us on Facebook for updates! Ask about choosing a professional or DIY plumbing service.
