Few things will make a homeowner feel like the King (or Queen) of the castle like tackling do-it-yourself projects around the house. DIY is often a great way to minimize costs. Local hardware stores even carry specialized tools to help you get the job done. Regardless of your DIY skill level, it is important to remember that not all home improvement tasks or repairs are equally difficult. When it comes to projects that can quickly go sideways, plumbing is usually at the top of the list.
The safest option is to schedule an appointment with your trusted, local plumbing repair company. Hiring a pro helps you avoid the headache of a plumbing repair gone wrong. When it comes to plumbing, Grand Prairie, TX, trusts Dial One Johnson to get the job done quickly and professionally.
5 Risks of DIY Plumbing
Still thinking of taking the DIY approach? Here are five risks that you face.
1. Burst Pipes
One of the most common mishaps when plumbing goes wrong is a burst pipe. You may be attempting to fix a connection and the next thing you know, the pipe breaks. One of the most common repairs that plumbers encounter is related to pipes that break when turned because the connection was soldered instead of threaded.
Burst pipes can be frustrating, costly and potentially damaging to your home. There is a chance that you found this article after searching for “plumbing repair companies near me” because you already broke a pipe, perhaps for one of these very reasons. Don’t worry, you are not first and will not be the last.
First, make sure that the water is shut off at the main. Even if the pipe can be closed locally, such as with the shutoff valve under your sink, there is always a chance that the pipe is broken in multiple places. Next, save yourself any added frustration and make a call to your trusted local source for plumbing repair in Grand Prairie, TX: Dial One Johnson.
When working with a professional team, they will be equipped with the tools that are needed to get the job done right the first time. Factors such as the material your plumbing is made of will determine the approach that a licensed plumber will take to correct an issue.
2. Leaks
Suppose your DIY plumbing fix went according to plan, or at least looks like it went to plan. Similar to using proper tools, a professional plumber will ensure that the correct fittings, pipe and materials are used to avoid further issues.
For regulators and pipe fittings to work correctly, they have to be tightened to a certain specification. If they are over/under tightened, they can easily leak. For exposed plumbing— under your sink for example—it’s easy to notice when a leak has occurred. However, for plumbing that is under the house or behind a wall, a leak might not be obvious.
Leaks can damage your foundation, walls, flooring and more. If you suspect a leak, cause a leak or if a leak is already visible, contact a plumbing professional so that the issue can be identified and resolved.
3. Flood Damage
The first two risks mentioned on this list lead to what is arguably the most expensive one. The highest-ticket risk that you face if you choose to complete plumbing repairs yourself is (drumroll please): flood damage. While flood damage can be localized, if it is not caught and fixed fast it can become a giant problem.
Most often, flooding occurs when homeowners forget to shut the water off before beginning any plumbing repairs. The results can be disastrous. Once a connection has been broken, and water starts flowing. Getting it shut off before major damage is done can be difficult. Main line connectors are often at the edge of property and closest to the city’s connection. Issues compound if you are trying to work on lines that are under your home or behind walls.
Even if you get the water stopped fairly quickly, small amounts of water can damage drywall and flooring. Prolonged exposure can result in issues with your foundation and mold. Don’t attempt to tackle this problem on your own. Be sure to call for plumbing repair services if you notice flooding in your home.
4. Unidentified Problems
When it comes to plumbing repairs, there is tremendous value in a trained eye. Homeowners are often fixated with the problem at hand, failing to identify root causes. Sometimes other issues need to be addressed, such as corrosion or faulty work.
Plumbing professionals are trained to detect early signs of equipment failure and can suggest remedies that will mitigate the risk for more repairs and added expenses. Working with someone that is familiar with your hometown is an added benefit. They will be able to check for issues that they have seen in other homes in your area, helping you be proactive with plumbing maintenance.
5. Injury
Plumbing might not appear to be the most hazardous job, but between water pressure/temperature and confined spaces, you could hurt yourself. Here are five of the most common plumbing repair injuries:
- Severe burns
- Eye injuries
- Heat exhaustion
- Electrical shock
- Biohazard exposure
Avoid a trip to the emergency room by working with a professional. Your body will thank you later.
Finding Plumbing Repair, Grand Prairie, TX
Understand the risks that are associated with plumbing repairs. Sometimes, calling a professional is necessary. A trusted team to back you up for all your plumbing needs—whether maintenance or emergency—can make all the difference.
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is the first choice for homeowners in the Grand Prairie area. At Dial One Johnson, we provide high quality service that is guaranteed to work the first time. Give us a call at (469) 240-5618 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.