Fixing an issue in your home can be incredibly rewarding, but not all repairs are created equal. Swapping out a door handle or fixing a hinge are great projects to tackle on your own, plumbing is not. Smaller home repairs rarely have larger consequences when not fixed correctly the first time, whereas plumbing has a way of biting back even for the most experienced homeowners.
In recent years, it has become more common for homeowners to try and address plumbing issues. Youtube has made it very enticing leading many down the rabbit hole and creating a level of false confidence that ultimately leads to larger issues and an emergency call to the local plumber.
Rather than take a chance that the guy on Youtube knows what he is talking about, opt for a plumbing professional to make sure the job is done correctly the first time. When the time comes, turn to a plumber Midlothian TX homeowners know and trust, Dial1 Johnson. Whether it is routine maintenance or a plumbing emergency, our team is only a call away.
4 Risks of DIY Plumbing
Despite the risks associated with a DIY approach to plumbing, the majority of emergency service calls made are related to a DIY repair gone wrong. Your home’s plumbing system is both amazingly simple and yet incredibly temperamental. One wrong turn and you are running to cut off your water supply and picking up the phone searching for an emergency plumber Midlothian trusts.
Outside looking a bit foolish when the plumber arrives, there are potentially dire consequences to attempting a DIY repair. Here are four of the most common issues that can be attributed to these plumbing mishaps.
1. Improper Repairs
You might have just finished up with that pesky faucet leak and you feel great. The Youtuber walked you through the entire process and you can now relax and pat yourself on the back. But looks can be deceiving. Did you overtighten something? Did you damage pipes when removing that valve? Did you create another water leak in the process of fixing the one that was visible?
Could we be overthinking it? Sure. But incorrect plumbing repairs frequently have a trickle-down effect leading to larger issues that we will get into in a moment. Even if there does not immediately appear to be an issue, the damage could still be right around the corner.
Improper repairs can arise from a variety of different reasons, but most commonly they are directly related to using the wrong tool for the job. Professional plumbers are equipped with commercial-grade equipment and have years of training and experience to back them up. While you might be able to purchase the tool for the job, you cannot replace years of experience with a 3-minute video clip.
2. Property Damage
Maybe you are a pretty handy homeowner, and you have fixed plumbing issues in the past so you are confident in your ability. Are you confident enough to ensure that you will not cause thousands of dollars worth of property damage? As delicate as water might seem, it has the ability to wreak havoc on your property. Flood damage from a leaking pipe can cause more than a mess that needs to be cleaned up.
With the majority of your home’s plumbing system located behinds walls or in the attic, leaks resulting from a DIY repair will rarely be noticed until substantial damage has been done. Walls, floors, ceilings, and even your home’s foundation are at risk when you choose the DIY route.
Flood damage also leads to mold and mildew in your home. Beyond creating a musty smell, these home invaders can bring on health issues for your family and remediation can be incredibly costly.
Working with a licensed plumber will ensure that any additional risk to your investment is greatly reduced. Not only will a plumber be able to address any issues at hand, but they will also be able to diagnose potential problems before they arise. Just as you perform preventative maintenance on your personal vehicle, spending a little now will help you avoid larger costs down the road.
3. Plumbing Damage
Over the years plumbing materials and practices have changed drastically. What might have been popular when your home was built all of those years ago is no longer applicable. Correctly diagnosing an issue and understanding the intricacies of a plumbing system are often where DIYers fall short.
Something as simple as determining if your pipes are threaded or soldered can impact the steps needed to address an issue. Choosing the wrong steps will inevitably lead to additional plumbing damage. The last thing that you want is to bust a copper pipe that you thought was threaded on, only to find out that the previous homeowner soldered the fixture in place.
Your local plumber will have experience in working with other homes in your area and understand the common issues that can be found in your area.
4. Personal Safety
Mold and mildew are frequently the health concerns associated with plumbing issues, but they are far from the only personal safety concerns that homeowners should keep in mind. While half of your plumbing system deals with clean fresh water, the other half focuses on removing grey and black water from your home. When the latter is involved, any misstep can bring on serious health hazards.
Toilets within our homes are often the focal point of DIY plumbing repairs which means that you will be dealing with a wastewater system. Fecal matter alone can carry over 100 viruses and strains of bacteria. Whether through the repair process or as a result of an improper repair, blackwater can spill into your home putting everyone at risk.
The safest course of action is to find a plumber Midlothian TX residents trust and avoid a health risk entirely. Professional plumbers have extensive wastewater training and will be able to address issues without the worry of sewage entering your home.
Finding a Plumber Midlothian TX
Whether it is the potential for property damage, dealing with raw sewage, or the worry of amateur repairs, the choice for all of your plumbing needs should be fairly simple. Save yourself the time and the stress and work with a licensed plumber in your area.
The Dial1 Johnson team has been servicing homes in Ellis County for over 50 years, and you can bet that we have seen it all. With offices located in Cedar Hill, Midlothian, and South Dallas, we are never more than a short call away. No matter how big or small your repair might be, our team of expert plumbers will have your back. Call us to schedule an appointment at 469-518-2809 or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.