Most people don't pay any attention to their plumbing until there is a problem. Then, depending on the scope of the issue, the condition of your plumbing will take center stage in your home. Plumbing repairs range from small issues like a leaky faucet to major problems like a burst valve. And the damage from faulty plumbing can be disastrous to your home and your wallet.
It pays to have the knowledge of a professional plumber on your side. But that knowledge comes at a price and many homeowners are attempting plumbing repairs on there own, taking the DIY route.
As with any specialty, there are certain things in plumbing that a novice or amateur can do and certain things best left to the professionals. If you run across these top plumbing repairs, don't hesitate - call a pro before one problem turns into many.
Installing a Garbage Disposal System
Under the sink garbage disposals are a wonderful addition to your kitchen. They are convenient, cut down on waste headed for the landfill and help keep your home tidy. But they are also not something you want to attempt to install on your own.
Garbage disposals involve both plumbing and electrical work. The removal of the old disposal can get complicated and fitting in the flange is a tricky job that will require at least two sets of hands (for a beginner). In certain systems, the dishwasher is connected to the garbage disposal as well, making it an even more involved project.
Do the smart thing - when looking to have a new garbage disposal installed or when replacing your existing model, call a plumber for a fast, reliable job.
Gas Fittings and Running Gas Lines
Whether you are installing a gas BBQ or a new gas fireplace, running gas lines is a highly specialized skill. Natural gas is a dangerous fuel that can cause serious injuries when not installed properly and may even result in a fatality. Although you may be able to run the copper plumbing up to whatever appliance your connecting, only licensed plumbers and gas fitters should be handling valves and connections.
Gas lines need to be properly marked and run a certain way for safety. Having a gas line or gas appliance installed by a professional ensures that your family is protected from major accidents and dangerous levels of poisonous gas.
Fixing a Toilet That Leaks
Toilets are funny things. Although most of the time they operate well, a toilet in need of repair is generally useless. If your toilet is running constantly, a simple repair in the tank is often all that's needed. But when there is water seepage or leakage at the base of the toilet you will need the help of a pro to diagnose and repair.
Water should only be on the inside of your toilet, but when problems arise it will collect at the base and eventually cause mold, mildew and even rot to occur. Toilets that leak may be repairable. For example, adding insulation to the inside of a tank to stop the toilet from sweating is a simple fix. No matter what the problem, plumbers can steer you in the right direction when it comes to a leaky toilet and have your system back up and running in no time.
DIY plumbing is possible with the right tools and a little bit of know-how. But for garbage disposal installation, gas fittings and leaky toilets, as well as many other serious and urgent plumbing repairs, calling in a professional is the smartest thing to do.
Posted by: TrustedPros