DIY Plumbing: Is it Worth it?
source: Flickr – Haxxah and KraZug
"Do it yourself." Everyone is familiar with those three words. To some, they conjure up an exciting challenge. To others, they represent saving money. And to others still, those three words stand for physical labor and time-consuming effort. No matter what category you fall into, when it comes to plumbing, there are times when you should definitely try to do it yourself and times when you should definitely avoid doing it yourself.
Plumbing on Your Own
The most common plumbing problems are leaky pipes and clogged drains. Often these can be solved with little effort. For soft blockages located close to the surface of the drain you can purchase drain cleaner or a number of tools to fish out the cause of the blockage. Most of them just require you to pour them into the clogged drain, wait awhile, and then rinse with warm water. For leaky pipes, it may just be a matter of screwing them tighter.
However, if you decide to use chemical drain cleaners, know that they can be dangerous if they come in contact with your skin, eyes, or if you inhale the fumes. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take proper caution to prevent injury.
An alternative to strong chemicals is using household items. This method is safer and more inexpensive. Just pour 3/4 of a cup of dry baking soda down the drain. Then, pour 1/2 a cup of vinegar down the drain as well. As soon as you pour the vinegar down, cover the drain opening with a rag or some type of plug. The mixture of vinegar and baking soda will cause a chemical reaction and create foam. Let the foam do its thing for about 30 minutes, then flush it thoroughly by pouring hot water down the drain. You may have to try this two or three times before it is completely effective.
Anything more than this requires getting dirty and using tools. Some procedures may be easier than others, but you should only try and do it yourself if you have knowledge and experience. Attempting to unclog a pipe without knowing the cause and without having experience can result in damage to your pipes. What’s more, if you go fishing around under your sink, you could cause a major leak and damage your flooring.
Call in the Experts
If you have a recurring clog that doesn’t respond to chemical treatments, it may be time to call the pros. There could be a thick grease blockage, invasive root growth, or a host of other causes that need professional attention and specialized tools. Plumbers are equipped with professional drain cleaners which can be extremely dangerous if not handled by a licensed professional. They also have the ability to perform hydrojetting, snaking, and many other methods that are expensive and take time to master.
A licensed plumber also has diagnostic knowledge and experience, and can handle complicated situations. For instance, he’ll know that homes in colder climates like Columbus, Ohio should have PEX piping installed because they resist freezing better than copper pipes. On the other hand, he’ll also know that PVC pipes can’t be installed outdoors because UV rays will cause them to breakdown over time.
When it comes to simple drain clogs, you can often resolve them on your own. However, for more difficult jobs, don't let the cost of hiring a professional deter you. Many plumbing specialists offer reasonable rates, and you can't put a price on your safety and peace of mind.
Mark Stevens is a writer from New Jersey who has written over 100 home improvement articles. Want to ask Mark something? Send him a message.
