With most projects around the house, you can simply do-it-yourself if you’re handy with a toolbelt and do a little research. Unfortunately, plumbing repairs and projects don’t really fall into that category. Today we’re listing the three plumbing projects you should never DIY.
1. Installing a Dishwasher
Dishwasher installation seems simple enough — hook up the water line, slide the dishwasher itself into the space allotted for it, and you’re done, right? Not so fast. Because dishwashers are installed underneath countertops and next to cabinets, they need to carefully fit into the space by someone who has some experience. An unnoticed kink in the water line could lead to serious leaks that may take days for you to notice, leaving your “simple DIY” turning rapidly into something that requires expensive water damage repair.
Instead, call in a professional for a consultation. They’ll speak with you about the make and model of the dishwasher you’re most interested in, how to fit it into your space, and give you an estimate of the costs and time it would take to have a new dishwasher professionally installed. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that an experienced technician is making sure everything is exactly where it should be.
2. Water Heater Installation
This isn’t just a matter of possible water leaks, although those are also a concern when it comes to any installation involving water lines. With water heater installation, the main danger is actually in how the water is heated. Many water heaters are heated through gas, and hooking up a gas line is always a job that should only be done by a professional. Gas leaks can make your family sick or even cause housefires.
Even if the water heater you’re looking to install is electric, you still need to be careful to have a professional install it. Improper installation could lead to water and steam escaping the heater itself, which will cause mold to start growing quickly in the enclosed space. All that money ‘saved’ by DIY-ing the project instantly disappears once mold removal costs are factored into the equation. Remember, if you are set on installing your own water heater, it’s important to still call a professional company for advice on the safest way to go about it.
3. Serious Drain or Pipe Clogs and Blockages
Any kind of clog that is more than small and simple to fix should be handled by a professional. It’s important to work with care when it comes to repairing drain blockages, as what seems like a simple issue could actually have its root in pipes closer to the street than to your house. Issues that arise with those pipes may actually need to be handled by city officials rather than a homeowner. Any botched repair, even for issues that are located within your home, could lead to serious leak issues or water damage in the long term, especially since many pipes are located under your home or behind the walls and leaks won’t be noticed right away.
To handle very small clogs, a plunger or drain snake may be handy home tools. Anything that requires more work than that should be handled by an experienced professional to reduce both the chance of water damage and potential damage to fixtures, pipes, and home furniture.
Need Plumbing Help? We’re Ready to Answer the Phone!
At Donnelly’s Plumbing Heating and Cooling, our technicians have been helping out our Eastern Pennsylvania community for more than forty years. We take pride in our local focus and in the long-term experience of our employees, allowing us to provide you with both excellent work and friendly, professional customer service. Whether you’re interested in a new dishwasher installation, looking to get a new water heater, have a serious drain blockage, or need help with some other issue, give us a call! We can be reached by phone at (215) 855-2014 or you can schedule service online 24 hours a day!
