When you’ve had a home plumbing disaster, it can bring about some stress. This can be partially due to the inconvenience and partially due to the cost implications. Considerable repair costs can really shoot the weekly budget out of the water.
But before you strap on the tool belt, here are a few things to consider:
Your safety & your family’s safety
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) repairs can really pose some hazards. Particularly if your issues concern interactions with electricity and gas. Examples of these interactions could be hot water systems or gas cooktops. The risks of electrocution or explosion cannot be overstated. Whilst there are problem-solving activities that can be safely done, like re-setting tripped circuit breakers, repairs should be undertaken by a licensed plumber. Nothing like an electric shock to start the weekend!
You could make matters worse
If blocked pipes are your dilemma, it could seem quite simple to clear them. But before you take a shovel to your front yard to try and clear a blockage, consider that you could actually be doing more harm than good. On top of potentially hitting a pipe you shouldn’t, you could be making a considerable mess of a nice lawn. Attempting to flush pipes can seem quite simple, but it’s possible that your attempts could be compounding the issue. In a nutshell, if you’d enlisted a plumber to deal with the problem first up it could have been an easier fix with a smaller bill.
Repairs could be expensive
One of the main reasons people attempt to DIY repairs is to save money. Buying materials to make a repair might be cheaper, but if you’re unsuccessful you’ll still have to pay a professional. This means you’ve outlaid money on your own materials and still incurred a tradesman’s bill. Bypass the possibility of two expenses and go straight to a professional.
Insurances
There are a few plumbing installations that require certifications. Unless you’re a registered tradesman you’re not going to be able to provide the certification. Whilst it may not prove an issue initially if there’s an accident that results in insurance claims and assessments, you may find yourself in a pickle. If an insurance company deems your accident unclaimable you may end up wearing the cost of repairs. And unfortunately, you may be up for more than the cost of the plumbing repair. Flooded kitchens or bathrooms can lead to carpet replacement, plasterboard replacement, structural damage and cause ongoing issues with mould. Don’t risk a financial crisis, call a plumber for a certified installation that won’t void your insurance.
Mess
Whilst it is last, it’s certainly not least. When you’re DIY repairs don’t go as planned, other than the cost implications, there’s also the dreaded cleanup. Sewage overflow and flooded kitchens or bathrooms do not make for a happy weekend.
To avoid the pain of DIY plumbing fails, call a professional. Limcora can reduce the pain of a plumbing disaster and ensure that all repairs are made to a professional standard. Give them a call on 1300 006 606.
