7 Major Disadvantages of DIY Plumbing

The plumbing system is critical to the functionality of every home, as it ensures you have running water in your home. Without a fully functional plumbing system, you might not be able to run your washing machine, flush your toilet, or take a shower.

When you have plumbing issues, you need to repair them immediately. So, it is no surprise that some people choose to tackle plumbing issues themselves. Others choose DIY plumbing to save on professional plumbing costs. However, DIY plumbing can end disastrously.

Learn seven major disadvantages of DIY plumbing below.

1. You Lack Knowledge and Experience

Most homeowners lack the knowledge and experience required to diagnose and fix complex plumbing issues. Thus, they struggle to identify the culprit behind a plumbing issue and may be unable to resolve the problem permanently.

When you lack training as a plumber, there's also a chance you might fix a symptom of a plumbing issue rather than the problem itself. You may also not know or have the appropriate tools for repairing a plumbing problem.

2. You May Lack Time

It takes time to correctly diagnose and repair a plumbing problem when you lack experience. Between your job and family time, you might not have much time left to fix your plumbing. That means you will keep postponing a plumbing issue you need to repair, which might cause further problems.

3. You May Cause Further Damage

Sometimes DIY plumbing worsens a plumbing issue or causes other problems. If you choose to repair your plumbing yourself, you risk accidental damage you may be unable to fix without professional help.

If you want to repair pipework, ensure you know how the pipes in your house connect. Otherwise, you might worsen the problem. You also risk damage to your plumbing if you use the wrong tools for repairs.

4. You May Spend More Than Anticipated

Imagine you Google how to fix a plumbing problem, and realize you need tools and materials you do not have in your house. You might spend a lot more money on plumbing tools than you would have spent on a plumber.

DIY plumbing may also increase your repair costs if the solution you came up with fails or causes more damage.

5. You Risk Non-Compliance

Building codes in Michigan do not allow plumbing work without a plumbing permit unless for minor repairs that involve the working parts of a faucet or clearance of blockages. Therefore, when you do DIY plumbing work that does not fall under the above categories, you are guilty of non-compliance with state building codes.

If the authorities discover you did plumbing work without a permit, they may penalize you. So instead of saving on costs through DIY plumbing, you may spend a lot more on fines.

6. You May Void Your Homeowner's Insurance

Most insurance companies do not cover accidental damage to your home unless you get additional coverage. Note that accidental damage covers loss or damage resulting from unforeseen events. However, many accidental damage policies exclude poor workmanship or faulty materials.

Thus, if you drill through a pipe and flood your home, your insurer may deny your claim for the damages caused by the flood. Many DIYers have had to pay for repairs out of pocket after their DIY attempts failed.

7. You May Undermine a Serious Issue

Without plumbing experience, it is difficult to tell whether a seemingly minor plumbing problem hints at more serious issues. For instance, slow drains in your house could indicate a clog in the main sewer line.

Some plumbing issues require immediate repairs. But, when you lack the knowledge to diagnose plumbing problems, you may unknowingly postpone emergency plumbing repairs.

DIY projects are a great way to learn new skills and save money. But when it comes to plumbing repairs, leave the work to professionals with the right tools and knowledge for the job. Contact Mike's Plumbing for your plumbing issues and avoid the hazards of DIY plumbing.