There are many plumbing problems that the average person can deal with. Is your toilet clogged? You can probably solve the problem with a plunger or a bottle of Liquid Plumr. Is your faucet leaking? You may only need to replace a small washer or something equally insignificant. But there are other problems that require the help of a professional. Nobody likes the idea of shelling out hundreds of dollars for a repair, but if you wait too long or try to fix something outside of your comfort zone, you could end up causing more damage and causing the price to skyrocket. When it comes to plumbing, you need to know when you are not good enough for the job.
Most plumbing problems indicate the need for a professional. Plumbing hobbyists should limit themselves to fixing things that can be easily solved. When you start talking about trying to fix rattling pipes or other wall problems, things start to get complicated and potentially very expensive. A plumber knows exactly what to do and can diagnose a problem based on his years of training and experience. When a problem seems too complicated for you to handle, don’t let the ego get in the way of your better judgment.
As mentioned above, slow or clogged drains can usually be handled at home. However, if store-bought remedies or plungers don’t work, you may need to call a plumber. Before you take it upon yourself to take apart your pipes and look for a clog, just call a professional and see what they have to say. Remember that while you may be spending quite a bit to get a plumber to your home, you could be saving untold amounts by not messing with things that are off your wheelhouse. Your home insurance is unlikely to cover substantial damage caused by an overzealous hobbyist.
When you decide that the job is too much for you and that you would be better off hiring a plumbing professional, make sure you hire one who is quick and easy to work with. Ask your co-workers and friends who they use in case of an emergency. They will probably be able to point you in the right direction. In fact, it’s a good idea to find a quality plumber before something goes wrong, so you know who to call when a problem arises.
