The Hidden Risks of Do-It-Yourself Plumbing
A five-minute video can make anything look easy, from installing a faucet or fixing a leak to replacing your water heater. With the right tools and a little confidence, DIY plumbing can feel like a smart way to save money and get the job done fast. But what those videos usually don’t show are the potential dangers to yourself, your equipment, and, ultimately, your wallet.
These quick tips also don’t factor in our California desert climate, where intense sun and hot-and-cold cycles put constant strain on pipes. A plumbing repair in Thousand Palms, CA isn’t exactly the same as one anywhere else. So, before you search “how-to” online, here are some more things to consider!
Don’t Try This at Home…
Even when you’re careful, plumbing work without the proper training and experience can present dangers to you and your household or tenants. Here are a few of the risks:
• Personal injury. It’s easy to get injured doing plumbing work. There’s the risk of cuts from sharp tools and serious burns from hot water or steam. An experienced professional knows the safety protocols inside and out and is trained in the proper steps to lower the chance of harm.
• Electrical hazards. Working with water close to electrical appliances, outlets, and wires raises the possibility of shock or even a house fire. Trained plumbers can safely navigate these hazards and institute equipment such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce risk.
• Contamination. If not done right, a plumbing repair or installation can open the door to bacteria and parasites as well as dangerous chemicals in your drinking water. A professional’s training and experience are essential in getting the job done properly without contaminating your home.
Without the proper background, plumbing work can put you in a dangerous position, which is not worth the risk!
Damage, Insurance, and Codes, Oh My!
It’s common knowledge that a loose fitting will leak, but did you know that over-tightening is one of the most common DIY errors? Too tight, and you could get a damaged fitting or a cracked pipe. Professional plumbers have the experience and tools to get a fit that is not too loose, not too tight, but just the way Goldilocks would like it. This is especially important to keep in mind—a tiny problem can easily cause a small leak that might go unnoticed until it causes extensive—and expensive–water damage. It’s one the of the biggest risks of DIY work—one that can end with you paying far more than what you originally saved by tackling the project yourself.
Other hidden costs of doing your own plumbing work can include fines—if something is installed without a permit, for example, or denied insurance claims. Plumbing work that doesn’t meet professional standards or even violates code could bring down your property value if you intend to sell your home in the future. Professional plumbers not only know how to do installations and repairs safely and accurately, but are up to date on local laws and guidelines to avoid violations.
Count on Your Local, Professional Team
Timo’s is proud to offer safe, comprehensive heating, cooling, and plumbing services for everything from air conditioner repair to water heater installation in Palm Desert, CA. Contact us online or call 760.475.9542 to get your job done right while keeping you and your property safe!
