Why DIY Fixes Can Lead to Bigger Problems

Why DIY Fixes Can Cause Bigger Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues can sometimes feel the same as doing the laundry or dishes, a never

ending chore. If you are anything like me, you live in a big, busy family. And getting to

those chores doesn’t happen right away so it builds up and up until you need help or

you likely will never get it done. In the same way doing a plumbing project yourself may

seem like a good way to save a little money. But oftentimes these little DIY projects turn

into BIG projects that will require professional intervention. Here are a few reasons why

resolving a plumbing issue yourself could do more harm than good.

Lack of Proper Knowledge and Experience

Your plumbing systems are complex and require a knowledge of how water flows, how

fixtures fit together, as well as the international plumbing code (IPC). Without this

knowledge even something that looks simple could go wrong. For example you could

simply be tightening a leaky hose bib mistakenly adding too much pressure causing the

pipes to crack, joints to loosen, or seals to break. Or you could use the wrong piping,

which would result in corrosion or degradation over time. These small issues when not

taken care of properly could snowball resulting in a longer and more expensive process.

Inability to Diagnose Underlying Problems

At first glance plumbing systems might look like an easy fix. Or something that can be

quickly youtubed. While Youtube will have plenty of videos on how to fix a plumbing

system it won’t be able to look at your system with the experience of a seasoned,

licensed plumber. What might appear as a simple clogged drain could actually be a sign

of a more significant problem, such as tree root infiltration or a broken sewer line. Or a

pipe that is starting to corrode which leads to a leak that will worsen over time. Your DIY

repair might temporarily fix the problem but it could eventually resurface even worse

than before.

Legal and Insurance Issues

Plumbers have to follow certain laws and codes when they are working on plumbing

systems. Here in Utah we use (IPC) which is International Plumbing Code. If these

building codes are violated it may cause the home to be difficult to sell or receive

compensation from insurance companies. A DIY fix may also result in extensive

damage, homeowners may find that their insurance policy does not cover the costs.

Insurance companies can refuse to pay for damages caused by unprofessional repairs

or illegal work, leaving the homeowner stuck with the full financial burden of the

plumbing repair.

While it may seem like an easy fix that will save you money by performing a DIY

plumbing project, the reality is that it often leads to larger and more costly problems.

The lack of knowledge, inability to diagnose underlying issues, risk of causing further

damage, and potential legal and insurance complications all contribute to the pitfalls of

DIY plumbing fixes. When faced with a plumbing problem it’s often better to call a

licensed professional who has the experience and expertise to fix the issue correctly

and efficiently. By doing so, you can save yourself time, money, and a lot of potential

headaches in the long run.

Instead of doing your own fix, contact Wright's Plumbing and Rooter!