Let's Walk You Through How to Hire a Plumber!
Whether you love DIYing, want to save money, or had a previous bad experience, tackling a plumbing issue by yourself might sound like the ultimate solution. But, in which situations should you hire a plumber and leave the job in the hands of professionals? Which tasks can you handle with ease by yourself? In this post, we clarify this sensitive topic. Once you have read through it, you will know what to do when an emergency strikes. So, let’s get started!
Small Projects You Can Do by Yourself
Even if you feel confident enough to solve minor issues, make sure to check the plumbing code first. Some states have specific regulations, so it is better to check with your local authorities before doing anything. Here are minor plumbing tasks that you can DIY.
Low Pressure
If you have to deal with hard water, then low pressure is one of the common problems. The mineral deposits will build up, blocking the water outlet and limiting the water flow. Submerge the small pieces in vinegar and let them dissolve the limescale.
Installing a New Washing Machine Hose
Since the hose provides a water supply, ruptures can cause severe damage. This is a simple and small DIY project that you should do every five years to ensure the hose is in excellent condition. Make sure to disconnect the power outlet before you get started.
Installing a Faucet
If you’ve decided it is time to update your kitchen with a brand new faucet or to ditch the leaky one to reduce the bills, you do not need to hire a plumber. All you need to do is turn off the hot and cold water valves, remove the old faucet, and install the new one. In most cases, you can find the water valves under the sink.
Minor Toilet Hardware Fixes
If you struggle with a loose toilet seat or toilet handle, feel free to tackle the issue by yourself. While you will not need a professional's help, you will need to buy the required tools and spare parts at your local home store.
Situations Where You Need to Hire a Plumber
While you can install a new faucet or fix the mineral buildup, keep in mind that a professional must solve complex problems. Otherwise, your efforts to fix the problem can quickly turn into a disaster. If you have issues with water drainage, leaky pipes, or a filthy water heater, it is always better to hire a plumber.
Low Water Pressure
Reduced water flow that is not caused by limescale can indicate an underlying problem, such as an obstruction caused by debris or poor pipe design. Only an experienced plumber can detect the cause and fix it.
Stopping Large Water Connections
We’ve already mentioned that you could turn off the water valves to install a faucet. However, keep in mind that it is more complex to stop extensive water connections. If you face problems with the tub or toilet, hire a plumber to avoid any bursts or leaks.
Drainage Problems
If your toilet, tub, or sinks are not draining correctly even after using a plunger, this is a sign that you should hire a plumber. When the water cannot go down the drain quickly, or you notice an unpleasant smell, this is a clear sign of blocked pipes.
No Hot Water
If you have a problem with the hot water, this means that something is going on with the water heater. Check for any leaks around the valves, strange sounds, or debris in the water. For this situation, hire a plumber since you do not want to mess with electricity and water.
Replacing Your Water Heater
When it is time to get rid of your water heater, your plumber can help you. They can remove the old one, install the new one, and make sure it works fine.
How to Find a Reputable Plumber
- Make sure that you work with a licensed plumber. This profession is highly regulated in the U.S., but the regulations can vary from state to state. An official license confirms that the individual has passed the needed training, has the required experience, and stays up to date with the new trends. In case you have any doubts, you can call the state authorities to verify their license.
- Ask your insurance company for a recommendation. Even if they are not liable for covering the cost, they can recommend a reliable professional. Real estate agencies also work with reputable contractors since plumbing issues are standard when selling property.
- Have a reliable plumber's number ready at any time. In a case of emergency, you will likely call the first plumber you will find. To avoid working with fraud contractors, make sure to establish a connection with a professional plumber.
- Check if they offer extensive services such as 24/7 support. Leaked pipes will not pick a suitable time of the day, so ask if your plumber offers assistance in case of an emergency.
What to Expect from a Plumber’s Service
When the plumber arrives at your place, they should give you a price estimate for solving your problem. An absolute professional will provide you with accurate estimates so that you will not be surprised when receiving the bills. Reputable companies should take care of the cleaning and leave the place clean and tidy.
Estimated Costs
Even if they finished their job within half an hour, you might still be shocked by the service bill. Plumbers have an hourly price for the labor, which takes a considerable chunk of the final cost. The material costs tend to be lower, but this depends on the nature of your project. Expect to pay from $125 to $350 for small jobs, such as repairing a sink, faucet, toilet, or bathtub. However, expect the prices to go up, ranging from $500 to $800 for larger repair projects.
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