When faced with a leaky tap or constantly running toilet, you might falsely consider the plumbing problem a minor nuisance and try to fix it on your own. However, think twice before you rush into an undertaking of doing the job yourself. Professional and insured plumbers go through a long process of training before obtaining a plumber’s license that allows them practice their trade. When you dare to perform some plumbing repair jobs yourself, you expose your family members and your property to major damages and plumbing disasters. Some people feel confident enough when grabbing a pipe wrench and tackling a plumbing job themselves, but they won’t be that confident when facing an overflowing toilet or unstoppable burst in their water pipe.
The following home improvements are the ones that should never be attempted as DIY projects. Learn which ones are those.
If you are an owner of an older home, your attic insulation is most likely contaminated with the toxic substance called asbestos. Theoretically it is possible to remove this substance yourself but it is not recommended. The removal of asbestos is regulated by numerous laws because it poses the real dangers to you, your family, and your neighbors – those who are in close proximity. So hiring an asbestos abatement team will be the best solution in this case.
There are a lot of things that could go wrong when attempting gas line repair on your own, especially if you are not sure what you are doing. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is probably the most hazardous. It is particularly tricky because carbon monoxide cannot be seen, felt or smelled. There are a lot of household items that include gas- and oil-burning furnaces, as well as portable generators that produce this toxic gas. Gas lines are not an exception, call a specialist!
Fixing or replacing an HVAC system is risky. It might seem like a challenge to fix it yourself, but do not get misled. Refrigerant leaks are really dangerous, they might result in dizziness, asphyxia, and other respiratory problems. Air conditioning/heating maintenance and repair require a licensed professional who can tackle this serious job. If you, being a homeowner without an appropriate license, work on the system yourself, the manufacturer may even cancel your warranty.
Dealing with 240 volts of electricity and fussing with gas lines while installing or replacing a water heater can result in an explosive leak. Consequently a licensed plumber is required to take on this challenging task, especially if you take into consideration some permits, safety regulations, and risks—like possible carbon monoxide discharges.
Pumping the septic system is not just one of the most unpleasant experiences; it also calls for some certain equipment as well as authorizations concerning the proper waste disposal. In this case the only DIY step required is picking up the phone and calling a professional plumber.
There hasn’t been a pipe that wouldn’t burst or develop leaks eventually. What you need to do in this case is to remove the damaged section of pipe and replace it. It doesn’t seem like a big deal at first, does it? However, the part that makes such a venture a potentially deadly experience is one significant detail – you have to be capable of operating a propane torch to do the job. This job should be trusted to a professional lest you want to harm your family and yourself.
In case if you face any of the mentioned plumbing emergencies at your home and feel like tempting your fate by trying to do repairs yourself, give us a call instead. At Norwalk/La Mirada Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning we will take proper care of your plumbing projects.
Norwalk/La Mirada, CA 91766 | (562) 219-4085
