Nothing is more satisfying than being able to fix a problem on your own. Whether it’s a leaky tap, a blocked drain or a loose door-hinge, there’s something truly empowering about grabbing the toolbox and nutting out your home maintenance issues without the need for a professional.
Of course, there are also some serious risks that come with DIY projects around the home, particularly when it comes to things like plumbing. The last thing you want is a dodgy fix-up that looks good at the time but causes a massive spike in maintenance costs down the line. Worse than this, there’s also the potential for creating a dangerous situation for yourself or your family as well.
When it comes to plumbing systems, there are a few jobs that you definitely shouldn’t try at home without the proper tools and know-how. To help you avoid making costly and even dangerous mistakes with your home plumbing and drainage systems, take a read of the following 3 plumbing jobs that definitely require a professional plumber.
Water heaters are one thing that you should never attempt to fix on your own. Water heaters, and in particular gas or electric water heaters, have the potential to cause major damage to property and injury or even fatality when incorrectly tampered with.
When you think about it, an electric water heater is literally combining electricity and water supply – two elements that definitely don’t mix. If you’re untrained or don’t you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, attempting to repair an electric water heater could lead to disastrous consequences.
On the other hand, gas appliances like gas-powered water heaters have a full range of dangers of their own. Hot water heaters are often stored in enclosed spaces that allow for minimal aeration. If you were to repair a broken heater in a bathroom or basement and not realise there was a leak in the gas line, you leave yourself open to gas inhalation that can cause serious harm to your health.
Not only could a leak in a gas line cause inhalation concerns, but it can also leave you vulnerable to horrific explosions that could destroy much more than your family home or office building.
When it comes to water heater repairs, always contact a licensed plumber and gasfitter to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and other people.
Here on the Gold Coast, heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected during summertime. And while the rainy season might have come a little late this year, we’ve definitely experienced some damaging weather over the last month that reminds us why it’s so important to have stormwater drainage systems in pace around our homes.
Stormwater isn’t treated the same way that sewage is, meaning rainwater that runs into our street gutters can carry a range of chemicals like fertilisers out to our waterways.
This is one of the reasons that having a professionally installed stormwater drainage system is so vital.
As well as having a negative impact on our environment, improperly designed rainwater systems can leave your home open to potential flooding, leaks and erosion. This is why you should never attempt to plan or implement your own stormwater solutions, particularly on the Gold Coast where we’re prone to heavy rain and flooding.
Leave this important task in the safe hands of a plumbing practitioner who is best informed to reduce risks of structural damage and flooding dangers.
While we believe this one goes without saying, we thought we’d include it anyways, just in case you’re thinking about having a go at fixing home sewage issues.
Aside from the mess and odour that comes with sewage repairs, it also presents the potential for health issues for residence. Think about what happens if there is blockage or leak in your sewage lines. The contents of those pipes has to go somewhere, and if it’s not going down the pipes, you can be sure it’s coming back up!
This type of plumbing is also a little more complex to fix than standard issues and figuring out exactly where the problem is coming from can be a big challenge.
Aside from issues with physically repairing sewage faults, there is also council obligations to consider. Many issues with sewage systems are actually under the control of the Gold Coast City Council, so having a professional carry out your plumbing works will help you to figure out whether the council need to be involved.
It’s always better to call a professional plumber and gasfitter on the Gold Coast to complete your plumbing maintenance and repairs.
As experts in our field, Jeff Macdonald plumbers are here to take the stress out of plumbing repairs while keeping you, your family and your home protected against accidents and damage. Our staff are highly trained and experienced with all kinds of plumbing activities, so when something needs fixing, we’re here and ready to jump in.
Give us a call on 1300 025 116 or text us on 0438 104 510 to get an obligation-free quote.
