Plumbing Mistakes
There are several plumbing mistakes that an amateur homeowner can make, these beneath are some of the more common to be wary of.
Overuse of Drain Cleaner
A quick look into the warning signs on a bottle of drain cleaner will inform you that it is very heavy-duty stuff. Chemical products designed to keep drains clear and remove clogging’s more often than not include potentially harmful chemicals. Using them periodically ensures a well-done job with little to no side effects. However, in the case of a persistent clog of the same pipe, drain cleaners would do more harm than good.
We tend to think of pipes as hard to damage, and they are. As sturdy as they may be. However, nothing lasts forever. Overuse of something as harsh as clog remover can eat away at the pipe, no matter the material it’s made of, be it PVC or metal. If a toilet or sink drain repeatedly clogs, clog removers just aren’t going to do the trick, and they can damage your pipes as they waste your money.
Persistent clogs are usually caused by something stuck in the pipe. This usually happens way down where you can’t see or even feel with traditional home-use snake tools. If you have clogs that keep occurring, you should call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. They have a variety of stronger tools and much more experience with these situations.
Ignoring Local Laws
When it comes to knowing the local laws and regulations regarding plumbing permits, the average homeowner doesn’t have the knowledge. A plumber, however, is likely to know the local laws and permits forwards and backward and is more than well experienced in being well acquainted with the regulations. If you are attempting a do-it-yourself project, make sure to check with your city building officials to avoid setting yourself up for a costly setback. Depending on the size of the job, many cities and counties require a permit. For example, in some areas installing a toilet requires a permit, while others require permits for only large-scale renovations. Learn about the rules in your area before you tackle a DIY plumbing job.
Some homeowners will wonder ‘why does it matter? After all, the city isn’t likely to stop by your home and inspect your bathroom, right?’ This is false; however, while you aren’t likely to be the focus of a random check, plumbing work done without a permit can get you into serious trouble.
Unlicensed plumbing, after all, is considered amateur work. Tutorial videos online can’t compete with a professional plumber’s years of experience and knowledge. Some smaller jobs can be handled by homeowners just fine, but the larger jobs need a true expert to ensure each detail is handled correctly.
Insurance and Conclusion of Plumbing Mistakes
If you’re performing a job yourself and a leak spring, or a pipe fall, you could be facing more than just a plumbing situation. If the leak damages your home, insurance will come into play. However, insurance claims will refuse you if the damage is done by someone without the proper expertise and permits.
Another potential of working without proper permits is dealing with Fines. The amount of a fine varies by location. If you need assistance, do not be afraid to call us at Conyers Plumbing.
