When faced with labor expenses that can convert an $11 toilet fill valve leak into a $200 expenditure, doing it yourself seems so simple on TV that it’s a no-brainer. While YouTube tutorials can help with many tasks, some are hazardous or simple to mess up, and many repairs need permits and completed work that meets local building codes. Hiring a professional is preferable sometimes.
Many people have had to learn the hard way what the answer to this question was. For some time now, the DIY movement has been sweeping the United States. Anyone with a bit of DIY expertise can attempt a plethora of home repair and remodeling projects.
With the help of the Internet, it seems that no task is out of our reach. There is a step-by-step video for almost any kind of repair or improvement you can think of. Using the services of a professional can necessitate depleting your planned staycation savings. So, how can you tell whether you’re prudent or rash?
There will be horror tales of broken walls and wobbly floorboards if you ask any DIY enthusiast about the pleasure of a self-styled house makeover. On the other hand, unleveled walls and floors are not the same as leaky ceilings or arcing outlets. Attempting some repairs can put your home and your safety in jeopardy, as well as cause you damage.
Repairing the Plumbing
As the saying goes, water will find a way out of anything if there is a way out at all. Without prompt detection, even the tiniest leak can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. If you’re a handy DIY-er and the plumbing is already in place, you can be able to do simple repairs like changing a shower head or replacing a faucet by yourself.
Even putting in a new toilet is doable by a resourceful DIY-er (make sure you have a tight seal). Extending hot water lines or rerouting sewage pipes are two examples of plumbing system modifications that can get you into trouble. Using hot water necessitates using a blow torch on copper pipes. It’s better to leave the torch work to the experts unless you have extensive expertise with welding.
Plumbing issues can quickly get out of hand and lead to a costly and wet future, even if they aren’t as hazardous as electrical repairs. In addition, you should also call for experts when it’s time to have the septic tank cleaned. This one, in particular, is hazardous without professional help.
Repairing Gas Appliances
Many gas-powered appliances can be found in the average household. Some examples are your dryer, oven, and water heater. When it comes to gas, it’s not always a repair that sends folks down the wrong road. If you’re tiling a floor, you can need to relocate the stove. If you’re painting a wall, you can need to move the dryer.
Some homeowners believe they can replace their water heaters on their own, and this leads to disaster. Gas, like water, eventually develops a leak. Although disconnecting the gas supply line and relocating the stove can have been an intelligent move, reconnecting it can be a mistake. Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills more than 400 people annually in the United States, can come from a repair you thought was easy.
Electric Repairs
Untrained hands handling wires run the risk of electrocution. The use of electricity necessitates excellent care in every endeavor undertaken. As with plumbing, you might be able to do minor repairs like replacing a light switch or installing a ceiling fan on your own if you cut off the power first. If you’re unsure if there’s a current or not, turn off your master switch and check the button against the breaker.
To check the power of cables, you need to get a suitable voltmeter. However, if the problem extends beyond a basic light fixture, you should contact a licensed electrician. If you need permission to perform the job, you’ll only have the choice of hiring a professional. Inexperienced circuit installers run the risk of damaging or even blowing up the whole system. If you make a mistake, you can set your home on fire, and a shock could cause severe harm or death.
Performing any of these fixes by yourself is simple. However, you must agree that there are occasions when you should leave some tasks to the professionals. There are several factors at play. On the other hand, experts have the knowledge, abilities, and resources necessary to complete the project. Of course, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t skimp on expert assistance to save a few bucks.
