DIY your plumbing or hire a Wellington plumbing professional?

Know when your plumbing project is outside of your skill set.

Most homeowners are used to doing a little DIY plumbing from time to time. A clogged drain, a leaky faucet, installing a new shower head – these are fairly easy projects that can be completed in a matter of hours.

But sometimes our home’s plumbing requires major work that goes beyond a novice’s skill level. You might not have confidence to complete a project, like replacing your toilet, or you may lack the necessary training to fix plumbing. Remember that a licensed plumber is trained and practiced, and some states require that a plumber undergo apprenticeships and take an exam in order to receive their licensing.

Licensed plumbers have the knowledge and tools necessary to go beyond common leaks. If you’re planning a plumbing project, consider whether you should DIY or hire a professional to complete the work for you.

Most plumbers charge by the hour and the greatest expense tends to be labor costs, not materials. Of course your actual project costs will depend upon a variety of factors such as the scope of the project, the cost of materials, permitting, any other construction costs and labor.

Depending upon the project, it may be most cost effective to DIY your plumbing, especially if the issue is outside of the walls and is considered minor. In fact, being a smart homeowner includes knowing how to make small adjustments or fixes to your home.

You will have to pay the costs of parts and tools, but depending on the complexity of your project these are minimal compared to the cost of hiring a professional plumber. With the DIY method, you can also take away a greater amount of confidence and pride with the fact that you can fix the things in your home, without the help of a professional.

On the other hand, tackling DIY projects that are outside your skill level or knowledge can result in mistakes that may, in fact, cause more harm than good. Hiring a professional can help minimise errors and maximise results.

An expert will also be able to spot additional problems such as mould or polybutylene piping. A plumber will also help you keep your plumbing project on schedule and budget. Some people prefer to take on plumbing repairs without any hired help, but it’s important to know when a project is outside of your skill range.