Many homeowners look for ways to save money by doing more work themselves. In theory, this is a great option, however, many things are best left to the professionals. This is not just to protect the warranty on your products, but also ensures correct installation and minimises the risk of future issues.
This is especially true for plumbing and drainage products. While all of our Everhard products are designed for easy installation, plumbing is a complex system that can cause issues if fixtures are not installed and maintained properly.
So, in this article, we will explore the realms of DIY and professional plumbing and provide some insights into what projects are generally safe to handle yourself and those that should be left to the pros.
DIY Plumbing
Whether you are the kind of person who likes to be hands-on, or you are just looking for ways to save a dollar, DIY plumbing appeals to homeowners for a variety of reasons. With DIYs, you can save on contractor fees and get things done on your schedule without waiting for an available plumber.
We understand this appeal, however, without the proper tools and expertise things can often go wrong. This can lead to more expensive repairs or services to repair your mistakes. Therefore, it is important to only attempt tasks that have minimal risk and that you have the skills to complete safely.
Here are a few simple plumbing DIYs that most homeowners should be able to tackle:
Fixing Leaky Taps
Dripping taps are often the result of a worn-out washer or loose connections. This makes them a relatively safe and simple fix for homeowners with the right tools and knowledge. With the water switched off and a dedicated repair kit, tap repairs are a minimally hazardous plumbing project.
All you will need is: pliers, a wrench, screwdrivers and a washer or O-ring repair kit. Then just, again, remember to switch off the water supply before you start pulling anything apart.
To learn more about fixing dripping taps and save money, you can check out our full guide for step-by-step tap repairs and advice.
Installing Tapware
Similarly, installing new tapware is sometimes a project that homeowners can take on. While there are some considerations, such as the age of your tapware, existing damage and complexity, if your plumbing is in good condition and is not very old you will likely be safe to do this task yourself.
The most important things to remember when attempting to install your own tapware are that you choose compatible fittings and follow the directions. To enhance your wetrooms with quality new tapware, you can peruse our wide range of tapware for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries at Everhard Industries, and explore our guide to seamless DIY tap installations.
Clearing Minor Blockages
Clearing partial blockages in drains or pipes is another task that most homeowners can attempt with little room for error. Many slow-draining sinks or drains just require a little cleaning and help along.
You can do this with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. Baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction inside your pipes that can often help to break down or move minor blockages caused by everyday buildups from soap, foods and other debris. The boiling water also helps this process while also helping to dissolve cooled grease or fats.
Cleaning External Drainage Systems
Cleaning external gutters, downpipes and drainage systems is something that many homeowners would consider a normal part of home maintenance. While some plumbers will offer a service to do that, you can save significantly by handling it yourself.
You will need some basic equipment such as a ladder, gloves, and a broom, but as long as you’re careful, cleaning gutters and drains is often a fairly safe undertaking. Simply sweep debris off and away from ground-level drains, remove debris from inside traps and gutters and then flush them out with a hose.
Professional Plumbing
Professional plumbing, on the other hand, is anything that requires a license and qualifications. This generally refers to tasks that are complex and have a higher risk factor, such as installations and major repairs.
While professional plumbing can be costly and requires advanced scheduling, it offers added protections and guarantees. Hiring experienced plumbers provides peace of mind that the job is going to be done right, but more than that it protects your warranty and prevents future issues related to incorrect installation.
Here are a few projects that are best left for professionals with years of experience:
Plumbing Installations
Most plumbing installations are complex and can present issues if not completed properly. This includes the installation of toilets, sinks, laundry basins and sometimes tapware if your plumbing is old, damaged or complex.
Firstly, toilets are complex systems with sewage concerns. For this reason, it is always advisable to contact a qualified plumber for this project to ensure secure connections with no nasty leaks.
Secondly, sinks and laundry basins, while they may seem straightforward, the pipework can be complicated. Furthermore, most sinks will be secured to the benchtop or vanity and will need to be removed carefully and the new sink will need to be secured properly for a leak-free finish. Professional installation of sinks ensures that the pipes and connections are all tight and will not leak.
Finally, while we listed tapware as a safe DIY, there are situations where it should be left to the experts. This includes if your plumbing is old, damaged or complex, as this can create complications and make the project more prone to issues such as leaks.
Drainage System Installation
Similarly, installing drainage systems is a complex endeavour that is best suited to those with experience and specialised tools. While all of our Everhard drainage and stormwater systems are designed specifically for easy installation, we still strongly recommend you enlist a professional to help.
Despite its simple click-together design, our EasyDRAIN products require professional installation to ensure the proper slopes and depth for effective drainage. Additionally, professionals will have better equipment and processes for locating underground services, digging trenches and securing drains.
However, if you want to learn more about our innovative systems, you can check out our guide for installing EasyDRAIN seamlessly.
Major Repairs
Finally, any complex or major plumbing issues, such as damaged pipes, appliances or fixtures and complete blockages are tasks for professional plumbers. These issues often can signify greater issues further down the line or hidden within your plumbing system. Therefore, you will require plumbers with specialised equipment and skills to locate the issue and complete repairs.
This also provides peace of mind that the repairs will last and prevent further issues in the future.
Tackle Plumbing Projects Responsibly
At Everhard Industries, we are all about DIYs and hands-on homeowners, however, we also believe in safety and making smart decisions that protect your family and property. So, next time you want to update your wetrooms or tackle a plumbing issue, take a moment to consider the complexity and potential risks.
One thing that all homeowners can do safely, though, is browse their options and make plans for future upgrades. So, whether you’re considering upgrading your external drainage system or replacing your kitchen sink, we have you covered with high-quality options!