Hal Major © 2009
BobVilaContractors.com
Many home plumbing problems are easy to fix if you have the know-how and the right tools. However, even the most skilled homeowners will come across situations where they must defer to a professional. The fact that the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) have over 300,000 members is evidence that many plumbing dilemmas are better left to a licensed contractor.
Repair Your Water Heater
An old or faulty hot water heater is one of most common plumbing problems. Since many water heaters are gas units, hooking up lines properly requires a level of expertise beyond that of the average do-it-yourselfer. Unless you really know what you�re doing, leave this project for a licensed contractor.
Fix Your Water Pressure
Cleaning a faucet aerator is a simple plumbing repair that most people can take on themselves. However, simple fixes won�t solve every water pressure issue, and a line may be blocked with debris or rust. A plumber can determine if the obstruction is inside or outside your house and suggest the best remedy.
Unfreeze Your Pipes
Hardware stores and retailers sell heating solutions to deal with frozen lines, but these can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Heating the pipe with a blow dryer may help, but often these and other simple remedies aren�t enough to get water flowing again. Call a plumber immediately, especially if your pipes burst and you don�t know how to shut off the water supply.
Remove a Clog in Your Sewer Line
A common plumbing problem is obstructions in the sewer line. Blockages will cause water and waste to back up into your home and create a huge mess. Plumbers have equipment that snakes its way to clogs and cuts through them. Also, if the sewer line is damaged, a licensed plumber can diagnose the problem with video equipment and make any necessary repairs.
Renovating Your Bathroom or Kitchen
If you�re redoing your bathroom or kitchen, you probably have plumbing issues to deal with. An experienced professional will know how to work with your existing system to bring everything up to code. Even if you do the painting or tile work yourself, a licensed plumber can keep make sure you don�t have to rip out your handiwork down the line to repair faulty plumbing.
You can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation by not going down the do-it-yourself route when it comes to your homes plumbing. Choosing a good, reputable plumbing contractor ensures the best work and a maximum return on your investment when doing home repair or remodeling projects.
