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 Every homeowner should minimally know how to turn
the water off to their fixtures when a major leak happens. Every
homeowner should minimally have a small pipe wrench, a roll of
teflon tape, a plunger, a drain eel, and the phone number of a
licensed plumber in their contact list on their phone. Substituting
the help of a handy neighbor or friend can often make problems worse
or more costly than calling the licensed plumber in the first place.
There are three reasons to call a licensed plumber rather than
attempt a plumbing job yourself.
1) The plumber knows what he/she is doing.
2) The plumber knows how to do a job according to code and the
health standards of your community.
3) The plumber knows how to complete the job so there are no
immediate or future emergencies that might require boots and a pump.
Even if you are considering a DIY plumbing project, a paid
consultation with a licensed plumber can help you save money, use
the right materials, and get the best results.
It is important to appropriately assess your skill level when you
consider any DIY plumbing job. Clearing a stopped drain, stopping a
dripping faucet, or installing a new shower head may or may not be
within your skill set. Reading any set of directions for the
installation of plumbing parts makes it clear that plumbing is not
for the faint of heart. Every instruction set says "When it leaks"
rather than "if it leaks." Consider calling the licensed plumber
before you ruin expensive parts, decor or furnishings.
Life as an
on call plumber
When considering a new plumbing construction job, it is always
advisable to envision the job and then call a licensed plumber.
Adding a new or redoing an existing bathroom or kitchen minimally
requires professional paid advice from a plumber. Knowing how many
faucets can be put on a half inch pipe and what size drain pipe with
the necessary drop per linear foot is important planning even before
the project starts. A licensed plumber can appropriately size up how
to replace that old cast iron soil pipe and replace it with right
fittings and fixtures to meet code and health standards, and can
tell you if it is possible or advisable to move the toilet from here
to over there. Plumbing is not a good field to play "Let's see if
that will work," and failing, then making adjustments.
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A Day in
the Life of a Plumber
The licensed plumber can do what is called "roughed in plumbing" for
the remodeling of a kitchen or a bathroom. This means that they get
the water lines run, the drain lines completed, and the necessary
vent pipes installed. Then you can DIY the walls, floors and
fixtures to complete the space. Call the licensed plumber for a
quote or an estimate before you start the job.
Calling a licensed plumber in an emergency is often the result of
overlooking minor problems until they become major ones. A slight
leak that is ignored can often result in ruined decor and mold
problems in the house, and can easily turn into a waterfall when it
is the very worst possible time for that to happen. No leaking issue
should ever be overlooked (or wait for it to lime up and stop
leaking on its own). Getting professional help early can often save
stress, expense and major concerns.
When should
I call a plumber?
Depending on where you live, it might be good to call around to
licensed plumbers to find out about their availability and their
rates ahead of time. Expect to pay more after hours or for emergency
service. And be sure to ask them whether they are licensed, insured
or bonded, and about their guaranty for their service. Having a
licensed plumber come in for a minor job may give him/her insights
about your home that may pay off later when you have a bigger need
or emergency. In Logan County, consider calling John Roche from
Fitzpatrick Construction and Plumbing at 217-671-0432.
We live in DIY times, but let wisdom dictate if and when you call
the qualified professional.
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