Should you hire a plumber or do it yourself?

Plumbing is the very definition of “need to have,” vs. “nice to have.” A day without plumbing is a day you really don’t want to live through. Trust us on this.

When was the last time you had your pipes checked? Do you have a leaky faucet? Are you thinking about an upgrade? If you’re thinking of tackling it yourself, here are some things to think through before making the call or heading to your local home improvement store.

Do I need a pro for this plumbing project?

If you’re asking yourself this question, the answer is probably yes. Hiring a professional who knows what not to do to make things worse is definitely worth the investment. Most common problems people experience with plumbing may be simple fixes like dripping faucets, leaky pipes, or running toilets, but if not fixed correctly the first time can end up costing you more in significant repairs.

One example of this is a “runny toilet.” On average, a running toilet will waste around 200 gallons of water per day, and if translated into dollars, this means an additional $75-$150 per month according to one plumber.

What will this plumbing project cost me?

First off, plumbers charge for labor. Most vary between $45 – $150 per hour for labor depending on the work, timeframe, and difficulty. HomeAdvisor says the average homeowner spends about $304 for basic plumbing repair. On average, it would cost $209 to fix a clogged drain and $1,039 to install a water heater. Depending on the severity of any repairs or possible damage caused by water leaks, you may be looking at additional costs in addition to supplies and labor. Let’s say you had a tiny leak in one of your pipes that has caused water to damage your ceiling. Although it was a minor leak, you would now need to have the drywall and insulation replaced to prevent any mold growth. Adding this repair to your bill is estimated at $285, according to homewyse.com. The most costly repairs are replacing the water heater ($1,069), Replacing the bathtub ($932 – $3878 depending on the tub), and installing a dishwasher ($512).

Want to spec out your particular need? There’s a great cost-estimator at HomeAdvisor that you can use to get an idea what you’re dealing with before you reach out to a plumber.

Plumbing disaster prevention with a pro

Many may not know this but plumbing, much like anything else in your home, needs routine maintenance. A plumbing maintenance project can end up saving you money in just your first year. “Returns vary widely and are affected by the range of home prices in your neighborhood, the overall condition of your home and sensible design choices. A high-quality Plumbing Maintenance project in an appropriate neighborhood can return as much as 77% – 91% of its initial cost”, according to homewyse. If you consider that the average highest repair costs start at $1,000 and top out at over $3,000 then spending the $600 on a maintenance project is great for preventative care of both your home and your wallet.

Why you should think carefully before you DIY your next bathroom repair

Still not sold on the idea of a professional? There are things to consider before considering a DIY dive in the bathroom. Plumbers are professionally trained and certified in this field (and usually licensed). When you call a plumber to solve a problem, they are going to find a permanent solution and minimize future calls for the same problem. Hiring a professional means attention to detail and a talent for diagnosing troubles. They will be able to find the issues and prevent any more from occurring. With their help, you will get a better assessment of your plumbing needs and have the ability to budget appropriately.

And if you’re in need of a pro plumber, then check out this site to find one in your area.

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