Questions To Consider When You're Thinking Of Undertaking A Plumbing Job At Home
As someone who takes pleasure in attempting different projects at home, it might seem natural that you'd undertake a plumbing project. Whether you want to repair a leak, install a sink, or do one of the many other projects that involve your plumbing system, it is vital that you consider the following inquiries first.
Do I have Permission to Do This?
The very idea that you don't have permission to undertake a project in your own house might be a strange one. However, the town or city where you live could very well require certain permits for whatever project you're about to do. Plumbing changes can affect the neighborhood's water supply and sewer system, and permits are the primary way of keeping track of what is happening in the area. If you don't seek the particular permit you may need, it's possible that you will later find yourself paying fines because of that.
Applying for the right permit is also important because it is possible that previous owners worked without getting their own permits. So that you aren't held responsible for their mistakes, it's a good idea to look at the permits history of your address and talk with staff about any changes that have been made since original construction that aren't reflected in that history.
Can I Do This?
With all the instructional articles and videos out there, it is easy to feel overconfident about your tinkering abilities. However, it's important that you stay honest with yourself and think about whether you have the skillset to do a particular plumbing job. For example, are you aware that if you're attempting to change some piping, you'll need a dielectric union to connect copper and steel pipes or else you risk corrosion?
Not only that, but you've got to consider whether you can devote adequate time to the project and complete it in a timely manner. Installing a new bathtub on your own might seem like an easy undertaking, for instance, but as days stretch on and you find yourself having trouble, you might regret not asking a professional to do it.
After considering the above, you may think twice about undertaking a plumbing job on your own. Consult a local plumber to determine whether it's a job you might be able to do or whether it's a much better idea to allow a professional to take care of it for you.