Hiring a plumber can be a significant investment, but the money is often worth the reward. Plumbing upgrades can add significant value to one’s home, while plumbing emergencies are best dealt with swiftly.
When trying to decide whether you should hire a plumber or handle the issue yourself, there are a few things to consider.
What Skills Do You Have?
Some people are very handy through an interest in learning and experience in conducting basic home repairs. Someone who has experienced a specific problem before or helped a friend install a fixture might feel comfortable trying to solve a basic plumbing problem without calling in a plumber.
Most anyone can attempt to clear a clogged drain or tighten a loose faucet with minimal impact. However, for those with limited skills or who feel that they won’t be able to get the job done without a thorough review of a Youtube video are better off calling a plumber for assistance.
What’s the Cost and Value?
It’s important to assess the cost versus the value of plumbing work being done in your home. When done incorrectly, plumbing damage can cost thousands of additional dollars and can sometimes void insurance coverage.
King and Sons, the plumber East Melbourne prefers, knows that cost is at the forefront of most customers’ minds. That’s why they offer regular specials for upgrades and installs as well as cost-free quotes. In many cases, consumers will assume prices are more than they are without taking the time to research and cost compare.
Take time to look at the cost of having the plumbing done by a professional, versus the value it will add to the home by being done properly. A running toilet may not seem like a huge issue, but it could increase your water bill three times over and cost more than an hour of plumbing work would.
Timeline
The next consideration is when the project needs to be addressed. A constantly-running toilet may not seem like a big deal until your water bill comes in. The damage of a leaking pipe can be offset by using a bucket to catch the excess water while a broken water heater cannot. You may be interested in upgrading your taps for aesthetic purposes even though the current ones work fine.
If you’re working on a tight timeline, it’s better to call a plumber right away and accept the cost. If you have time to work with, you can see what other options you have or budget for the plumbing job while scouting for deals.
Emergency Issues
When an emergency issue arises, such as a burst pipe, you should always call a plumber right away rather than trying to fix it yourself. Call the plumber and then take steps to protect your homes such as cleaning up the area and doing your best to prevent leaks from permeating the walls and floors.
Everything from taps breaking while turned on to cracked toilets should be dealt with immediately by someone who knows how to fix the problem and minimize damage.
Tips for Hiring a Plumber
In most cases, hiring a plumber is your best bet. When trying to get the best value for your dollar, consider these important tips:
- Purchase your own fixtures rather than having them supplied by a plumber to save on costs.
- Always hire a plumber for major renovation projects.
- Read testimonials and referrals.
- Get a quote in writing ahead of time.
- Check their licensing and ensure it adheres to local regulations.
- For major renovation projects write your needs in an easy to understand way as a reference point.
Ask around for references and trust your instincts when hiring someone to help you address plumbing issues in your home. Pay attention when they work; you might pick up a few valuable maintenance tips.