Becoming a homeowner for the first time is a great experience. It is one of those moments when you can be excited about making a major life decision and enjoy all choices you can make regarding interior decorating, landscaping, purchasing appliances, and more. However, not everything is complete rainbows and roses. With every home comes maintenance, upkeep, and eventually repairs. A great skill to learn is when to fix things yourself and when to call the professionals. Here are some tips regarding when doing plumbing repair yourself will cost you, and when it will save you.
DIY repairs and fixes
Not every issue requires the need for scheduling professional services and staying home to great the servicers are the door. There are many things that can be done yourself by reading a manual, following along to a video online, or troubleshooting. Here are some things that can save you money:
1. Unjamming the disposal
The kitchen disposal can become jammed very often if certain items are not discarded in the trash first. Fibrous fruits and vegetable skins should never be thrown down the drain. They wear out the blades and motors and can cause a jam. If this happens, make sure you unplug the power to the unit and use the supplied tool to fix the jam.
2. Clogged sinks
Clogged sinks can usually be fixed easily with the proper tools. A snake can be used to burrow into the clog, even if it is deep inside the pipes, dislodge it and remove it. To avoid future clogs, make sure to use a strainer in the bath tub and bathroom sinks to catch debris and hair. Never throw grease or grain based carbohydrates in the disposal/kitchen sink- they can expand inside the plumbing and cause severe clogging.
3. Running toilets
Sometimes the floating bobber in the toilet tank needs to be adjusted causing the toilet to run incessantly. You can repair or purchase new parts to fix this problem or even adjust the length of the components so everything works properly again. Some issues may require shutting the water off at the shut off valve located nearby- usually next to the toilet.
In these instances repairs are simple and you can save money by fixing them yourself. In other instances, a professional will likely be required and can actually save you money by avoiding extra damage and saving you time.
1. Septic system issues
If your septic system is on the fritz, call a professional immediately. These issues can sometimes make a home unlivable and can often times require digging which then requires knowledge of sewer lines, electrical lines, and sometimes even permitting.
2. Clogged sewer lines
Any issues with the main sewer line will also require knowledgeable expertise to solve the issue. If you are experiencing leaking, backed up drains, issues with your sump pump drain overflowing, or any other issues related to the main sewer line, it is recommended you get a professional inspection prior to embarking on any plan.
Know when to save money with a DIY job and know when to call in the professionals to ensure your home stays in tip top shape at a reasonable price.
Source by Christopher Rivera
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