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4 Plumbing Repairs You Do Not Want to Repair Yourself

YouTube and HGTV have made do-it-yourself projects all the rage. You can find videos on just about any DIY subject, from changing your car’s spark plugs to building a backyard “she shed.”
However, there is a reason for trade licensing. Plumbers are specially trained and licensed because there are some problems you simply can’t handle on your own. More often than not, plumbing issues require expert plumbing companies if the repair is to be done correctly. Moreover, some repairs may require special equipment that only the pros have access to. Here are four examples of plumbing problems that you should not repair yourself, but instead should call a San Diego plumbing company to handle:

A Gas Leak

Number one on the list is a natural gas leak. Exposure to natural gas can cause:

  • Nausea and dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat and burning eyes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unconsciousness
  • Death by suffocation

Keep in mind that a child or pet requires much less exposure to natural gas to experience worsening symptoms.
In addition to the toxic effects of natural gas exposure, natural gas is also flammable. In fact, some of the biggest disasters in the U.S. were caused by gas leaks. For example, in 2010, a natural gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in San Bruno, CA. The explosion was so big that it registered as a 1.1 earthquake on the Richter scale.
Because of both the danger of the leak and the consequences of repairing it incorrectly, expert assistance from a plumbing company is almost always the best choice.

Water Leaks

Water leaks are a major problem. In fact, 10% of American homes waste up to 90 gallons of water per day due to water leaks alone.
Leaky faucets are annoying but relatively easy to repair. However, when pipes leak inside of walls, a host of problems can result. Leaking pipes can damage a home’s frame, drywall, and subfloor. Moreover, standing water can damage furniture, electronics, and computer equipment, creating a risk of electrocution.
Trying to repair leaking pipes yourself can create more damage than it fixes. Cutting into drywall to find a leaking pipe can cause structural damage to your house if you cut into the frame and, again, risk electrocution if you cut into the electrical wiring. Moreover, it can be difficult to even know where a pipe leak is. By drilling exploratory holes just to try to find a leak, you can destroy your house.
Instead of trying to fix leaking pipes yourself, calling a plumbing company with the expertise and tools to find and repair leaks can often produce better — and less expensive — results.

Leaking Water Heater

A natural gas water heater is the worst of both worlds from the standpoint of a DIYer. It combines the potential danger of natural gas with the damage that can be caused by standing water. On top of those obstacles is the risk of scalding or burning yourself from hot pipes, open flames, and hot water.
Some problems with hot water heaters can be fixed by flushing the hot water heater tank. However, more extensive repairs, particularly involving the natural gas supply line, may be better handled by an experienced plumbing company.

Backed Up Sewer

When toilets, sinks, and showers drain slowly, it could be caused by a clogged drain. It could also be a sign of a damaged main drain line. All the drains in the house lead to the main drain line. The main drain line connects to the sewer system which carries waste and wastewater away. A clogged or broken main drain line can cause all the drains in the house to drain slowly. If the main drain line is broken, you may also detect the smell of waste in your yard and part of your yard may be sunken.
Main drain line repair and main drain line replacement can require skill, equipment, and a lot of labor. A plumbing company may use a remote camera to inspect the line before digging. If the main drain line can be repaired, a plumbing company may be able to repair the main drain line from the inside by lining the inner wall of the pipe. If the main drain must be replaced, a plumbing company may need to dig a trench to reach the main drain line.
Calling a plumbing company may be the safest, most efficient, and, often, the most inexpensive option for repairing plumbing problems. When you’re ready to invest in the quality of your home, contact My Plumber today.

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