DIY Plumbing: Do I need a Plumber?
Whilst it’s common for people to tackle DIY projects around the home, handling your own plumbing problems can lead to disaster and comes with a lot of safety concerns. As a homeowner, you have a right to carry out work in your own home, but there are some tasks that you need to make sure you are legally allowed to perform so you don’t void your home insurance. Read on for the dos and don’ts involved in DIY plumbing:
What DIY plumbing can you do yourself and when do you need a plumber?
While it’s usually best to leave plumbing work to the professionals, there are a few plumbing problems that you are permitted to handle yourself, including:
- Shower head replacement – you can buy a replacement shower head and follow the instructions given on how to set it up.
- Dripping tap – often, a leaking tap can be fixed easily by replacing the washer, which is relatively simple if you follow the instructions provided.
- Drain cleaning – clogged drains can be solved using a plunger or drain snake, which you can easily pick up at any hardware store.
- Sewer cap replacement – again, you can buy replacement of sewer caps for the openings of sanitary drains. These should be fairly straightforward to switch out yourself.
- Irrigation systems blockage – you can fix an irrigation system blockage by yourself if you are downstream from a tap or isolation valve.
It’s important to remember that you should only carry out a DIY task if you feel confident in doing so and if not you probably need a plumber. Even a small issue that you may think you are capable of fixing can quickly turn into a bigger problem, costing you more to put right than what you would have spent hiring a plumber in the first place.
What DIY plumbing is not allowed & will need a plumber?
According to Australian regulations, there are a few plumbing tasks that require a professional plumber and by law, you are not permitted to do these jobs yourself.
Here are a few examples of tasks that you must call a licensed plumber for:
- Any work that involves your drinking water or sewerage system will need a plumber
- Any gas work (installing, repairing and extending gas lines and installing associated appliances)
- Hot water system repairs need a plumber
These plumbing tasks can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have the right knowledge or skills to carry them out, hence why DIY plumbing is off limits.
Check your state regulations
Whilst there are Australian laws that apply nationally, what is acceptable or not for a DIY plumber can also vary from state to state.
For example, if you are from Victoria, you can perform DIY bathroom waterproofing yourself, however, in Queensland and NSW, it is illegal if you don’t have the required licence. Before you perform any DIY work, make sure to look up your state regulations.
How to choose the right plumber for you
Now you know what DIY tasks you can’t carry out yourself and you require a plumber, you must find the right plumber to do the job. Professional plumbers are trained to understand all the issues that may be affecting the plumbing, water and gas systems in your home so they can fix them before they become serious.
Doing your research on their qualifications, reading reviews online, finding out about payment plans and checking their licences are great ways of making sure you are getting the very best professional help.
Contact Hoey Plumbing & Gas
Here at Hoey Plumbing & Gas, we are happy to help. We’ll send one of our reliable and dedicated professionals out to your home to fix all your plumbing problems. With our outstanding customer service, you will not be disappointed, so get in touch today at 0413 397 959.