Plumbing 101

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You can handle small plumbing problems in your house by yourself. Water hoses and faucets can be repaired easily, but there are plumbing jobs that you need a professional's help with. Jobs like fixing the water pressure or if you have murky water coming through the pipes. There may be underlying problems in your plumbing that only a professional can help you solve and repair.

Each of the four jobs below should be started without a plumber present at your home. You may know how to do part of the job, but you cannot do the whole job alone. The fact of the matter is some home improvements projects require the aid of professionals, and plumbers are the most necessary.

Job #1: Water Heater Repairs

Your water heater involves pressurized water, your gas line and a tank that could explode if it is handled improperly. You should not touch your gas or water heater without a plumber's help. A professional plumber know how to turn off the gas line, reduce the pressure in the tank and check the tank for leaks. Also, a professional plumber can test the gas line for leaks and repair cracks in the tank. They can also provide you with advice on how to prevent from having the same problem in the future.

Job #2: Piping Behind The Walls

Any time that you need to open up your walls to access piping, you need a professional plumber on the job. You may have the ability to repair the drywall, but you may not know what to do once you open the wall. A professional plumber understands how home plumbing systems are designed. They can anticipate what is behind the wall, and they can make the damage to the wall minimal. They can also prevent any damage that may occur on the job if you were to do it yourself. You don't want to have to repair your drywall or any other parts of your house unless you absolutely have to.

Job #3: Replacing Showers And Tubs

Showers and tubs are very difficult to repair and replace. A professional plumber will bring multiple people when they have to move a shower or tub. You may be able to remove the old shower, but you may not be able to install the new one. A professional plumber can haul away an old shower or tub and quickly replace it.

Also, a professional plumber understands how to alter the plumbing in the bathroom if they are moving or installing a shower or tub. You can do some parts of this job, but a professional plumber can complete the entire job in a day depending on the extent of the job and how much damage there might be.

You cannot afford to spend countless hours completing dangerous and overwhelming plumbing jobs. You have to work with a professional plumber who knows how to complete every plumbing job in short order. You cannot waste time on these jobs, and you do not have the training to handle gas lines or pressurized water. Leave it to professionals for your own safety.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie found the information for this article from CampbellCare Plumbing, Heating & Air.