Do you need a handyman? I’m sure you would like to believe that you’re skilled enough to perform most home repairs yourself, but that doesn’t mean you should. There are certain repairs that might require expert knowledge and training.
One such repair, that should be left for the experts, is unclogging your plumbing’s drain. At first, this doesn’t look like it would be one of those things to hire out, but there are many hidden pitfalls you might experience if you fix your plumbing on your own.
Here are some of the reasons you might want professional help when fixing your plumbing’s drain:
DIY Plumbing Damage Can Cost You Big
One of the most unexpected consequences of doing home plumbing repairs yourself is the hidden cost that you might encounter when stuff goes wrong. I know that clearing a clogged drain looks simple, but it isn’t as smooth sailing as it looks!
The biggest regret that DIY handymen have after plumbing damage happens is they didn’t know that store bought drain cleaning products could damage your pipes so badly. Labels on store bought products claim that your plumbing will not be damaged if you follow directions, but the truth is that they don’t know about the materials your plumbing is constructed of. Although there are industry wide standards, there is no promise that the chemicals that they are selling to you is safe. The only way you are guaranteed to have a smooth repair is to have an expert perform the work for you.
Unclogging a Drain Is Dangerous Work
There are many health risks associated with using dangerous chemicals to clear a blocked drain. If you don’t follow strict safety practices, then the damage caused by your misuse of the product can remain with you for the rest of your life.
First, under no circumstances should you open a product before you completely read the safety instructions printed on the product label. They are not placed there for your entertainment. Even plumbers who have a general understanding of how to use clog removing chemicals should still read the labels on every new product they use. Also, warnings and instructions given on products frequently change; therefore, you still need to read them every time you purchase a replacement.
Having the correct safety equipment is nonnegotiable. Safety glasses, chemically safe gloves, and a protective apron are a few of the safety items you will need to use. If you become injured because you didn’t have the proper safety gear on, then the injury is completely your fault. So, be smart and be safe!
An often overlooked area of safety is to clean your work area completely after the work is finished. Chemical spills, used tools left laying around, and the plumbing chemicals being left unsecured are a great safety risk to children and pets. They are not aware of the dangers these chemical present, so it is up to you to protect them.
DIY Clog Removal Can Be a Serious Waste of Time and Money
Lastly, I would like to mention something important that most DIY plumbing handymen overlook. Many of the solutions offered in stores are not powerful enough to clear clogs effectively; therefore, the best choice is to hire a professional from the start.
In conclusion, DIY plumbing clog removal is not meant for everyone.