Is it time to call in a professional plumber or can you handle the problem yourself. Here are some things to think about.
Spending money on a plumber or other service personnel can be hard on the budget but sometimes it’s necessary. These days,
most people are on a strict budget. The economy has left quite a few average Americans in a financial pinch. Foreclosures are soaring, home prices are dropping, jobs are scarce and layoffs are rampant.
Even if these dire financial facts have not touched a person directly, the news of them is enough to scare a person’s spending habits into frugality. While frugality is smart, sometimes it’s more economically wise to pay for a job done competently than to botch it yourself. When is it necessary to call in a pro and when is it okay to do it yourself? Here are some things to think about:
- Mechanically inept: If a person has a low mechanical IQ (you know who you are!), it would be best not to tinker around with plumbing. This is especially true for broken pipes or faucets. Incompetence can surely make matters worse.
- Clogged toilet: The average person can probably unclog their own toilet. Every household should have a plunger close by for these occurrences. A plunger is a rubber suction cup on the end of a wooden or plastic dowel which is designed to push the clog through. Positioning the suction cup over the opening beneath the water then giving some swift downward thrusts will cause pressure that should take care of the problem.
- Sink won’t drain: The local hardware store sells an array of solutions to chemically dissolve the debris which is blocking the drain. Following the directions on the package of store bought de-clogger should do the trick. If a garbage disposal isn’t operating, push the red reset button beneath the sink.
- Frozen pipes: In cold regions of the country, many houses have frozen pipes to deal with. Insulating them with foam insulating tubing can make a big difference. Keeping the home heated properly and the faucets open to a drip can keep them from freezing, too. If they do break, it will be necessary to call in a plumber.
- New installations: Plumbing installations must be done by a licensed professional. This is an important system within a home and it must be done proficiently. Pipes, water and sewer pathways that have been installed incorrectly will be a nightmare for the duration of their existence. Do it right the first time.
- Preventative tips: Prevention is worth a pound of cure. Teach the kids to only flush a few sheets of tissue at a time. Entire rolls of toilet paper have been tossed in by many a toddler simply because they just didn’t have a clue. All inhabitants of the home should be aware of what should be flushed and what shouldn’t. No Q-tips, hairballs, diapers or paper towels, please.
Every adult will have to deal with plumbing problems of one sort or another if they live in a home or apartment. It’s important to be knowledgeable about preventative tips, DIY possibilities and when it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
