When Do You Need To Call A Professional Plumber?

Posted on: 13 August 2015

There are some plumbing tasks that you can perform yourself. However, when a plumbing job requires special expertise or equipment, or presents a danger to your family or home if done improperly, it is time to call in a plumbing services professional (like those at A Absolute Plumbing & Heating).

Examples of plumbing work best left to professionals include:

Natural gas lines

This should be obvious, because leaking natural gas can cause a fire or explosion. Special non-corrosive pipe and fittings are required for gas lines, as well as knowledge of proper sealants and other supplies that are designed not to degrade in the presence of natural gas.

If you attempt to turn off the gas line to perform repairs, and the valve is old or defective, gas could still be present in the line and cause destruction and loss of life if ignited. Heating repair or gas appliance installation should always be performed by a plumbing professional.

If you smell natural gas, you must call 911 and leave the home immediately. The utility company that supplies the gas will turn off the supply, and when it is safe to do so, a plumber can be called in to perform needed repairs.

Air conditioning repair and service

The integrity of the pipe in an air conditioning system is important, because refrigerants flow through them. It must be connected seamlessly and copper pipe must be soldered with the proper solder. Some refrigerants may cause suffocation if inhaled. An amateur can perform services such as changing filters or cleaning intakes, but a professional should be called if a refrigerant leak is suspected or if refrigerant needs to be replaced.

Drain cleaning

If a plunger or a chemical drain cleaner won't clear a drain ( plunger first, then drain cleaner—or you might splash caustic drain cleaners into your eyes or onto exposed skin), it is time to call a specialist. A drain cleaning professional can have the drain cleared in minutes with their special equipment, and you won't need to deal with a smelly mess.

Supply pipes

The pipes that supply your home with water are under pressure, and if they are leaking beyond a very slow drip, you may need to have them replaced. A burst supply pipe can cause extensive water damage before the water supply is turned off, especially if nobody is home when it occurs.

Attempting to repair an old steel supply pipe may be temporary at best, as a leak may soon occur at another location. Steel pipe corrodes and rusts from the inside, so a compromised pipe may not be readily apparent.

Know your limitations, and keep your home and family safe when facing a plumbing job that is beyond your ability or expertise.

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