When a plumbing problem strikes, it can be tempting to tackle it yourself. Watch any YouTube tutorial, and it’s easy to convince yourself that DIY plumbing and repairs are simple. But a word of caution! Online videos and advice from the local hardware guy doesn’t replace the training and tools needed to diagnose and repair a plumbing problem correctly.
Sydney plumbing expert Joe Rantino has attended many callouts where poorly completed DIY plumbing has led to bigger and often much more expensive problems.
So, does that mean all DIY plumbing is out? Read on to learn which jobs you can handle, and which ones are best left to plumbing professionals like Joe and the team at Gladesville Plumbing.
DIY Plumbing Jobs You Should Avoid
In NSW, there are very few plumbing jobs that can be performed without a licence. One of these is replacing a tap washer. It’s a job that seems simple, but in reality, it’s easy to get it wrong. Pressurised water can cause significant damage if a connection is not fitted or tightened correctly. After two decades as a Sydney plumber, Joe has seen this happen to countless homeowners.
“We’ve had many people who decide to change the washers in their wall taps and end up flooding the place because they haven’t tightened it up properly.”
Even a small mistake like this can result in water escaping under cabinets, behind walls, through ceilings or across floors. Instead of saving you money, DIY plumbing can end up costing you a whole lot more than you bargained for.
If you’re not completely confident that you know exactly what you’re doing, DIY plumbing just isn’t worth the risk.
An important note about DIY gas work
Attempting to perform work on a gas pipe or appliance is illegal across Australia. This includes installations, repairs, alterations or extensions of any kind. If you’re found to have completed unlicensed gas work in your home, you can be fined up to $22,000. And if your illegal DIY gas fitting leads to property damage or appliance failure, insurance companies can reject your claim.
Unless you’re swapping over an LPG gas bottle, leave the gas fitting to a qualified professional.
DIY Plumbing Jobs You Can Do
By law, most plumbing installations and repairs must be carried out by a licensed professional. However, there is DIY plumbing maintenance you can undertake legally that is generally safe and straightforward and can help keep your plumbing system running well.
- Cleaning gutters: Regularly clearing leaves and debris from your home’s roof guttering helps water drain properly and can reduce the likelihood of blockages. Remember to put safety first when working at height.
- Cleaning the overflow relief gully (ORG): This is an outdoor grated drain usually located near the bathroom or laundry. It acts like a relief valve if heavy rain overloads your sewer pipes, making sure sewage flows away from your home instead of inside it. Clearing away dirt, leaves and silt from the grate lid ensures the ORG can function properly during a storm.
When to Call a Plumber
Not sure if a plumbing job is suitable for DIY? Ask a plumber before getting started. Plumbing problems that look straightforward can actually involve hidden pipework, water pressure considerations, or require the use of plumbing tools that the average DIYer doesn’t own or know how to use. From a forgotten washer causing flooding to the wrong tools leading to a cracked toilet, Joe has seen minor repairs become major problems for too many well-meaning DIYers.
Gladesville Plumbing offers free quotes, and depending on the issue, this may include a quick inspection at no charge. This allows homeowners to make an informed decision about how they want to proceed.
Avoid DIY Risks and Arrange a Plumbing Quote
No matter how helpful a YouTube tutorial is, it can’t inspect your plumbing, identify issues deep within your pipes, or provide a personalised diagnosis of the problem. And it definitely can’t tell you when a seemingly simple repair is going wrong!
Sometimes the smartest decision is knowing when to put down the tools and call an expert. Get in touch with Joe and the Gladesville Plumbing team today.