As a homeowner, a leaky faucet or clogged drain may seem like a quick DIY fix. However, there are many reasons why you're better off leaving plumbing work to trained professionals. According to IBISWorld, as of 2022, there were over 113,180 plumbing businesses in the United States. Read on to learn why hiring reputable plumbing companies is the safest choice when issues arise.

Licensing Ensures Competency and Safety

Unlike untrained handymen, professional plumbers must obtain specialized licenses confirming their skills and expertise. In our experience, licenses require hundreds of hours of technical training and education on building codes and safety practices. We've seen that licensed plumbers also take ongoing classes annually to stay current on methods, technology, and regulations. State-issued licensing provides assurance that a plumbing company meets competency standards and can legally perform services in your area.

Experience Prevents Costly Errors

Even if you feel capable of basic repairs from YouTube tutorials, plumbing systems can harbor hidden complexities only experienced companies detect. Small mistakes made without understanding the broader system-wide impacts can lead to catastrophic flooding, sewer gas infiltration, or other hazardous scenarios. For example, using the wrong replacement part or material for your piping system can corrode pipes and cause major leaks over time. Plumbing companies have the insight to avoid missteps.

Proper Equipment Makes Jobs Safer

Plumbers invest in advanced equipment, tools, and gear the average homeowner lacks for safe repairs. Drain augers, high-pressure water jets, sewer cameras, and pipe inspection systems allow plumbers to unclog, clean, and assess lines with minimal disruption. Proper protective equipment like breathing masks also keeps plumbers safe when handling hazardous sewage areas. Attempting drain repairs without professional gear often proves unsuccessful or contributes to bigger problems.

Expert Knowledge Guarantees Code Compliance

All plumbing work must adhere to strict building codes and permit requirements governed locally. Professionals are intimately familiar with the International Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code and local amendments that apply to your area. They ensure any renovations or new installations meet mandated specifications. Licensed plumbers also know which projects require permits and inspections to legally comply with regulations. DIY plumbing risks code violations, failed inspections, and possibly having to redo incorrect work.

Warranties Give You Peace of Mind

Reputable plumbing companies stand behind their labor and any parts installed with guaranteed warranties. This provides accountability along with recourse should any defects arise with newly installed fixtures or pipes. Warranties give you leverage to have the plumber promptly address any covered issues that manifest after a service call. DIY repairs lack reliable warranties on materials and craftsmanship. You have no recourse to recover losses if your own plumbing work later fails.

Insurance Coverage Protects Your Property

Plumbing companies carry liability insurance and bonds to cover accidents on a job site, such as supply line leaks or pipe fitting floods. As a customer, your home is protected from water and flood damage by their insurance. If the mistake is significant, their insurance covers costly repairs like mold remediation or structural repairs. Plumbers also have workers' compensation policies for technicians in case of onsite injuries. Lacking these protections, you absorb all costs for damages that may arise from doing it yourself.

24/7 Availability Helps With Emergencies

Many plumbing companies offer 24-hour emergency repair services for crises like frozen pipes, sewer backups, or late-night water heater explosions. Their around-the-clock availability provides urgent solutions when plumbing issues strike at night or on weekends. Attempting emergency repairs yourself when stressed adds risk. Professional emergency plumbers have the experience to swiftly and safely mitigate any plumbing disaster scenario.

Time Savings Let You Focus Elsewhere

Even straightforward repairs require multiple trips to home improvement stores for parts, watching tutorial videos, studying complex instructions, and managing waste disposal. The hands-on repair itself may take hours for an amateur to complete. The investment of personal time and energy often outweighs any cost savings of DIY plumbing. Qualified plumbers have the expertise to solve problems efficiently and minimize disruption to your home or business.

While tackling minor leaks or unclogging drains seems tempting for self-starters, plumbing system repairs are best left to trained experts. Their technical competency, specialty equipment, code expertise, and availability for any plumbing crisis make professional services well worth the cost. Don't play plumber yourself and risk safety, regulatory violations, or preventable property damage. Call on Montani Mechanical Group when you need plumbing work completed.