Every home will need minor plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance from time to time, even if it is a new home. Common plumbing repairs include clogged drains, leaking water pipes, stopped up toilets, leaky faucets and toilets that run all of the time. While most are an inconvenience, they can be expensive and result in property damage, if not repaired properly. Preventative maintenance includes such things as draining down outside faucets before the first freeze and periodic faucet cartridge replacement. As with minor plumbing repairs, if periodic maintenance is not done, it can lead to expensive repairs.
Often homeowners are tempted to do the repairs and maintenance themselves but often fail because of the lack of expertise, lack of the proper tools and lack of the correct parts. Plumbing is a very specialized trade with plumbers needing 4-5 years to learn their craft thru trade school or an apprentice program. Most people have no idea how to do the work. As far as tools are concerned, many plumbing tools are specialized and may never be used again once purchased. Everyone has experienced the 3-4 trips in a single day to the local big box building supply store for a mysterious plumbing part. Do you really want to spend 5 hours at the local big box hardware store searching for plumbing parts? Most people will find that it is not a good way to spend a Saturday morning!
In most cases, the homeowner will find that it is more economical in the long run to hire a qualified, professional plumber to make repairs and perform routine preventative maintenance. In addition, it is the best way to make sure that the repairs are done properly, in order to protect your mot valuable investment, which is your home!
