Most of us are used to carrying out small DIY plumbing projects from time to time. Whether it is a leaky tap, a clogged drain or you require a new shower head, these are simple tasks that could be completed in a matter of hours. However, sometimes, our homes may need some major work to be carried out, that's when seeking help from a licensed plumber is the best route to go about.  Qualified plumbers have the necessary experience and expertise to carry out much more than a common leak. So if you are thinking about a plumbing project, first you have to figure out whether you should DIY or call a professional plumber to do the work on your behalf.

Qualified plumber versus DIY

Most professional plumbers charge per hour and sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you pay more for the labour than for the actual materials. However, the actual project expense depends upon a range of factors like the purpose of the project, the cost of materials, plus other potential construction costs and labour. Therefore, considering the type of plumbing project that you require, it may be more cost effective to DIY your work, especially when the issue is quite straightforward and minor. You will need to pay for the extra tools and parts, but the overall cost may be minimal compared to hiring a professional plumber. 

However, sometimes, trying to carry out plumbing projects which are way out of your basic skills area can lead to major mistakes and even cause a bigger issue. So, in this case, hiring a qualified plumber can definitely help you reduce potential errors and increase results. A professional plumber will easily be able to identify additional problems and even help you carry out your plumbing project on time and on a budget. Therefore, it is really important to understand when a plumbing task is outside of your knowledge and skills range. 

Here're some of the projects which you could attempt to DIY:

Changing an old hose from your washing machine – remember to turn off the water supply prior to disconnecting the faulty hose.

Repairing toilet hardware

Installing a new tap

When to call a professional plumber:

Sprinkler system installation

Remodelling renovations

Other complex internal and external plumbing repairs

In conclusion, if you do have a plumbing emergency, it is essential to call in a professional plumber to fix your issue. They will be able to properly assess and fix the problem on the spot, even when you've attempted to DIY your plumbing and the process wasn't successful.

For more details, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Norfolk Discount Plumbing today and we will be happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with the best possible advice when it comes to the right approach for your plumbing project.