Many people out there fancy themselves as a “dab-hand” at anything to do with home maintenance and repairs, and that includes the plumbing. They may be able to stop a leaking pipe or plunge a basic clog from a toilet, but when it comes to trickier matters, they should really set their tools aside and leave things to the professionals.
One such job is fixing or installing a water heater. When your water heater has packed up, it’s best when a plumbing company specialises in hot water system repair is called to help, and here’s why:
- Safety
The first and most important reason that no amateur — regardless of confidence or even some technical know-how — should ever attempt to fix or install water heated is because of serious safety concerns. The water heater brings together the lethal combination of water and high-voltage electrical systems. Even if it’s not an electric water heater, but a gas one, then the presence of flammable gas doesn’t make the matter any safer.
One false step with the electrical systems can result in electrocution, and even dangerous sparks to fly which can cause fires and other electrical malfunctions in the surrounding systems. To mess up the gas system is to expose one’s home to gas explosions, carbon monoxide leaks and poisoning, and more. Professionals are specifically trained in how to handle these situations properly and safely both during and after the job is finished.
- DIY Jobs Can Void the Warranty
If your water heater is new and still under warranty, it first begs the question as to why you want to do repairs yourself since there’s a good chance that repairs or replacements would have to be covered by the company who made it! Regardless, attempting to work on the water heater yourself will almost certainly void any warranty.
It’s common practice for manufacturers to make professional-standard repairs and maintenance the only acceptable form of work that is done on the heater. Only if and when a trained professional whose credentials are recognized by the manufacturer declares a problem, and a solution to that problem, will those manufacturers listen and adhere to their work.
- Legality
Your state will have strict laws governing plumbing codes and safety standards. These are normally set by your state building authority, however, it is known in your individual state or territory. While there are many things you can do in your home that won’t upset regulators, trying to fiddle with plumbing can land you in a regulatory minefield that will cause a lot more problems than it solves.
Once again, the professionals are well versed in local building codes and regulations. They can be confident that everything they do will keep your home up to code and not create any compliance issues of any sort. Their reputation — as well as their ability to legally operate — usually depends on that.
- More Damage than Good
Even if you ignore the safety concerns, the voiding of your water heater’s warranty, and the violation of local building codes, there is a final reason not to attempt these repairs or installations yourself — you will likely do more damage than good to your home! Your home is a valuable asset, and water heaters are not some cheap gadget you pick up at a local hardware store. They’re serious items that tie in and connect deeply to your home.
If you botch the installation or repair in even a small way, you could be looking at leaking pipes damaging your walls or floors, flooding your kitchen or bathroom, or perhaps a cellar or utility space. Even worse, the thing might explode and physically destroy your property (and quite possibly injure those within). Therefore, it’s one of those things to leave to the pros.
