Why You Should Avoid a DIY Sewer Line Repair
Why You Should Avoid a DIY Sewer Line Repair
01/30/2023
Owners take pride in their homes. They enjoy working on their residences and doing projects whenever possible. However, certain jobs are best left to professionals. A sewer line repair is a good example of a job a homeowner should pay to have done. Why shouldn’t a homeowner tackle this job?
Lack of Experience
Sewer line repairs may seem simple. However, once the work begins, the homeowner recognizes there are many nuances to these repairs, and they don’t have the experience needed to do the job right.
Underground utility lines always pose a threat. Furthermore, soil conditions could make the job dangerous. LaVergne’s Plumbing knows the best methods to ensure the job is done correctly and in a safe manner.
A homeowner may believe they have fixed the problem only to have it returned. When the issue comes back, it may have escalated because of the work the homeowner did. These problems can be avoided by working with a licensed plumber to fix the issue.
A plumber encounters many situations when working on a sewer line. That experience is beneficial when something unexpected occurs. The plumber knows exactly what to do to handle a complication so the project can remain on track.
Improper Equipment
In addition, a person must have the right tools to do the job. An experienced plumber knows which materials are needed and has the proper tools on hand to complete the work quickly and properly.
The homeowner might use tools they have on hand to make the necessary repairs. This can lead to new problems arising. Furthermore, plumbing problems often require multiple people to work on the problem at the same time. A homeowner would need to call family or friends for help, and this can lead to relationship issues.
Keep these relationships intact by hiring a plumber to complete the job. This also ensures no loved one is hurt on the job. Many people never stop to consider this until it is too late.
What may appear to be a simple sewer line repair can have long-term consequences nobody anticipates. Improper tools and equipment are only two concerns of many when a person without training takes on this job. Hiring a plumber can avoid these unexpected consequences.
More Damage
As mentioned previously, a person might cause new problems as they try to fix an existing one. Cross-bores are a good example of this. A cross-bore is where a sewer line intersects with another utility line. This issue first came to light back in 1976.
Two workers lost their lives when an explosion occurred as the result of a cross-bore, and four other people were injured. Avoid problems such as these by hiring a plumber to inspect the sewer line and detect potential problems prior to any work being started.
Cross-bores aren’t the only problems that may arise from an amateur sewer line repair. What started out as a leak in a person’s front yard could lead to a sewer backup inside the home. The sewage may also leak into the neighbor’s yard and lead to the need for a massive cleanup project.
Besides having the tools needed to do the job, a plumber has insurance. If something goes wrong during the job, the insurance company will pay all related bills. This won’t fall on the homeowner and put their assets at risk if the bills are high.
Safety Concerns
Homeowners encounter numerous hazards when they attempt a DIY sewer line repair. They may be exposed to germs and methane gas as the project moves forward. Hitting a natural gas line could lead to the homeowner breathing in this gas, which isn’t good for their health and could set the home on fire.
The dirt moved to complete the project might collapse. The homeowner and anyone in the vicinity of the project could be injured. Avoid these issues by working with a plumber that offers sewer service repairs. They know how to complete the job safely.
Other safety concerns might also arise when this project is undertaken. For instance, a person might hire heavy equipment to move the dirt to access the sewer line. Unless they have been trained to operate this heavy equipment, somebody could be hurt. This might be the driver of the machinery, someone working on the ground on the sewer line, or a person in the vicinity of the project.
Increased Costs
Attempting a sewer line repair isn’t wise for a homeowner. This project often ends up costing more than if they had originally called a plumber. First, the homeowner might misdiagnose the problem and spend money only to have the problem not be fixed.
In addition, a repair that is not done correctly could lead to a sewer backup, water damage, and more. This doesn’t even take into account the time that it takes to do the job right. Call a plumber and avoid these issues.
Code Considerations
Sewer line repairs must comply with all building codes. A permit is often needed before any work can begin, and this process can take time. In addition, if the work isn’t up to code, the homeowner must pay for any corrections. Save this money by turning to a plumber from the start.
In addition to needing a permit, the homeowner might be required to have the work inspected by officials. If the official finds anything wrong with the repairs, a plumber may need to be called in. The homeowner may have the option of attempting to fix the problems, but this adds to the difficulty of the job.
Save time, money, and headaches by working with a plumber for sewer line repairs. Homeowners who take this step have peace of mind knowing the job has been done right. They can rest easy, as the sewer line is no longer a concern.
About LaVergne’s Plumbing:
I founded LaVergne’s Plumbing to provide clients with personalized service delivered in a friendly manner. We handle heating and plumbing jobs, and all technicians undergo training to ensure they know how to handle any situation that arises. Call us any time day or night, and we’ll send someone out to resolve the issues you are experiencing.