When to Call a Professional Plumber Instead of DIYing

A professional plumber should be called when there are big plumbing problems like a burst pipe, sewer line backup, or a lack of water or flooding; when the problem doesn't go away after several attempts to fix it yourself; when the issue requires specialized tools or knowledge beyond basic DIY skills; when the plumbing problem involves gas lines; or when local codes and regulations require a licensed professional to ensure that everything's up to snuff and safe.

When you are faced with plumbing problems that exceed simple do-it-yourself repairs, you will want to call a plumber. Here are some situations when you should make that call. You have: - Major leaks or flooding - Persistent clogs not cleared by standard tools - Issues that might be with the water heater - Low water pressure throughout the house - Sewer line problems - Burst pipes - New fixtures or appliances that must connect to the main water line - Situations that might lead to significant water damage - Problems requiring specialized skills or tools

When you face complicated plumbing problems like enormous leaks, sewer backups, insufficient water supply, unending drainage dilemmas, or gas line concerns, calling a professional plumber is a good idea. Also, if you're experiencing plumbing emergencies where fast and effective resolution is key, or if you simply lack the tools and know-how to make the repairs yourself, contacting a plumber is a wise decision.

Hourly rates for plumbers in Denver usually lie between $75 and $150. They may also charge extra for emergency services or especially complicated tasks. Some journeyman plumbers, who have completed a four- to five-year apprenticeship and are skilled at the trade, may also charge more. Prices also vary according to the nature of the job. For straight-up repairs or service calls, you might get charged a flat rate. However, if the job is labor-intensive and complicated, you're probably going to get an hourly quote, which is likely to be pretty steep.

Certainly, when faced with complex or hazardous plumbing problems, it's best to call in a professional. But why? A number of good reasons come to mind: 1. Ensuring compliance with plumbing-related safety concerns and regulations. 2. Guaranteeing that the work is done accurately the first time. 3. Relying on the expertise of someone who has seen (and fixed) a wide variety of problems. 4. Leaning on the experience of someone who has worked in the field for years (or decades). 5. Using someone else's tools (and there's a good chance they'll have better ones than you). 6. Even with all of the above, you're still probably better off financially in the long run.

The first rule of plumbing is to know when to call a professional plumber. This is especially true for complex issues like hidden leaks, frequent clogs, or major installations. These sorts of problems are better and safer when solved by a pro. Otherwise, you run the risk of pretending to be the fix-it hero and creating a big mess and a dangerous situation instead.

A plumber's service call can cost a lot or a little, depending largely on where you live and how experienced your plumber is. Most of the time, though, you can figure on the basic service call being in the $50 to $150 range. After that, some plumbers charge an hourly fee that can be anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour for the labor part of the equation. Your best bet is to get an estimate that details the costs you're responsible for before signing anything that commits you to paying for the job.

You can try to clear a minor drain problem yourself, with a drain snake, if you are sure it is minor and you're confident in using the tool. But if the clog is persistent or you're just not that handy with plumbing tools, it is probably better to let a pro do the work and avoid possible damage to your pipes or fixtures.

When you call a plumber, it is important to be clear and to the point about the problem you are having. Start with a greeting and then move right into giving the plumber your name and location. He or she will then typically be ready to hear about your plumbing problem in as much detail as you can provide. This should include any symptoms that are making the problem seem unusual, such as leaks that just started, or pipes that are making noises that haven't been heard before. You should tell the plumber what you have done to try to rectify the situation and whether or not that has yielded any results. If the problem has a duration, you should also mention how long you have been living with it. Concerned about sections of pipes or previous repairs? Go ahead and express those concerns too. Also, you might want to ask about the plumber's availability and what kind of fees you might be looking at.

Because of their specialized skills, required certifications, and necessary tools, tradespeople in the plumbing sector take home a healthy pay rate. This rate isn't just a reflection of the kind of work they do; it's also indicative of what goes into the plumbing trade. And when you consider diagnosing and fixing plumbing problems—often on an emergency basis and in poor working conditions—you can see why plumbing, both as a trade and as a problem-solving endeavor, is worth investing in.