Many homeowners these days prefer to fix their own household problems in order to save on often astronomical home repair costs. The fact that there are a plethora of video guides and DIY tutorials online only serves to encourage people to do their own fixes instead of calling in the professionals to do the job.

This may be suitable for small jobs like everyday drips and clogs, but when it comes to bigger jobs, basics don’t mean squats. Plumbing is not as difficult as heart surgery, but you also need to know a lot about it. Just knowing all about the code requirements is one thing, but you’ll also need to know about parts and have substantial knowledge about materials. For example, not knowing how to spin a PVC before it cracks takes time to learn and if you don’t even know the basics, you may be facing an avalanche of problems to the tune of about $10 and maybe more.

So instead of paying more for things that broke while trying to funnel your handyman in-house, you should learn when to hire a professional and when to tackle the problem yourself. Even the easiest jobs will need a professional touch, so save yourself time and trouble and don’t hesitate to call a plumber when you need one.

You know you’ll need to call a plumber when the job you want to do requires a permit. Jobs like remodeling bathrooms and homes, moving existing pipes, and adding a new gas line are just a few of the situations where you’ll need a permit. In addition to knowing which building codes to follow, professional plumbers will also know what other jobs will require permits so that your inspections go smoothly, especially if you perform these jobs in a commercial establishment.

Any issues with the main line, such as toilets backing up into tubs and showers, will always require the help of a professional plumber. This is because special equipment will be needed to fix the problem and one that homeowners don’t often have on hand. You can rent the equipment you need but if you have no idea how to handle it, it is not recommended that you do so.

Another problem that may be too complex for even a certified DIYer is shower valve replacement. While any hardware expert will be able to help you choose the right valve, the installation process can be very confusing to learn, plus his inexperience can damage shower walls. A professional plumber will be able to easily replace your shower valves with little to no damage.

Water heaters are also another problem that can be difficult to fix on your own. There are many things that can go wrong when repairing water heaters, as the slightest mistake can end in major leak problems or worse, flooding problems.

The best way to hire the best plumbers is to get personal referrals from friends, relatives, and neighbors. You can also find the most trusted and experienced of remodeling contractors and real estate agents, as these people know that nothing stops a sale like plumbing problems, so you can be sure that they will know all the best, as well as those who charge the lowest rates.

You will also need to determine if the plumbing problem you are having is an emergency plumbing problem or a regular plumbing problem because, as you know, an emergency plumbing problem will require you to pay a premium, especially if you call on a Sunday or a holiday.