Although the DIY revolution has many cost-saving benefits for homeowners, it also has its limitations. Therefore, the wisdom doesn’t lie in whether or not to do it yourself. Instead, it lies in knowing when to draw the line and call a professional to do some installation jobs in your home.
Additionally, the rise of instructional YouTube videos has made some homeowners assume they can do almost everything. Some assume that installing a hot water heater is one of those jobs anyone can watch a video and do. However, most DIY lovers don’t see the hidden dangers of installing water heaters without professional help.
This post shares the ten leading risks of excluding a professional plumber from your next water heater installation project. Keep reading to avoid these pitfalls and remain safe.
#1. You Might End Up With Poor-Quality Installation Materials
Installing your water heater independently could land you poor-quality installation materials that won’t last for long. This risk can arise for various reasons. For example, some manufacturers offer lower prices but include low-quality accessories like plastic instead of brass trims. Hiring a reputable plumber saves you this danger because they ensure that the heater’s parts correspond to its description.
#2. Fire and Explosion
This point doesn’t intend to scare you and call a professional plumber. But it’s true that many water heaters use natural gas, meaning that they burn highly flammable fuel to heat water. Natural gas’ combustible nature means that a simple installation mistake can cause fires or explosions. So, don’t risk your family’s life because you want to save a few bucks.
#3. Warranty Challenges
You might also void your water heater’s warranty if you don’t use an expert plumber to install and maintain it. The reason is that their professional work helps you remain within your heater’s warranty terms and conditions.#4.
#4. Costly Maintenance
Maintaining all water heaters cost you money. This expense is necessary for enabling the unit to function efficiently. Using a plumber helps you keep your maintenance plans on schedule. Also, hiring a professional means they will assist you in deciding the correct heater size and save you money on energy costs. They also give you valuable recommendations on the best available models and manufacturers.
#5. Inspection Issues
You might also encounter issues with your municipality if it requires inspection of new water heaters. If it does, you will get a clean inspection when a professional installs it than if you do it yourself.
#6. You Risk Legal Tussles
Your excessive DIY zeal could land you into legal problems with your local government. The reason is that you may lack the latest updates on your local code requirements and safe installation practices. Getting a professional plumber on site saves you this tussle because they know how to pull permits. However, you could incorrectly install and ventilate the new heater, skip some essential safety features, and fail to conform to all the regulatory requirements.
#7. Your New Installation Might Not Last Long
Your new installation might be short-lived if you do it yourself. The reason is that it could become vulnerable to regular breakdowns, reducing its lifespan from the regular average of 13 years to below 10.
#8. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is real with most DIY water heater installations. Many DIYers may overlook the basic ventilation requirements necessary for gas-powered water heaters. Poor ventilation can cause a carbon monoxide buildup that could threaten your entire family’s life.
Remember, poisoning from this gas is a medical emergency that can permanently damage the brain and even cause death. Worse still, this gas doesn’t smell, making it impossible to detect it unless you have installed its detector.
#9. Incorrect Installation
Employing the wrong hands in the installation process is a recipe for incorrect installation. Incorrectly installing the heater could cause many other problems like water leaks or skyrocketing power bills. Besides, the leakage can cause mold and mildew growth, causing property damage and endangering your family’s health.
Don’t forget that incorrectly installing the unit will slap you with costly and avoidable repair bills because of a damaged unit. In some cases, you might even incur losses by buying a new heater.
#10. You Might Incur Unnecessary Replacement Costs
Lastly, you might waste money buying a new heater when repairing the current one is the best option. Calling a professional can save you all this by examining your existing heater to determine whether you should replace it.
Yes, the dangers are clear but avoidable. Let this information help you make the right choice. Hopefully, you should be able to avoid these pitfalls by choosing the most reputable plumber to install your next water heater.
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