DIY Myth Busting: 3 Reasons Leaky Pipes Require Professionals

The slowly dripping pipe in your basement might not seem like a big deal, but walking down the steps to find a waterfall flooding an entire level of your home could change your perspective.

Did you know some homeowner’s insurance won’t cover damage due to leaky pipes? Recognizing the need to fix a leaky pipe is the first step, and tackling the challenge of repairing it is the tricky part.

You’re capable of a lot — but when it comes to fixing leaky pipes, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. Learn why temporary solutions aren’t effective. Did you believe any of these 3 DIY myths?

Myth 1: DIY Repairs Work Just as Good as the Pros’

From plumbers epoxy to repair clamps to good old duct tape, there seem to be plenty of suitable fixes to ease your problem. And yes, they’re great as temporary solutions… if “temporary” means, “just until the plumber arrives.” Plumber’s epoxy is a clay-like substance that will harden to cover a leak or crack in a pipe, but weakens over time. When water is running through the pipes, it’s fighting to escape the epoxy.

Leaky pipes happen for a variety of reasons. It could be that there’s a loose pipe in your plumbing, or it could be due to pipe corrosion, which means one leak will eventually lead to another. Consider having your pipes inspected frequently to be sure they’re working properly.

Myth 2: DIY Repairs will Save You Money in the Long Run

Quick solutions are cheap, but they won’t last long and you’ll be spending time and money as you constantly try to fix them. The pipes will become more damaged, and you’ll end up paying more for the big fix. Temporary solutions seem attractive, but it’s worth the call to the plumber to permanently fix a leaky pipe in order to save money in the long run.

Letting one leaky pipe slide might not be a big deal to you, but the potential long-term damage occurring where you can’t see it is going to come as a surprise. A properly working pipe system in your home is always possible, and having a lower water bill thanks to pipes that don’t leak is a significant plus.

Myth 3: As Long as I Follow the Instructions, Nothing Can Go Wrong… Right?

Utilizing innovative do-it-yourself solutions can feel fantastic, but sometimes your inner plumber overlooks the details. The professionals have all the tools to take care of your leaky pipes, and they’ll make sure it’s done right.

You won’t have to make periodic trips to the basement late in the night to ensure the DIY solution you created is holding the pipe together. All you need to do is trust a plumber, and the peace of mind will be worth it.

If you do decide to fix a leaky pipe on your own, be sure to turn off your water supply first! But if ever in doubt pick up the phone and call the professionals. Temporary solutions aren’t worth the costly, unforeseen damage.

Have you ever experienced a major DIY fail? If so we’d love for you to share your story with us on our Facebook page!

The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact our punctual plumbers to learn more about leak detection and repair.