We are all surrounded by the modern miracle that is plumbing. We use it many times per day and don’t give it a second thought. That’s basically what happens to creature comforts. We get used them and think “what’s next?”.
Still, plumbing isn’t some magical thing. It is an advent that must be installed properly and maintained to work for long periods of time. Licensed plumbers use real science and many years training to complete their jobs.
Sure, you can take a crack at it yourself. Some plumbing jobs can truly be handled by the homeowner, what we call “do it yourself” or “DIY”. The novice can sometimes replace a pipe, unclog a drain, or replace the flapper of the toilet bowl. But when we start talking about bigger, more intricate jobs, this is where things change.
When folks go to remodel their home, they will often want to upgrade the plumbing as well. At minimum, they will need to work with the plumbing if they are installing new fixtures. Attaching new toilets or shower heads to existing plumbing but knowing your limits can save you plenty of time and money.
There is no official, aggregated national data tracking the exact dollar amount Americans waste specifically on failed DIY plumbing before calling a professional. However, consumer housing surveys and industry estimates indicate that the total hidden costs associated with DIY blunders across the country easily reach hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
We spoke with a plumber in Melbourne, Florida on this topic and he said about 1 of every 5 or 6 calls he receives is after the homeowner attempting the job themselves and quickly realized they were in over their heads.
The Cost Breakdown of DIY Blunders
The “Mistake Tax“: According to home improvement surveys compiled by Realtor.com, roughly 80% to 87% of homeowners admit to making a mistake during a DIY project. For general home projects, the average cost to fix a DIY mistake ranges from $137 to $310 just in wasted materials and basic corrections.
Compounded Repair Costs: Plumbing mistakes carry a much higher penalty than painting or minor carpentry. Industry data notes that DIYers often spend 2 to 3 times more on materials and tools trying to guess a fix. When the fix fails, a professional plumber must be paid $75 to $150+ per hour to undo the incorrect work before actually repairing the original issue.
Collateral Water Damage: The biggest driver of wasted money isn’t the pipe itself; it is the water damage. An improperly sealed fitting or an over-tightened plastic nut can slow-leak behind drywall or under subfloors. A simple $5 fix tackled incorrectly can result in $4,000 to $5,000 in structural damage and mold remediation if left undetected for a few months.
What to Do
It’s a good idea to know your capabilities and limitations when it comes to home plumbing. If you have time to learn new things on-the-job then go for it. It’s worth a shot. But also know when to pull the rip cord and get out of the way. Don’t waste hours, days, weeks, or months spinning your wheels because you are being stubborn. Know when to call in the experts and get it done right.
Remember That Time is Money
This goes for your plumber and yourself. If you waste 8 hours on a task that a plumber could knock out in an hour or two, you are wasting your own time. Think about your job. Would you trust a new-hire to come in and do your work on day one? Absolutely not. You wouldn’t trust them to handle something important for weeks, only after you train them. Why would you think plumbing is any different?
You could actually clock in at your job for 8 hours and make enough to pay the plumber and have money left over. The idea is work smarter, not harder. Also, not getting bogged down in a plumbing job while you are remodeling can save you a great deal of stress. And that is invaluable. How many times have you wished you just hired a pro from the start? Always have this option in the forefront on your mind.
Bottom Line
There is nothing wrong with taking on a plumbing job yourself. But knowing when to say when and bring in the professionals is worth its weight in gold. You will thank yourself later and your family will too. You all can move forward with your lives and have a great newly remodeled home with fast and efficient plumbing.
