When it comes to plumbing, many people have preconceived notions about what it entails. Some of these misconceptions are based on fact, but others are just baseless rumors that have been perpetuated by media and marketing teams with the sole intention of confusing and misleading the public. Some plumbing misconceptions are harmless, but others could lead you down the wrong path if you’re not careful. Let’s take a look at some of the most common plumbing misconceptions and see what they really are.
People think that they have to have special tools to do plumbing.
While you may need specialized tools for some jobs, this is absolutely not the case when it comes to plumbing. While there are some specialized tools for certain things (like installing gas lines or trenching for sewer lines), the vast majority of plumbing can be done with basic household tools such as wrenches, pliers, and pipes. Some of these tools may be more specialized (like a backhoe for trenching), but the majority of plumbing can be done with common household tools.
People think that they can repair all of their plumbing issues themselves and save money by doing so.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to plumbing. While you can certainly try to repair some plumbing issues yourself, it’s not recommended to do so for all of them. Plumbing issues that require a professional’s attention include clogged drains, frozen pipes, and leaks. Clogged drains can lead to serious issues with your sewer line, and frozen pipes can cause major damage to the pipes and their contents. Leaks can also lead to serious damage and be incredibly difficult to fix.
People think that they can do all of their plumbing repairs themselves using the DIY approach.
While it’s possible to complete simple plumbing repairs using the DIY approach, it’s never a good idea to try to do so when it comes to more complex issues. Issues like clogged drains, frozen pipes, and leaks require the assistance of a professional plumbing technician in order to repair them properly. While you can absolutely attempt to repair these issues yourself, you’re likely to do more damage than good. You may save a few bucks upfront by attempting to repair these issues, but you could end up spending much more in the long run.
People think that their heating systems are all the same.
This is another one of those misconceptions that people absolutely need to know the truth about. There are many different types of heating systems, and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. For example, forced-air heating systems are very common in older homes with ductwork in place, while hydronic heating systems are more common in modern homes with no ductwork. Each type of heating system has its own pros and cons, and it’s important to understand these before making your purchase. You may want to consider what type of heating system is best for your home and climate.
People think that they are responsible for all the plumbing in their home.
As you may have guessed, the answer to this is false. You are only responsible for the plumbing in your home that is visible from the exterior of the home. The rest belongs to the home’s property owners and is their responsibility. This includes the plumbing in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. This means that you are not responsible for leaks or breaks in these areas, even if they’re in your home.
People think that they need a license to do plumbing work.
This is a common misconception that has been perpetuated for years by media and marketing teams. While it’s true that you do require a plumbing license to install new plumbing, you do not require a license to do simple plumbing repairs. You can perform these repair tasks without a license, though it’s always a good idea to call a plumber to do so.
Bottom line
There are many misconceptions about plumbing out there, but many of them are harmless. The best way to combat these misconceptions is to be informed about the subject. There are plenty of online resources available to you, and they can help you understand more about plumbing, how it works, and how to care for it properly.