You probably know the significance of doing your research before starting a costly, time-consuming project for your home. You want to compare several quotes and read reviews on experiences other customers have had when working with the company. You might think plumbing doesn’t require this type of research, but you should conduct a thorough check before you allow someone into your home. Plumbing is a hard job that involves using sophisticated tools and equipment to fix common household issues with water supply, fixtures, sanitation, and more. It requires professional knowledge and expertise, and if you try to do it yourself, you can end up paying more than necessary.
Hiring an unlicensed plumber is never recommended. Here’s why you shouldn’t allow an unlicensed plumber to attempt a plumbing repair or installation.
Inability to Pull Permits
Before a plumber starts any project, they must acquire a permit to ensure everything complies with the local codes and ordinances. Only a licensed plumbing contractor can acquire a permit. Without these permits, a plumber has no right to perform specific jobs. There’s a risk of causing extensive damage to your plumbing and property. Furthermore, you can get saddled with costly code violations as a result of the technician’s negligence.
Unlicensed Plumbers Are Uninsured
Unlicensed plumbers who cannot obtain permits are unlikely to have the proper insurance coverage. This means that working with a plumbing contractor who is not licensed makes you vulnerable to legal action if the plumber sustains injuries while working on your plumbing. In addition, unlicensed plumbers don’t have general liability insurance. Thus, if you hire one, any damages that may occur during the repair process will be your responsibility, and you may not have the ability to claim them on your property insurance.
Poor Quality Repairs
Unlike licensed plumbers, unlicensed plumbing practitioners are probably not up to date with your area’s local codes, and they’re unlikely to understand the structure of your neighborhood’s plumbing requirements. In addition, the lack of a plumbing license indicates the plumber has not had the required training and is unqualified. These factors increase the chances of the unqualified individual causing further damage to your plumbing. Although an unlicensed plumbing contractor can offer you an affordable rate, it’s not worth the potential risks involved, including damage to your plumbing structure, contamination of your water, and lawsuits. Unlicensed plumbers are also likely to have lower work standards. Enlisting their services is not advisable since you will probably end up getting low-quality, short-term results.
You May Put Your Health at Risk
By enlisting the services of an unlicensed plumber, you’re putting the life of your loved ones and neighbors at risk. Incorrect pipe fixes can cause severe injuries and harm. For example, if the amateur poorly installs a gas line, it can cause significant issues that can affect you and your family. It’s imperative and much wiser to spend a few more dollars rather than put people’s safety in jeopardy.
You Might Pay a Heavy Fine
If you allow an unlicensed plumber to work on your plumbing system, you may get charged a hefty fine. To avoid such costs, it’s crucial to enlist the services of a reputable plumbing company that can assign a licensed plumber to your issues.
High Chance of Fraud
Unlicensed plumbing contractors don’t have an administrative board to report to, making it easier for them to trick you. They sometimes even worsen the situation so that you have to spend more on the repairs, essentially paying for issues that develop due to their intentional mistakes. You should think twice before hiring anyone disreputable to fix your plumbing.
You Could Pay Double
When having your plumbing fixed, it’s imperative that the job gets done correctly on the first attempt. Unlicensed plumbing contractors are more susceptible to making costly mistakes. Worse still, they will not give a warranty. This means you might eventually need to call a plumbing expert to perform the repairs again, incurring additional repair costs.
Unlicensed Plumbers Can Disrupt Your Life
Licensed plumbing contractors have vast experience and knowledge. They undergo significant professional training, so you can count on them to make repairs promptly and professionally. Emergency plumbing issues, like burst pipes and toilet overflows, require immediate attention, and there’s no room for mistakes. Unlicensed plumbing contractors can leave you with a considerable mess, and since they don’t have a reputation to care about, they are under no obligation to clear it up.
Lack of Proper Tools
Plumbing repairs require top-of-the-line equipment, which can be costly. Even though an unlicensed plumber can access the right tools, they should know how to use them correctly. Improper use of plumbing tools can cause injuries, including severe cuts and bone fractures.
Inaccurate Diagnosis of a Plumbing Problem
The first thing a licensed plumber will do once they arrive at your property is inspect your plumbing system to identify the problem. They call on their training and expertise to do this. Unlicensed plumbers don’t have the same level of experience and skills to diagnose the specific problem accurately. An amateur may think the toilet is not flushing because of an obstruction, but the issue could be that the entire toilet needs to be replaced. A licensed plumber can find the root cause of your plumbing issue and offer you a practical solution.
The Right Pipes
Pipes come in different types and sizes, all for distinct places and uses. Placing the wrong pipe in a particular setting can be hazardous because different pipe materials have different reactions when water and other materials flow through them. The incorrect size or placement of valves or connections can lead to leaks and corrosion. Pipes of the wrong size can cause water pressure issues, clogs, or bursting. It’s best that you leave this work to a professional who knows exactly what you need.
Why Should You Hire a Licensed Plumber?
As a homeowner, you can try fixing your plumbing issues on your own by following DIY techniques to save a few dollars. However, in many instances, people have had terrible experiences with DIY plumbing projects. Imagine you’re trying to fix a burst pipe, but you unwittingly hit a sewage pipe. The result could be horrible. You can avoid such dangers by hiring a professional plumber. There is a number of reasons why this is true.
You Lack the Knowledge
It takes years of training to become an expert plumber. You certainly don’t have that know-how or experience. That’s why it’s essential to leave all your plumbing issues to a professional.
You Can Worsen the Situation
You’re not a superhero who can save everything. When performing your DIY repairs, you may put your life at risk if you don’t use the tools required for the job. A minor leak or a burst pipe can turn into a disaster if not handled properly. To avoid worsening the problem, it’s best that you call in a professional.
Rely on the Experts
At AC by J, our plumbers are licensed, insured, and familiar with all the local codes in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas. They’re also highly trained and thoroughly experienced. When you trust your plumbing to them, it’s in good hands, and they can tackle the full range of plumbing problems. In addition, we perform heating, cooling, and indoor air quality installation, repair, and maintenance. We also handle ductwork and geothermal systems. Call us today to receive a quote for any problem affecting your plumbing.
