Things to think of, before you DIY.
While there are many benefits of “Do-it-Yourself” (DIY) like saving labour cost, there are serious safety and legal issues that result from
DIY plumbing tasks.
Health and Safety
Allianz Australia announced 25,000 people hospitalised for DIY related injuries in 2016. SA Health figures reported 95 people admitted within 6 months, with evidence showing adult males aged between 25-34, being the highest offenders. Most injuries reported involved power tools, the list including; loss of vision, puncture wounds, broken bones, amputation and death.
Law
Be aware that the licence requirements of plumbers vary across states and territories. Note that you might be able to easily purchase parts in a shop; you may need a licence to install them. Home owners must be familiar with appropriate legislation and need an owner-builder certificate of consent for those who are planning to do renovations.
Insurance
Before starting any ambitious DIY projects, check the levels of cover provided by your home insurance policy. Any renovations that might alter the structural integrity of your home could invalidate any home insurance cover.
There are of course a number of things that homeowners can do on their own, most being preventative maintenance.
Clearing slow-draining sinks and baths: This task usually involves using a plunger or opening a trap to remove hair, food, or paper.
Repairing or replacing leaky valves: The steady drip-drip-drip of a tap is certainly annoying, but it’s a repair that can wait until the weekend so that you have time to get your hands on the correct repair parts before you begin work.
Solving toilet-cistern problems: Whether the problem is a valve that won’t shut off or a ball-float valve that won’t seat properly, these repairs can wait until you have the time to work on them. But don’t wait too long. A small leak can waste a lot of water.
Maintaining the washing machine: Don’t forget to check the hoses. If they’ve been in use for several years, change them. Purchase a set of replacement hoses that have a braided reinforced cover to prevent the hoses from bursting. The small extra cost is worth it; if a hose should burst, you’ll be calling for help from more pros than just a plumber.
Replacing a jumper valve or washer in a tap
Changing a shower head
Replacing, cistern, a drop valve washer, float valve washer or suction cup rubber.
Installing or maintaining a irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from an isolating valve, tap or back flow prevention device on the supply pipe for the irrigation or lawn watering system.
Any work that directly interacts with the installation of the drinking water system or sewer line will require a licenced plumber.
