Typical DIY Jobs That Go Wrong
We all try our best to be “handy” homeowners, and there are many things that are easy to accomplish around the house. However, there are some jobs that homeowners aim to do themselves but just end up going south. Does this sound like you?
If it does, don’t worry! Many tasks may seem easy on paper but are actually difficult and require help from a professional. Going with a professional can actually save you money in the long run and will undoubtedly save you time and frustration.
We put this list together of common DIY jobs that tend to go wrong so you can decide whether to pick up the wrench or pass it to a pro.
Unclogging a Drain
There’s really no way to prepare for a clogged drain. It often happens while you’re washing dishes or shaving in the bathroom, and it can be frustrating. Many homeowners try to flush the clog away using a chemical drain cleaner, many of which are found in stores. While this may seem like the simplest solution, it’s actually doing more harm than good.
Chemical drain cleaners will corrode your pipes, decreasing their life expectancy and increasing the potential for a leak. Instead, try using a natural home remedy like baking soda and vinegar or a drain snake.
And while these methods will often work for clog removal, sometimes they just don’t get the job done, or only clear a portion of the blockage. That’s when you know it’s time to call in a plumbing professional.
Fixing a Leak
Think about this: you see water dripping from your faucet, so you try and take it apart and replace the gasket seals. But when it comes time to put it back together, you can’t remember how! This is just one problem that comes with doing a DIY repair.
Leaks can also be present under the sink, behind the toilet, in the shower, and in the ceiling. Sometimes the leak is not as apparent as a loose fitting or seal. You should always have a professional look at your pipes when one springs a leak, as it could be a more widespread issue that needs to be addressed.
Cleaning Air Ducts
Your ductwork is a relatively complicated system of ducts and vents that help bring air around your home. Over time, they will likely build up dust, especially if you don’t change out your air filter enough.
You may be tempted to clean out your ducts yourself (how hard is vacuuming?), but the process isn’t that simple. It’s easy to damage your ducts while working with them, which would result in air escaping instead of flowing through the system. This reduces efficiency and wastes your money.
Also, professionals know how to handle the large amounts of dust and debris that may be in your ducts. They can efficiently remove the particles without creating a dust storm or damaging your ducts.
Choosing an Air Filter
When you look at the air filter section in a home improvement store, it can be overwhelming. What do you really need to filter the air coming from your system adequately?
One of the most common types of filter is a 1-inch pleated filter, but there are reusable filters, HEPA filters, media filters, and more. It can be hard to judge which works best for your system and retains peak efficiency.
If you don’t want to go through a lot of trial and error, consult with your local HVAC professional to figure out the best filter option. They can also discuss your air quality to see any room for improvement through a better filter.
