Do-It-Yourself Plumbing

Do-it-yourself home improvement was and still is big business.  According to Statista, “In 2013, the value of the global DIY market was approximately 31.9 billion U.S. dollars. In 2014, home improvement stores in the United States generated a revenue that amounted to about 144 billion U.S. dollars.”

Statistics show a renewed interest among homeowners to make their own repairs.  Comfy Living reported:  “1. Millennials are leading the DIYers.  (Home ISD)-73% of millennials take on DIY projects, while only 27% hire professionals. In part, this is due to this group being involved with DIY YouTube channels and tutorials. Furthermore, they also seem to be buying older homes (in lieu of the lack of homes available) in need of some TLC.

2. DIY home projects are becoming more and more popular.  (Home ISD, Freddie Mac)-DIY trend statistics show that a 4.2% rise in various do-it-yourself home projects is expected by 2022. After all, those who take on and finish such projects are very satisfied with the end results, and 81% feel very self-accomplished.”

Plumbing issues are one area ambitious do-it-yourselfers often try their hand at, both in order to save money and to ensure the project is done correctly.  However, like any other home improvement project, there can be unforeseen problems and pitfalls.  Sippy Cup Mom blogged that attempting certain plumbing projects yourself could even have an adverse effect on your homeowner’s insurance coverage.  Therefore, it is prudent to make sure attempting the repairs yourself is the best course of action.  If you’ve already reached that point, here are some tips to make sure your project is successful:

1. Locate where the shut-off valves are in your home should flooding accidentally start during your project.  This will help prevent costly water damage claims.
2. Check first with both your local housing codes authority and mortgage company to make sure you are using compliant piping and related materials.
3. Before starting a plumbing project, take time to learn about the most common plumbing issues, even if you don’t think those are related to your project.  Especially for beginning do-it-yourselfers, the more you know beforehand, the better.
4. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the plumbing system in your home and the location of each of your pipes.  That way, should you encounter problems later, you can successfully trace the source of it.

(DoItYourself offers a wealth of great time- and money-saving tips for tackling a bevy of home improvement projects.)

Have you already attempted a plumbing project on your own, and the results were less than stellar?  Do you now have a costly water damage claim on your record that has driven up your homeowner’s insurance premiums?  Contact Scott and his team.  They’ve been helping folks like you for the last quarter of a century.  Their combined experience as independent insurance agents have proven valuable to many satisfied residents of Brentwood, College Grove, Fairview, Franklin, Nashville, Nolensville, Spring Hill, and the rest of Middle Tennessee.  Let them prove the same to you, too.