If you’re planning on having plumbing work done that requires more than simply changing a faucet or installing a toilet, you should hire a plumber, not a handyman. The reason is that a handyman, while he/she can handle many different types of jobs, like patching a hole in the wall, painting a room or changing a hard-to-reach light bulb, they have no formal plumbing qualifications, licenses or certificates. Indeed, none are needed to be a handyman.
Typically, a handyman will undertake any job around the house, no matter how small and is very skilled at performing routine maintenance and repair jobs. A handyman may or may not be skilled at any one thing, but is good at doing a large variety of small jobs.
Quite often, a handyman is hired to perform common tasks around the property that a homeowner doesn’t have the time or inclination to do. A handyman can be a relatively inexpensive resource to help you manage the basic household problems that arise but large plumbing jobs or major plumbing overhauls should be left to a plumbing expert. Always hire the appropriate professional for the job at hand.
Different Roles
The best way to decide whether you need a handyman or a licensed plumber is to look at the size of your project. A simple task, such as changing the kitchen sink faucet, something that you might do yourself could be left to a handyman. Other “wet” jobs, such as changing a simple ball valve, changing a trap under a sink or changing washers, can also be done by a handyman. A handyman may also be quite good at other uncomplicated plumbing jobs, too.
On the other hand, plumbers are trained to deal with more complicated issues, such as problems with water cylinders, air locks, leaks on central heating and outside taps, as well as simple plumbing issues. If you need plumbing pipes replaced or an entire bathroom’s plumbing redone, you need a plumbing contractor. A rushed, incorrect or otherwise shoddy plumbing job by someone who is not a professional could prove disastrous for your home.
Plumbers are Trained Professionals
Plumbers are trained to deal with a variety of plumbing problems and are responsible for the installation and upkeep of a variety of fixtures, as well as monitoring and adjusting water temperatures and gas pressure inside a home or business.
A plumber makes sure that drains and pipes are the proper size based on local codes and makes sure that grab bars and sinks are installed at the proper height. In effect, your plumber’s job is to protect the health and safety of you and your family.
No matter how competent a handyman is at performing other tasks, he may not have the training necessary to deal with plumbing blockages and other problems and that could mean further damage to drains, appliances, flooring and other things in your home that need the correct plumbing in order to work properly.
When completing a bathroom remodel, a good handyman will either subcontract the plumbing work to a trained plumber or leave it to you to find a plumber to install the necessary fixtures and make sure they work.
Years of Experience
A plumber must have a formal education and extensive training. Qualified plumbers go through an apprenticeship program to learn specific provincial and municipal plumbing codes and complete on-the-job training.
Hiring a plumber with years of experience can save you both time and money, not to mention home insurance costs, should something go amiss. Using your neighbour, an amateur handyman and self-proclaimed professional, could end up costing you hundreds of dollars in damages, insurance and liability, not to mention having to hire a professional plumber to do the whole job over again, if not now then sometime in the foreseeable future.
Doing it Right the First Time
Hiring a professional plumber to do the job right the first time will ensure you don’t run into problems somewhere down the line. Look for a company with years of experience in the industry, so you can be sure your investment is protected and the work is done safely and properly for lasting durability.
Home and business owners hire plumbing contractors because they know the job will be done in a professional manner and in accordance with all safety and plumbing codes.
Whether it’s an annoying leaky faucet or a broken pipe hidden in a wall, plumbers have special tools that only a licensed professional should work with. Above all, gas line equipment requires very specific knowledge and training that’s best left to a professional. Everyone’s safety is put at risk when an unlicensed contractor uses this equipment.
