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Hazards Of DIY Water Heater Repair | Myrtle Beach, SC
Water heaters are lifesavers in Myrtle Beach, SC especially during the winter when the cold bites. Our water heating systems are bound to experience technical and mechanical issues with continued use. What begins as minor issues could quickly escalate into full-fledged technical issues that could render your water heater inoperable.
DIY hardliners find this an excellent opportunity to put their DIY skills to the test. After all, it’s not difficult to quickly undo a few bolts and replace the malfunctioning part. With plenty of DIY YouTube tutorials showing you how to do so, it may seem like a great idea. However, this is almost always a bad idea.
Water heater repair is a job strictly reserved for professionals. This is not only because of a great deal of technical expertise required for the job but also the risks involved.
Here are some of the top hazards of DIY water heater repair and why you should always leave it to the pros.
Electrical Hazards
Water heaters consist of many electrical components. Most water heater issues stem from the malfunctioning of these parts. If that’s the case, you’ll either have to repair or replace these components to get your heater back in proper working condition. You are exposing yourself to high-voltage electricity in either case.
Moreover, you fumble with wires and cause sparking, which could lead to a catastrophic fire. Losing your house to a fire for a little DIY satisfaction just isn’t worth it. Plus, it’s unlikely that your home insurance will cover such a fire.
Professionals have all the necessary safety gear to protect themselves from electrocution. They also have years of experience handling different electrical systems and know what to do and what not to do. By hiring a professional, you can rest easy knowing that you don’t have to risk your life or home for simple repairs.
Exposure to High Gas Pressure
Most households in Myrtle Beach, SC use natural gas for their water heating systems. Working with gas is more dangerous than working with electricity. That’s because the gas used for these heating systems is under very high pressure, and a tiny leak could lead to a massive explosion.
So the next time you’re thinking of repairing the water heater by yourself, consider whether it’s worth blowing your house to bits. A simple call to a local plumbing company will save you a lot of trouble and ensure the safety of your home.
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Harmful chemicals are not uncommon in modern water heating systems. These chemicals help facilitate the smooth flow of water from your heater to your faucet. But exposing yourself to these chemicals is detrimental to your health. Moreover, you can accidentally release these chemicals into the environment and cause pollution.
You’ll likely expose yourself to these harmful chemicals if you try to fix the water heater on your own. You’re better off leaving the job to the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach. At least they know their way around these systems and have the proper safety gear to protect themselves from these toxic chemicals.
Boiling Water
As the name suggests, a water heater heats water, and sometimes it overheats it. There’s always the risk of coming into contact with boiling water while trying to fix your water heater. Extremely hot water in your water heating system may be a result of the following:
- A defective thermostat
- Rusty and dirty heating elements
- A defunct TPT valve
- Overload in your home’s circuit
Exposure to boiling water could lead to anything from minor to severe scalding, depending on how much water comes in contact with your skin. But don’t be surprised if this scalding warrants a trip to the emergency room. Plus, it could leave you with ugly scald marks that take forever to disappear.
Other Risks Involved with DIY Repairs
Aside from the hazards discussed above, repairing your water heater system by yourself also poses other risks that don’t affect your health or safety. Some of these water heater repair risks include:
Voiding Your Warranty
Water heater manufacturers and providers are more than happy to offer warranties for their products. These warranties cover various heater components, damage, service, and even labor. However, tampering with your water heater could easily void your warranty. That means you’ll have to pay the full price if you damage your water heater during repairs. This applies to the current issue and others you encounter down the line.
Damage to Gas Lines
Your DIY escapades might damage gas lines and cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. About 48% of homes in the US use natural gas for heating. Gas is supplied through an elaborate piping system that gets gas right to your home.
Conducting a water heater repair by yourself could do a lot of damage to these gas lines. And because natural gas is highly flammable, even a tiny leak could be catastrophic. Instead of risking your life and inconveniencing many others, you best outsource your water heater repair to a licensed plumber.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Plumber
Sure, a water heater repair professional might cost a couple of bucks, but they’re a better alternative to risking your safety and that of your family. Here are a few reasons why hiring a professional for your water heater repair is always a good idea
- To safeguard your health and safety
- Take advantage of years of experience and unmatched expertise
- To sidestep any costly damage, including damaging your entire home
- To avoid voiding any of your warranties (electrical appliances included)
- To prevent recurrent problems
Avoid DIY Solutions
We’re certain your DIY skills are top-notch, but some things are best left to the pros, and water heater repair is one of them. That’s the only way to sidestep all of the hazards and risks mentioned above. Although professional plumbers cost a pretty penny, the long-term savings will make it all worth it. So, if you experience any issues with your water heater, contact a professional.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, we specialize in repairing water heaters in Myrtle Beach, SC. Contact us today to schedule your water heater repair appointment. You won’t be disappointed.