No matter how skilled a handyman you are, there are some household repair jobs you just shouldn’t attempt yourself. Here are a few situations where it’s better to call in a professional.
1. Electrical faults
Simple jobs such as installing a ceiling fan or changing a light fitting should be safe enough for the home handyman, so long as the power is turned off before you start. All other wiring repairs including broken switches or loose sockets should be left to a qualified electrician.
Possums, rats or even the passage of time can cause damage to electrical wiring, so leave it to the professionals as they will know what to look for and how to fix it.
In the case of an emergency, turn off the power at the main switch if it is safe to do so, then alert the authorities and stay clear of any exposed wires.
2. Lock outs
We’ve all been there – rushing outside to get something and hearing the door slam shut, or arriving home in the rain only to find we don’t have a key to the door.
Unless your babies are locked inside or someone is in need of immediate help, resist the temptation to kick down the door, drill the lock or knock out a window. Fixing that damage will cost a lot more than the tradie’s call-out fee, so contact an emergency locksmith and wait it out.
3. Burst water pipes
Replacing a tap washer or showerhead might be regular fixes that are easy for the DIY home handyman, but any work involving pipes, particularly copper piping for hot water, is definitely a job for a tradie.
If a pipe has burst in or outside the house there’ll be water going everywhere, so the first thing to do is turn off the supply at the meter. Then call an emergency plumber. To be extra safe, cut off the electricity at the mains, as water and electricity can be a deadly combination.
4. Gas leaks
Gas is volatile and highly combustible so it’s never a good idea to do DIY repairs or renovations around gas appliances or pipes.
Domestic gas is technically odourless; that sulphur-like smell has been added to warn us it’s there. When you do notice an odour, check first that all taps or switches are turned off then open doors and windows to air out the house.
If the smell’s still noticeable or getting stronger, there might be a leak in the pipes, which is a much more serious problem and should be treated as an emergency.
1. Contact your provider immediately then call an emergency plumber or gasfitter;
2. Locate the gas meter and cut off supply to your house;
3. Switch off the electricity at the meter box, to avoid the risk of sparks causing an explosion;
4. Stay out of the house until it’s been cleared as safe.
Legal issues
Household plumbing, wiring and gas installations are complex systems and any structural and electrical work done to your home may require a guarantee or certificate of compliance from a licensed tradesperson.
Most states impose hefty penalties if illegal work causes injury or death and it’s unlikely that your insurer will accept liability in the case of an accident caused by illegal wiring, piping or faulty workmanship.
To keep the family safe and your money in the bank, find some good tradesfolk that you can call on for any repairs or renovations.
