Did you know that around 4,200 homes were burned down, and 40 people were killed by fire because of accidental ignitions of natural gas every year in the United States? Because of that, homeowners should make safety their top priority when installing a gas line. And how exactly can you do that? Well, you can start by ensuring a professional install your gas line.
However, some people don’t hire a pro. Some would instead take the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. You should know the pros and cons of hiring a professional to install your gas line. Please continue reading to learn about them to make the best decision.
Pros Of Getting A Professional
Some people would attempt to install their gas lines to save money. However, taking the DIY approach has some inherent risks. You’re talking about gas lines here, after all.
Before anything else, you should know that the biggest problem with DIY is leaks. These leaks can easily result in a fire or explosion, and because you’ve done the installation yourself, your insurer may not cover you for the damage.
You should know these leaks are due to improper fittings, overly tight connections, the wrong type of pipes, and defective or subpar gas valves. Most of these causes are mistakes made by amateurs.
Hiring professionals like Inner West Plumbing Services or other service providers near you can negate these risks and be worth the money because of the other benefits they may bring. To know those things, here are the pros of getting a professional.
- Safety: A professional gas line installer will have the necessary training and expertise to install your gas line safely, reducing the risk of gas leaks, fires, and explosions.
- Proper Equipment: Professional gas line installers will have access to the necessary tools and equipment to complete the installation efficiently and effectively.
- Experience: Professional installers will have experience with various gas line installations and know how to handle unexpected issues during installation.
- Warranty: Many professional gas line installers offer warranties on their work, providing you with peace of mind and protection in case anything goes wrong.
- Compliance With Codes And Regulations: Adherence to the building codes is essential for your safety. And gas line installation is subject to these specific codes and regulations. They know these requirements and ensure your installation meets all necessary standards.
- Timesaving: Hiring a professional gas line installer can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your project or daily life.
- Cost-Effective: While it may seem like a DIY gas line installation can save you money, the cost of mistakes or accidents can quickly add up. As mentioned, insurers have a high chance of not covering the damage caused by a gas line installed by a non-professional. Hiring a professional installer can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Cons Of Getting A Professional
Getting a plumber to install your gas line is like hiring a roofing contractor. Both have a few drawbacks. While most of them aren’t significant to most people, some may be something you can’t deal with because of your current circumstances. Below are the cons of getting professional help for your gas line installation.
- Cost: Hiring a professional installer can be more expensive than doing the installation yourself, although the potential risks and costs of mistakes or accidents may outweigh this cost.
- Scheduling: You may need to schedule the installation for a date and time that works for you and the installer. Sometimes, you may need to take time off from work, which might take a sizeable amount from your paycheck.
- Dependence: Being reliant on them also can leave you at the mercy of their presence if problems with your gas line arise.
- Lack Of Control: You will not have complete control over the installation process and may need to trust the installer’s expertise and judgment.
- Disruption: The installation process may cause trouble to your daily routine or household activities, such as temporarily cutting off access to your gas supply.
- Limited Customization: A professional installer may have limited flexibility when customizing the installation to your specific needs or preferences. And if they accommodate the customizations you want, it may cost you additional money.
- Finding A Reputable Installer: You should research to find a reputable and qualified professional installer, which can take time and effort.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to hire a professional for your gas line installation project requires careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages. In a nutshell, having a professional install your gas line is safe and convenient. However, it comes with the cost of having little control of the process and a significant amount of money. Ultimately, the decision to hire a professional or install yourself should be based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you’re at a loss, shop around first to help decide if you need a pro to get the job done.
