Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Repair: A DIY Don’t for Your Business
According to survey results, 70% of Americans prefer tackling a DIY project to handing it over to contractors.
While many people take the DIY route for other reasons, when it comes to business owners the main motivator is generally to save on costs.
However, there are some repair jobs—such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work—that can cost more if you do it yourself. Not only this, but these areas of work can also pose severe safety hazards.
Read on to find out why these repair jobs are a DIY don’t for any business.
The Risks of DIY Plumbing
Although it might be perfectly safe and cost-effective to fix a dripping tap, almost any other plumbing work can cause the following issues:
- Costly code discrepancies
- Further damage from unresolved problems
- Not having the right tools
When carrying out a DIY plumbing fix, you will need to get a permit from your city. Omitting to do so can lead to hefty fines and a redo of the jobs to meet permit specs. Additionally, A DIY plumbing fix might not uncover and resolve all the problems, which can lead to water damage down the line.
The Risks of DIY Electrical Work
If anything, DIY electrical work is even more dangerous (and potentially costly) than plumbing. To give you an idea, here are just a few of the areas where things can go wrong.
- Utilizing the wrong size wire for a circuit
- Using the wrong fuse size
- Confusion of hot and neutral wires
- Incorrect installation of three-slot outlets
BY tackling a DIY electrical job for your business, you will expose yourself to the following:
- Shock hazards: working with electrics can expose you to dangerous levels of high voltages
- The potential for electrical fires: incorrect laying of wires and faulty connections can open up the very real possibility of an electrical fire
- Problems associated with uncertified work: DIY electrical work will not be certified which can lead to fines and complications in the future, especially when you sell your business’s property.
The risks involved in working with electrics not only extend to you, but to everyone else in the building as well. What’s more electrical fire hazards are something which can lie dormant for weeks or months until the right conditions arise.
The Risks of DIY HVAC Repairs
HVAC systems might seem like something that any home or business owner could take a look at. But in fact, they are complex systems that contain toxic, flammable gases.
Besides changing out filters and removing debris, as a business owner you should stay away from DIY HVAC fixes because these can pose:
- Fire risks
- The possibility of hazardous gas inhalation
- Shock hazards
- The possibility of voided warranties (most warranties are only valid if qualified technicians services units)
As with electrics, these potential risks extend to all those within the building. Fire endangers everyone, and leaking gas is a risk to anyone in the vicinity. Gas leaks can also be an ongoing risk, which can expose you and your employees to toxic fumes for months.
For these reasons, it is best to outsource HVAC repairs to a company, particularly one which specializes in commercial HVAC services. Commercial HVAC specialists will be equipped to maintain your system to a high standard, and will also be aware of commercial HVAC industry trends.
Don’t Risk Your Safety or Your Budget
Tempting as it may be to try and save on repair costs by doing a DIY, when it comes to plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work, for the sake of yours and others safety—and your budget, you need to hire professionals.
If you are encountering issues in your business with electrics, HVAC, or plumbing, and are located in Central Florida, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team specializes in commercial plumbing, electrical, and HVAC repair.
