In today’s do-it-yourself world, many people are inclined to attempt their own plumbing repairs or installations. While this may be practical on some repairs like replacing a toilet fill valve or installing a new flapper in a toilet, some jobs are better left to a plumbing professional. The removal and replacement of a tub or shower valve is best left to someone experienced in this repair. To successfully complete this job, you must cut and solder copper pipe, a skill most homeowners don’t possess.
This picture is a tub/shower valve a recent customer attempted to install himself using some modern “solder-less” miracle product. After purchasing the new tub/shower valve, copper pipe and fittings, and the “solder-less” epoxy product, he was out a few hundred dollars before he started. After installing his new valve, when he turned on the water, the valve leaked like a sieve. Luckily for this customer, he discovered it leaked before he had the bath dry walled and tiled.
Our customer then hired us to remove the problem he created. He had to purchase and install a new valve, pipe, and fittings to complete the job. Of course, the original valve was unusable with all the epoxy adhered to it. What would have been a simple and inexpensive repair ended up costing him double in parts.
Like a lot of “do-it-yourself” repair projects, this one actually cost a considerable amount more than if he had initially called a reputable repair contractor. Still considering that do-it-yourself project? We’re happy to discuss with you the pros and cons of using a professional versus a do-it-yourself project. Call us for an in-home estimate in the Phoenix area at 602.488-4647.