Photographs by August de Richelieu. Article originally written by Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason in 2024.
No matter how long you have owned your home, there will always be something unexpected that pops up, making you reconsider the whole “homeowner” experience. It’s something you hear often about owning a home, and you will likely learn it quickly: some little thing is always lurking around the corner, just waiting for your first lazy morning or long weekend to pop up and announce itself. These little pop ups — a stopped toilet; a busted pipe; a light that flickers on and off non-stop; or even black smoke belching from the water heater — all feel pretty big when you no longer have a landlord to call on to fix the problem. When you own your home and an issue occurs, it’s all on you to figure out what to do next, and that can feel pretty overwhelming.
In the early stages of home ownership, you might think you can fix these problems on your own. The need to save money, and the perceived armor of DIY reality shows and YouTube might make you think you’re capable. But you will likely be very, very wrong. Not only is fixing an item yourself incredibly time-consuming, but when you’re dealing with issues like plumbing and electrical problems, a DIY misadventure could result in flooding your home, or worse, burning it down. In the interest of keeping your home standing, it’s important to know that there are times when DIY just isn’t going to cut it, and dealing with the problem means bringing in a professional. Here are our tips for when to call an expert.
When Do I Need To Call A Plumber?
Oftentimes a small problem might seem easy to fix. A washing machine that is expelling gallons of water onto the floor every time it runs might might seem like the symptom of a smaller issue. A week on YouTube will have you purchasing equipment that will likely take up permanent residence in a closet, and the conviction that the problem is a small clog that simply needs to be snaked. However, the interesting thing about plumbing is that the issue you’re dealing with may be a symptom of something deeper going on in your pipes. What seems like a simple clog may actually be a deep rooted plumbing issue that only a plumber could find. Don’t wait to call for help when dealing with water and flooding. Get an expert right away who can save you from weeks of pain and suffering.
When Do I Need To Call An Electrician?
Just like plumbing, electrical issues are no laughing matter. While some people may be blessed with DIY electrical skills and the ability to hardwire a light fixture in an instant, electrical issues can go so much deeper than just wanting to add more light to a space. Problems can crop up unexpectedly, especially in older homes. Sometimes it’s hard to find where electrical boxes are, and what might be causing an issue, like flickering lights on a specific floor. To discover deeper electrical issues, you’ll want an electrician you can count on. Someone who can get familiar with your home’s electrical system and identify the source of problems easily. And if your home has been renovated many times, someone who can rip out old issues and update things as needed.
When Do I Need To Call A Heating & Air Specialist?
Every time the seasons change, homes go through transitions as well. And if you live with heating and air conditioning, you need to work with a specialist who keeps those systems in check throughout the year. In the fall, you’ll want a pro to come to check your heating system. A clog in your fuel system can cause smoke. And an HVAC system that hasn’t been cleaned, can make it harder to heat your home. Having an expert come routinely will ensure that issues are dealt with before they even begin. In the spring, it’s good to schedule a second check up with a pro to ensure crisp, cool air conditioning during the warmer months. You’ll definitely want an HVAC and fuel expert on speed dial, as you do not want to wait if these systems go down, especially during a cold or warm weather event.
Now that you know when you need to call a pro, here are some apps that can help you find help in a matter of minutes:
Handy is many people's go-to for experts. You can manage everything in their app, from detailing the work you need done, to managing the project from start to finish. You can even see when your pro is on the way. They vet each pro for your own peace of mind, and your appointment includes insurance coverage.
Angi is a great resource for finding everything from a local plumber to an electrician. You can easily download the app, let them know what type of work you need around the house and they’ll send you a list of experts in your local area.
Thumbtack will help you find a professional right in your back yard and will provide you with a free cost estimate for your project. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC repair people can all be discovered on the app.