DIG

When faced with plumbing issues that require digging, many homeowners immediately think of calling a professional plumber. While professionals bring expertise and experience, there’s a compelling reason why you might want to consider doing the digging yourself—cost savings.

The biggest expense in plumbing repairs that involve digging often comes from the labor charges associated with excavation. Professional plumbers charge hourly rates for digging, which can quickly add up and significantly increase your overall repair bill. By handling the digging yourself, you can avoid these steep labor costs and allocate your budget more efficiently.

However, before you grab a shovel, it’s crucial to take some important safety precautions. Before any digging begins, you need to have utility lines located on your property. This means calling the appropriate service to come out and mark where gas, electric, and existing plumbing lines run underground. This step is essential to prevent accidentally hitting any utility lines, which could lead to dangerous situations or even more costly repairs.

Keep in mind that locating these lines usually requires a professional service separate from your plumber, so be prepared to coordinate with multiple experts. Once the lines are marked and you know where it’s safe to dig, you can confidently proceed with the excavation yourself.

In summary, digging up your own plumbing can lead to significant savings by cutting down on labor costs. With the proper precautions—especially locating underground utilities beforehand—you can safely manage this task and keep your plumbing repair expenses under control.