DIY Dad Doesn’t Need to Do It All

It may be June but we often wind up thinking of the classic movie A Christmas Story this time of year. Maybe it seems like an odd choice but it makes more sense than you think. The movie comes to mind because Father’s Day is right around the corner and that movie has one of the classic portrayals of fatherhood.

The dad, so iconic that he isn’t even named, simply just called “Old Man Parker,” is particularly remembered for his constant battles with the furnaces, something that speaks to many DIY dads out there today.

While it may seem like a road to glorious victory over home improvement projects, there are plenty of plumbing projects that are better left in the hands of a professional, leaving the DIY warriors out there rested and ready to battle another day. Read on to find out which projects those are.

Toilet Installation Isn't Easy

The replacement of a toilet is a quintessential task that DIY dads everywhere think they have covered. It is pretty understandable. While the process itself isn’t anything that is crazy or complicated, there are a few attention to detail steps that can turn the job into a potential nightmare. Here are just a few potential problem points with toilet replacement:

• Checking for potential leaks from the old toilet. These leaks are often slow and difficult to notice. However, even a small leak could weaken the stability for the new toilet.
• If the toilet is older, the flange could be worn or higher or lower than the rest of the floor, due to renovations in the house. These can affect installation and the hardware needed to properly secure the new toilet.
• If you forget to stuff a rag in the drain, potentially harmful sewer gas can seep into the bathroom.
• If the toilet seat is too loose, it can provide a lack of stability for those sitting on it. Too tight and the seat is prone to cracking.

Duct Tape Is Just a Temporary Solution for Plumbing Leaks

If you asked DIY dads about their top tools to have with them in a pinch, duct tape has to be near the top of the list.

Even when you aren’t in the middle of big home projects, a roll of duct tape does a world of good.

Seemingly, it can fix just about any problem or even help create some incredible projects.

It can make it seem pretty smart to grab some duct tape in the midst of an emergency leak. While duct tape can make for an acceptable short term fix, it is entirely temporary and needs to be repaired with something stronger sooner rather than later.

Snaking a Drain Is Harder Than It Looks

It’s a rite of fatherhood that is hard to avoid. Somebody does something to a toilet that clogs it up and a garden variety plunger just won’t do the job. DIY dad will be ready for a trip to the hardware store to get a snake to help clean your drain.

Here’s the thing - pipes aren’t one size fits all and using the wrong snake can actually damage the pipes, causing a leak, or cause the snake to knot up, rendering it useless. It may seem easy but serious clogs are a job for serious professionals.

None of this is to doubt the prowess of DIY dads. They can get a ton done. However, some of these jobs just need the help of a professional and that’s where we at Lodder Brothers Limited come in handy. Give us a call at (519) 836-6370 and we’ll be happy to help.