Handymen are increasingly being hired to do odd jobs around the home as many of us are placing a greater value on our recreation time, and find that we are just too busy to complete them! Some of these jobs are also fiddly, time-consuming and easily put into the “too hard” basket. So what jobs can a handyman do? And can a handyman do plumbing work?
Benefits of using a handyman
With the challenging nature of the current workforce attracting those who are independent, part-time and mobile, many people are diversifying their skills and looking at other ways to earn income. And the handyman sector — including those who work in their own business or as part of a franchise — is booming! In fact, revenue in the sector reached over $1003 million in the period 2019 to 2020. But what are some of the benefits of using a handyman?
- They are quick and efficient — many professional handymen will have years of experience in fixing and handling repair works, meaning they’ll get the job done efficiently — often in less time than it will take you to do it yourself.
- They can save you money — because of their efficiency and experience, they are typically cheaper than a tradesperson. The likelihood of them doing a poor quality job is unlikely, and they will also generally be able to access the products needed at trade prices.
- They have the tools required — they will bring all the tools necessary to complete your request saving you the cost of having to purchase them yourself.
- They don’t require a license — many tasks don’t require a handyman to have a license, which offers you more opportunity to find the right person for the job … and at the right price!
- They have insurance — most professional handymen will be insured for personal, third party and property damage.
- They are Jack (or Jills) of all trades — they can do a variety of jobs from cutting back a hedge to cleaning gutters and fixing a leaking tap. They also know how to fix a fly screen — which is one of the trickier jobs!
- They offer peace of mind — professional handymen strive to provide the best possible customer service to their customers — after all, their reputations are at stake!
Handyman plumbing services
In terms of handyman plumbing services, there is a variety of unregulated work that an unlicensed person can do. This includes:
- Replacing a domestic water filter cartridge or a showerhead.
- Replacing a washer in a tap or a jumper valve.
- Replacing or repairing a float valve washer, drop valve washer or suction cup rubber in a toilet cistern.
- Fixing taps and broken tiles, including those with worn-away sealing.
- Re-grouting tiles in wet areas like the bathroom and laundry.
- Cleaning or maintaining a ground-level grate for a trap on a sanitary drain.
- Maintaining or installing an irrigation or lawn watering system downstream from a tap, isolating valve or backflow prevention device on the supply pipe for a watering system.
- Maintaining or repairing an irrigation system for the disposal of effluent from a greywater use facility or on-site sewage facility.
- Incidental unskilled tasks like excavating or backfilling a trench.
But some handymen may also be trained and registered plumbers, in which case they can take care of major plumbing jobs too (more on these below).
Other plumbing services
All other plumbing and drainage work must be done by a licensed professional as they will have the practical experience and the appropriate qualifications. This will minimise unnecessary risks to your family’s health and safety. In some instances, it may be necessary for a plumber to hold both an occupational and contractor licence to carry out work, regardless of the value. An occupational licence enables the person to physically carry out the work, a contractor licence allows the person to engage in a contract for the work.
In terms of plumbing, in Queensland, individuals and companies must hold a QBCC licence to carry out:
- any building work valued over $3,300
- building work valued over $1,100 where it involves Hydraulic Services Design
- building work of any value where it involves drainage, plumbing and building design.
So, if you are time-poor or just need a little help around the house to finish off those little but possibly time-consuming odd jobs, the answer to the question, can a qualified handyman do plumbing work is a definite yes!
References
- 2021, Who’s doing your plumbing? Queensland Building and Construction Commission
- Melissa Gerke, 2019, How to know when a job requires a handyman or a tradesperson, Domain
- 2021, Top 5 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Handyman, PPS Premium Property Services Pty Ltd