While we here at Combat Plumbing will always advise calling in a professional plumber for big jobs, there are plenty of DIY projects that homeowners can undertake themselves – if they have the right tools on hand.
And these days, tools aren’t limited to the drain augurs or wrenches you’d keep in the garage. Not even close! In fact, one of the most powerful tools for DIY-ers is probably in your pocket right now: Your smartphone.
Before you start your next plumbing fix or other home maintenance project, get your phone in fighting shape. Here are some of our favorite apps for amateur plumbers:
1.) Home Depot/Lowes Apps
Before you start your project, it’s important to make sure that you have the right supplies for the job. For the weekend warriors among us, that means the all-important trip to a hardware store for equipment and tools.
Make the most of your trip with one of the free apps from Home Depot or Lowe's (both free to download and available for Android and iOS devices). Both apps offer a ton of features perfect for getting the amateur handyman on the right track, including the ability to make lists, comparison shop and make purchases in-app, and keep track of inventory and deals in brick-and-mortar locations near you.
2.) DIYZ
You’ve got the tools and you’re ready to get started. For expert guidance ad expert guidance along the way, there’s no app quite like DIYZ.
Available as a free download for iOS and Android devices, DIYZ (pronounced “Dee-Eye-Wise”) is a one-stop shop for the aspiring handyman in the middle of a job. Our friends and neighbors over at Geek Red Oak recently profiled DIYZ for their “App of the Week" feature, so we’ll let them have the last word:
“Just choose your project from a wide array of categories, including electrical, plumbing, and exterior, and DIYZ will provide detailed instructions and how-to videos, broken up for your convenience.
Even more exciting for the true amateurs (i.e, geeks like us), DIYZ will automatically connect you with a professional advisor to answer your specific how-to questions and help you understand the scope of your project.”
The bottom line? Whatever your experience level, DIYZ will help your next project go more smoothly, from start to finish. Give it a shot!
3.) “Home Maintenance” by POJO
So now that your project is done, what steps should you take next? Why not keep track of your repairs, expenses, and notes by logging them in this gem of an app, available for iOS devices for $4.99.
While that price may seem a bit steep – and the app’s interface does leave a bit to be desired – you get a ton of value for your money, including the ability to make detailed maintenance lists and schedules for your home and receive customizable alerts when one of your home’s systems needs to be inspected or serviced.
Do you have a favorite plumbing or DIY app? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook! And for expert plumbing service, day or night, be sure to drop Combat Plumbing a line. Our team knows all of the ins and outs of plumbing in Red Oak – no cell phone required!
