Plumber vs. Handyman: Which One Do You Need for Your Utah Home?
(Don’t Flush Money Down the Drain – Utah-Specific Guide)
🚰 Why This Matters in Utah
- Hard water (15-20+ grains/gal in Utah County) accelerates pipe damage
- Freezing risks (Northern Utah gets 150+ freeze/thaw cycles yearly)
- Licensing laws: Handymen can’t do plumbing work over $1,000 in Utah
Choose wrong and risk:
❌ Voided home insurance (from unpermitted work)
❌ $5,000+ water damage (from improper repairs)
❌ Code violations (Utah adopts strict IPC plumbing standards)
🔧 The Decision Tree: Who to Call When
📞 CALL A LICENSED UTAH PLUMBER FOR:
| Job | Why It Matters | Utah-Specific Tip |
| Water heater replacement | Gas line work requires license | Utah code mandates expansion tanks for all new installs |
| Sewer line repair | Must pull city permits | Tree root intrusion is #1 cause in Salt Lake Valley |
| Whole-house repipe | Affects water pressure/quality | PEX-A best for Utah’s freeze cycles |
| New fixture installation | Meets IPC drainage codes | Many Utah cities now require low-flow toilets |
| Burst pipe repair | Proper soldering prevents future leaks | Insulation sleeves required in mountain homes |
🛠️ A HANDYMAN CAN HANDLE:
| Job | Limitations |
| Dripping faucet washer replacement | Can’t replace entire valve assembly |
| Toilet flapper/chain adjustment | Can’t replace wax ring or flange |
| Under-sink PVC drain cleaning | Can’t snake main sewer line |
| Hooking up pre-plumbed appliances | Can’t extend gas/water lines |
⚠️ 3 Costly Utah Scenarios
- “My Handyman Installed a Water Heater”
- Risk: $10k+ liability if gas leaks occur (no license = no insurance coverage)
- Utah Law: Only licensed plumbers can pull permits for water heaters
- “We Used a Plumber for Simple Jobs”
- Wasted Money: $150/hr vs. $65/hr for handyman work
- Exception: If walls/floors need opening, always use a plumber
- “The Handyman Said He Could Re-Pipe My Cabin”
- Reality: Illegal in Utah – requires licensed plumber for any pressurized system work
💰 Utah Cost Comparison
| Service | Plumber Avg Cost | Handyman Avg Cost |
| Fix leaky faucet | $175-$300 | $65-$120 |
| Install garbage disposal | $225-$400 | $150-$250 |
| Replace shower valve | $350-$600 | Not Legal |
| Snake main drain line | $250-$700 | Not Recommended |
📞 Still Unsure? Ask These 3 Questions
- “Does this involve cutting into walls or pressurized pipes?” → If yes, plumber
- “Is the repair cost over $1,000 in materials/labor?” → If yes, plumber (Utah law)
- “Could this affect my home’s drainage or water supply?” → If yes, plumber
🔍 Need a Trusted Utah Pro?
We Verify:
✅ Plumbers: Active UT license + insurance + local references
✅ Handymen: Bonded + $1M liability coverage
Find Utah Plumbers | Browse Vetted Handymen
Utah Home and Garden.com - Directory - ( An InnoCreative Company )
Useful Links
Quick Search
Join our newsletter
We write rarely, but only the best content.
We'll never share your details. See our Privacy Policy
