Different pipes for different purposes
Constructing your plumbing and drainage installation, isn't as straightforward as it may seem. First thing you need to choose, is what type of pipes are you going to use? There is plenty to choose from, but not all are multi purpose and good for your home.
Generally speaking, you need the ones relatively easy to install, repair if needed and with long life span. Price is also relevant, of course, but sometimes it is better to pay up more up front, rather than upgrade it later.
The answer to such problem is only one - PEX pipes. You might thought that copper pipes are better, but they aren't - harder to install and much more expensive. All in all, pipes from PEX are very good, either for the plumber or user. The only thing that's left, is to find were you can get them cheapest, and in required diameters.
Can I mend it myself? Plumbing.
When it comes to professional repairs done by specialists, you often wonder - "ha, I could do that myself, but now I need to pay anyway...". It is common enough way of thinking, but is it really true?
Experts in their fields make it look like it is easy, but only because they have years of experience. Because of it, they were able to deduce what the problem is quickly, and if it is easy to fix, they make it look like it's nothing. It may escape your attention, but they more often than not, use special tools when doing so.
Simple wrench and hammer are common household items, but what about thread seal tape? Or do you really want to buy whole package od putty, just to seal one small hole? These are the things that seperate experts in their fields from weekend handyman. Other than that, they are also the reasons why you call in a real plumber, once in a while.
Historically about the plumbers by Wikipedia
Quick look in to the history of the plumbers, thanks to Wikipedia:
The word "plumber" dates from the Roman Empire. The Latin for lead is plumbum. Roman roofs used lead in conduits and drain pipes and some were also covered with lead, lead was also used for piping and for making baths. In medieval times anyone who worked with lead was referred to as a plumber as can be seen from an extract of workmen fixing a roof in Westminster Palace and were referred to as plumbers "To Gilbert de Westminster, plumber, working about the roof of the pantry of the little hall, covering it with lead, and about various defects in the roof of the little hall". Thus a person with expertise in working with lead was first known as a Plumbarius which was later shortened to plumber.
Źródło: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plumber