While DIY plumbing projects sound easy, they can quickly turn into a huge mess if you don’t have the right tools or know what you are doing. Professional plumbers undergo rigorous training to ensure their work is safe and effective for homeowners.
For example, a common mistake is forgetting to turn off the water before starting a project. This can result in a mini indoor flood and major damage to your home.
1. Using the Wrong Tools
Plumbing issues can be a real pain. Whether it’s a minor clog or a major leak, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible to prevent damage and minimize costs. However, many homeowners find themselves struggling to handle even the simplest fixes due to insufficient knowledge and poor tools. Thankfully, these DIY mistakes are easily avoidable and can help you save time and money!
One of the most common mistakes that aspiring DIY plumbers make is using the wrong tools. Using incorrect tools can lead to damaged pipes and inefficient work. For instance, using a wrench that’s not suitable for tightening or loosening plumbing fixtures can cause leaking or cracking. In addition, using the wrong pipe materials can also make your project more difficult.
If you’re unsure of how to properly tackle a plumbing problem, it’s best to call a professional. Trained and dedicated Brisbane plumbing professionals have the expertise, skills, and specialized tools necessary to complete any home plumbing repair. They can also provide you with tips and advice on how to avoid making these common DIY mistakes.
2. Mismatching Pipes
Many homeowners perform DIY home plumbing tasks to save money and give themselves a sense of accomplishment. However, if you’re not careful, these projects can result in more expensive water damage and other problems down the line.
One of the most common mistakes is mismatching pipes. This can lead to corrosion, especially if you connect different metals. For example, you should never connect copper directly to galvanized pipes. Instead, you should use a dielectric union to separate them.
Another mistake is overtightening pipe fittings. This can strip the threads and break the rubber or plastic seal in the fittings. It can also cause leaks and crack the fittings themselves.
Finally, another common mistake is not turning off the water before a project begins. This is a simple step that many DIYers skip. It takes only a few seconds, and it can prevent costly damage and flooding. It’s also important to know where the water shut off valve is located, which is usually in your garage or near your house meter.
3. Not Turning Off the Water
Whether you’re working on a clogged drain or swapping out pipes, it’s always important to turn off your home’s water supply before you start. This is the only way to prevent flooding and water damage while you work on your plumbing project.
It’s easy to forget to shut off the water, but it only takes a twist of a valve to stop your home’s plumbing from running. Most fixtures have localized shutoffs that are easy to remember, but you should also know where your home’s main water valve is located and how to turn it off.
Another common DIY plumbing mistake is over-tightening connections. This can cause fittings to crack, leading to leaks and other problems. It’s important to tighten connections enough to create a watertight seal, but don’t overdo it. Cranking on connections can also put unnecessary strain on them, leading to damage. Always use the proper tools and follow your home’s plumbing codes when attempting repairs. This will help reduce the risk of injuries and property damage.
4. Relying on Chemical Drain Cleaners
Often sold in liquid, gel or powder form, chemical drain cleaners are a quick, easy solution for many homeowners. They promise to break down hair, grease and food waste to clear away clogged drains. However, the chemicals they contain can actually do more harm than good.
These harsh cleaners are corrosive and can damage the internal surfaces of pipes. They can also cause chemical burns if they come into contact with your skin or eyes. Plus, the fumes they emit can irritate your nose and throat.
If you are looking for a safe, effective alternative to chemical drain cleaners, try pouring down a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. This method may take longer than a liquid drain cleaner, but it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
Another option is to use hot water and dish soap. Pouring hot, soapy water down a clogged drain helps break up grease and wash away simple blockages. If you are still struggling with a blocked drain, consider using a wire coat hanger to scrape the clog.
5. Not Using Plumber’s Tape
When working on plumbing projects, plumber’s tape is a must-have. Often referred to as Teflon tape, thread seal tape, or pipe wrap tape, this professional-strength adhesive helps to ensure a tight connection and prevent leaks. It’s available in a variety of colors to indicate which type of pipes it should be used on.
It’s important to know when and how to use this handy product. Many people misuse it by using it for connections that are not meant to be sealed. Doing so opens the door to future leaks and other issues that can be expensive to fix.
While it’s a great idea to try and fix some of your own plumbing issues, you should always trust professionals when it comes to serious problems like leaking pipes or sewage backup. Contacting a professional plumber will save you time and money in the long run by ensuring your plumbing issue is handled correctly the first time around.
6. Using the Wrong Pipe Materials
A common mistake DIYers make is using the wrong pipe materials. Different types of pipes have different characteristics, such as thickness and strength. Using the wrong ones can cause problems when installing them or even repairing them later on. For example, mixing steel and copper pipes will cause corrosion. It is also important to use the correct pipe size. Pipes that are too big can lead to water pressure issues, while those that are too small can cause clogs.
The last thing you want is to spend money on new plumbing parts because you used the wrong ones! It is important to research the issue thoroughly and consult reliable online resources or plumbing guides before diving into a DIY project.
The bottom line is that DIY plumbing can be dangerous and costly if you don’t do it properly. If you have a plumbing repair that is outside of your skill set, it is best to call a professional plumber who can help ensure the job is done correctly. Avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
7. Not Using the Right Connectors
A pipe connecting two different types of pipes needs to be a specific size. Mixing different sizes of pipes can cause leaks and corrosion. Professional plumbers know when to use dielectric unions to keep different kinds of pipes from touching each other.
Another common mistake DIYers make is overtightening pipe fittings. This can damage the threads on the fitting and strip the rubber or plastic seal.
It’s also important to realize when a plumbing problem is beyond your skillset and call in a professional. Even ignoring a small leak from a faucet or pipe can result in costlier water damage over time.
The most important thing to remember when performing DIY plumbing is to turn off the main water valve before starting any work. Many people fail to do this before attempting repairs and end up flooding their homes or causing more damage than they started with. It’s also important to recognize when a project requires a permit and hire a licensed plumber for any required work. This will ensure your plumbing is installed correctly and up to code.
8. Not Using the Right Pipe Size
Many people believe that with a little elbow grease and the right tools, there’s no plumbing problem they can’t tackle on their own. While this DIY attitude can save you money, it can also be a major headache when you mishandle a project and end up exacerbating the issue.
The first mistake you can make when attempting DIY plumbing is using the wrong pipe size. It’s important to know your pipe size so you can purchase the right parts and ensure everything fits properly. Unfortunately, determining the pipe size can be tricky. While some pipes will have the diameter marked on them, others will need to be measured. In either case, you’ll need to use a conversion chart to determine the nominal pipe size.
It’s also essential to avoid over-tightening your pipe fittings. Doing so can strip the threads and cause leaks. Instead, tighten your pipe fittings just enough to create a secure seal. This will help prevent future problems and keep your DIY plumbing projects up to code. It’s also important to check local plumbing codes before you begin any project.