We live in the era of the internet, where we can easily learn online how to fix issues around our homes. After all, we are DIYers with time and energy on our hands. Plumbing is one area it is common to use online knowledge with the notion that we will cut costs. What you may not know is that handling such home repair problems can turn into a costly mistake. Read on to learn 5 common mistakes a DIY plumber can make.
1. Mismatched Pipes or Connections
As a DIYer, you may lack enough knowledge about the many kinds of pipes available on the market. You may also not match the materials of the existing pipes to those you want to replace. Examples of piping materials include copper, plastic, brass, and galvanized steel. This culminates in leaks and corrosion, ending up in expensive repairs in the future. Mismatched connections are usually ‘forced’ and tend to leave gaps. A DIYer will fill these gaps with silicone or tape, which eventually leads to tangled leaky pipes.
2. Wrong or Improper Use of Thread Tape
Plumbers wrap Teflon tape around threads in piping to make secure seals. As a DIYer, you can make the common mistake of wrapping this tape backward. It leads to the tape unwinding when you tighten the fitting and cannot form a secure seal since it is not embedded within the threads. Using the wrong tape defeats the purpose as well. For example, using yellow gas-rated tape for water fittings or utilizing thread tape for flare fittings.
3. Unable to Put Things Back Together
If you do not plan before embarking on a DIY plumbing repair task, you may fail to recognize the correct order of putting everything back together. Most times you are too engrossed in fixing the problem at hand that you just disassemble parts and place them down. It can be easy to take them apart, but putting them back together can cause you headaches. Note that if you’re not keen on how to reassemble the parts, you can cause damage and more costly repairs if you force them back together.
4. Overtightening Plumbing Connections
A DIYer will overtighten connections such as toilet bolts and faucet supply tubes with the mistaken belief that they need to be watertight. What this can do is crack plastic fittings, strip pipe threads, warp fittings, and break plastic or rubber washers; hence creating leaks. In the end, you will ruin the fittings, make your connections useless, and potentially cause bathroom or kitchen floods.
On the other hand, when you overtighten, you create a problem much later when seeking to replace your fitting. It can result in more damage during loosening, as the pipe can snap or be so worn down that it has to be cut when removing it.
5. Forgetting to Turn Off The Water
As simple as this may sound, forgetting to turn off your water supply before embarking on a DIY plumbing job can have serious repercussions. When you skip this step, you can expect major water damage or even a surprise swimming pool in your house. Another blunder is working on your plumbing project without draining the pipes or flushing your toilet one more time.
A Professional Plumber Will Take Care of Your Plumbing Issues
It is tempting to handle a plumbing job all by yourself. However, the above and more mishaps should get you thinking otherwise. Though it may look straightforward as the internet may make you believe, one single mistake will erase any savings you would have made. Steer clear of this by getting professional help. Contact us today at (985) 876-6187 to avoid causing unnecessary issues from DIY plumbing repairs.