Many homeowners believe that with a bit of elbow grease, a can-do attitude, and the right tools, there’s no home repair project too big to tackle. While this kind of “do it yourself” (DIY) attitude is admirable and can be the difference between spending or saving money, it can also be an overly confident person’s downfall. An untrained, inexperienced DIYer who doesn’t take the time to prepare for and research an upcoming project may end up exacerbating a problem rather than fixing it. When it comes to DIY plumbing repairs, mistakes are particularly easy to make and may end up costing someone more money than they would have spent had they simply contacted a professional.
Protect your plumbing and save money at the same time by avoiding these five common DIY plumbing mistakes. Contact our plumbing company today to schedule plumbing service!
Forgetting To Turn Off The Water
One of the most common mistakes DIYers make is forgetting to shut off their water before undertaking repairs. Water is one of the most destructive forces to a home, capable of causing widespread damage in a matter of minutes. Therefore, the first step of any plumbing repair job should be locating your home’s main water shut-off valve. Don’t risk making plumbing repairs with the water on, even if it’s something small like a quick valve replacement. Leaving your water on while working with your plumbing is sure to end badly.
Starting A Job Without The Proper Tools
We’ve all heard the saying “a person is only as good as their tools,” which is part of the reason a professional plumber makes their job look so easy. On top of having years of experience and training, a good plumber always has the right tool for the job. DIY enthusiasts, however, will often start a project and realize halfway through that they don’t have the appropriate tools. This is a frustrating inconvenience, as nobody wants to stop what they’re doing and run to the store in the middle of a big project. Never start a DIY project without checking to make sure you have all of the necessary tools first.
Over-Tightening Plumbing Connections
The number one most common DIY plumbing mistake is over-tightening plumbing connections. Cranking too hard on elbows, tees, galvanized pipes, or coupling will inevitably cause the fitting to crack. A small crack produced from excessive force may not cause problems immediately, but eventually, it will give way and cause a leak. In particular, avoid over-tightening your toilet’s closet bolts as doing so can break your toilet bowl’s porcelain and cause flooding. Tighten connections just enough to hold and no further. If you ever experience a leak or flooding, don’t hesitate to contact Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. for emergency plumbing services!
Overusing Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain line cleaners are most people’s clog-clearing tool of choice, and it’s not hard to understand why. Simply pour the chemical cleaner down the drain, and the clog disappears! While chemical drain cleaners are the most convenient option, they’re also the most damaging to your pipes. When used too often, the harsh chemicals in drain line cleaners will begin to eat away at your pipes. Try to limit chemical drain cleaners to once a year and stick with a drain snake or barbed drain cleaning tool the rest of the time.
Taking On Jobs Best Left To A Professional
There’s nothing wrong with troubleshooting small problems that pop up here and there around one’s own house. However, the moment someone realizes they are in over their head or may end up causing more harm than good by attempting a DIY fix, then it’s time to call in a professional. Plumbing problems that will always require the attention of an experienced plumber include the following.
- Burst Pipes – if you ever discover a burst pipe in your home, turn off your home’s main water supply and immediately contact our Gainesville plumbers for plumbing repairs.
- A Clogged Or Collapsed Sewer Line – the sewer line is one of the most extensive and vital plumbing pieces in any home. Therefore, if you’re ever in need of sewer line replacement, repair, or unclogging, you should leave the job to a skilled plumber.
- Water Heater Problems – a malfunctioning water heater is not only inconvenient but also a health and safety hazard, meaning it’s a problem best left to an experienced professional. The same goes for water heater leaks and ruptures.
If you ever experience any of the above problems or find yourself in over your head during a DIY plumbing job, don’t hesitate to contact our plumbers in Gainesville for assistance!