Mistakes You Might Make As A DIY Plumber

DIY plumbing can lead to mistakes that can cost you dearly. Recognize these dangers to limit DIY plumbing and preserve your plumbing system. Below are common examples of these mistakes.

Over-Tightening Connections

Plumbing installations usually involve tightening things. For example, you may need to tighten threaded pipes or bolts to connect different parts or install fixtures. As a DIY plumber, you risk over-tightening and damaging things.

For example, some materials might break if you over-tighten them. Even if the breakage doesn't occur immediately, over-tightening weakens connections and increases damage risk. Such parts have shorter lifespans than those tightened correctly.

Using Tape Incorrectly

Leaks cause damage and waste money. Making watertight connections is one way of preventing leaks. Professional plumbers use tape on threaded connections for watertight seals.

Unfortunately, non-professionals do not always use the plumber's tape correctly. For example, you might use the wrong tape, wrap it the wrong way, or use it on the wrong fittings. In such cases, the tape might not do the job you meant.

Failing to Turn Off the Water

You should always turn off the water before working on water appliances, pipes, or fixtures. Otherwise, the water might splash and damage your house and its contents, not to mention you will be paying for wastewater. Some people forget to turn off the water, while others think they can quickly do the repair or installation, especially for jobs they underestimate.

Using Too Much Force on a Stuck Connection

Plumbing jobs involve both tightening and loosening things. For example, you must loosen a damaged fixture to replace it. Unfortunately, connections that have existed for years might be stuck and difficult to loosen. Using too much force on such connections might damage the part you want to replace and the one you wish to preserve.

Soldering Pipes With Water in Them

Soldering is a common way of connecting metal pipes, but you only get the best results from professional plumbers. For example, an amateur might not realize that soldering wet pipes or pipes with water inside them is not a good idea. The wetness interferes with the solder-metal connection, leaving pits that can later leak. Soldering works best on dry pipes.

DIY services may help you save money. However, you should not attempt them if you don't have the right tools, skills, experience, or time for them. Let the professionals handle all the issues you cannot effectively handle.

If you have a plumbing issue, reach out to a company like C & C Mechanical Plumbing & Drain Cleaning.