Most Common Plumbing Mistakes DIYers Make

Here’s a quote every DIYer will love: “You can fix most household plumbing repairs and even update plumbing fixtures with just a few special tools and a little elbow grease.” When you know what you’re doing, the work isn’t particularly hard or challenging. And you’ll save a ton of money in the process.

So, you’re a DIYer because you can save yourself the following:

• Money
• Time, and
• Hassle

What’s the point of waiting around for a plumber all day? In theory, the above logic works; however, in practice, it leaves a lot to be desired. After all, the reason plumbing services are in demand is down to the mistakes. Not only are they common, but they are catastrophic too. Yep, that’s the case, even if you’re a certified DIY expert.

For your information, below is a selection of the mistakes DIYers make and why you should call Duncan Plumbing in the Santa Cruz region.

Forgetting How Things Go Back Together

Unfortunately, the toilet mechanism doesn’t come with an instruction manual, not if a plumber installed it. So, taking it apart and putting back together again is tricky if there isn’t a guide. And Express Sewer points out that there’s a good chance “you might not have a reference point when it’s time to reassemble everything.”

Putting everything back the right way is essential too. If you don’t, it will lead to a leak, a flood, or a clogged drain, and that means you’ll need a professional anyway. It’s easier to save time and energy by hiring a company with the skill and experience required to reassemble your systems and solve your plumbing problems.

Even the internet won’t be able to help because plumbing systems are specific to the make and model. Attempting to follow the wrong guide will result in extra damage.

Not Turning off the Water

Much like dealing with electricity, the first thing you need to do with any plumbing DIY task is to turn off the flow. Otherwise, a “simple” job might escalate into something disastrous. It’s not an exaggeration to say that homes can suffer when a DIYer forgets to do the basics.

However, it’s not as easy as it sounds, as there’s a lot on your plate. Not only are you thinking about shutting off the H2O, but you’re also worried about:

• Loose Connections
• Faulty Fixtures
• Hot Water
• Drain Cleaning, and
• Sewer Lines

With these issues taking up space in your mental membrane, it’s common for DIYers to let the small things slip through the cracks.

Over-Tightening Connections

Logic dictates that the connections need to be tight to make sure the water doesn’t escape. Otherwise, there would be constant leaks, and you’d have to deal with water damage on a daily basis. But, what lots of DIYers fail to recognize is that they are created with that in mind; they are already watertight.

By fastening them too much, there is a host of issues that can occur as a result. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Damaged Fittings
• Broken Washers
• Stripped Pipe Threads

When this happens, the connection is useless, and you’ll need to call repair install services to fix the problem. Licensed and insured plumbers understand that the fittings need to be snug yet don’t need forcing. Apart from breaking the connection, it makes it almost impossible for anyone trying to fix the problem to loosen it.

Using the Wrong Pipes

How is this possible? A pipe is a pipe to a do-it-yourself plumber, so there isn’t a problem as long as they fit. As any certified professional will attest, pipes are made from different materials and come with a variety of features. From copper to PVC, plastic, and steel, they aren’t all made equal.

Mismatching them can lead to a host of problems that will need a local plumber to call the house and solve the issue. For example, the connection may not be watertight, and it may result in a leak. Or, the homemade filler which holds it together may not be water or erosion-proof. Once it bursts or rots away, nothing is stopping the water from flowing freely. Some materials shouldn’t be mixed in any circumstances.

As a DIYer, it’s tough to understand which connections work well and which ones are dangerous. With an expert, there is no need to worry about faulty connections.

Relying on Cleaners

A clogged drain means one thing: throw down as much cleaner as possible. Whether it’s a big clog or a small one, the bleach should break it up and make it go away. Of course, this isn’t an effective method all of the time as some blockages are too bulky. Sadly, anything over industrial-grade cleaners will add to the obstruction.

Secondly, relying on a drain cleaning product might hide a bigger problem. Sometimes, it can be a simple blockage, but it may also be a result of the following things:

• Tree Roots
• Subsidence
• Appliance Failure

All three of these need fixing ASAP. The longer they continue, the more damage they will do in the long term. Plumbers can spot the signs and come up with a quick and effective fix on the spot.

How to Get the Right Balance

As a DIYer, the last thing you want to do is to call a plumber every time there is a problem. But you don’t want to make it any worse, either. The key is to find a perfect balance. To do that, you should tackle the small stuff and leave the rest to the pros.

Do-It-Yourself Jobs:

• Running Toilet
• Leaky Faucet
• Replacing Showerhead

Ones For The Experts:

• Bathroom Remodel
• Broken Geyser
• Replacement Piping

The Takeaway

There are a few things you can take care of yourself as a DIY-lover. However, for the majority of your plumbing service needs, you should call a professional. Duncan Plumbing is a well-respected and experienced company in Santa Cruz County that is licensed and insured. So, give us a call today and find out how we can help with your household problems.

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