Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid
Drain cleaners can help clean clogged pipes and wash away built-up grime in urgent situations.
Plumbing challenges such as dripping faucets and leaky pipes are common in homes. Many homeowners attempt to handle such issues using DIY methods. However, when done incorrectly, these fixes can result in costly plumbing disasters.
Here are some common plumbing mistakes homeowners should avoid:
Not turning off the water
Turning off the water is the first step when undertaking plumbing projects. Nonetheless, it’s also the most forgotten step, leading to leaks and flooding that cause expensive damage.
It’s also important to remember that turning off the water at the main valve doesn’t clear the entire system. Homeowners must run taps on sinks and bathroom faucets to eliminate water trapped in the pipes.
Overtightening plumbing connections
Many people tighten their pipe connections and fittings too much to make them watertight. However, doing this puts much strain on such points and may crack plastic fittings and break rubber washers.
In addition, overtightening may strip the pipe threads, making the connection impractical. Even if the extra fastening doesn’t cause any damage, loosening such a connection in the future can be a headache and cause the pipe to break. Most materials already make a watertight seal without much effort.
Using too many drain cleaners
Drain cleaners can help clean clogged pipes and wash away built-up grime in urgent situations. However, they should not always be a first-choice solution. Overreliance exposes pipes and fittings to harsh chemicals that corrode the inner walls of pipes, causing damage and leaks.
Such chemicals are also harmful to people and pets. Homeowners can clear drains using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or a hot water flush. These are also effective but less harmful alternatives.
Using the wrong tools
Some homeowners who prefer to DIY plumbing problems often use the wrong tools. Unfortunately, this could turn a minor issue into a disaster. Wrong or incorrect handling of tools can also damage the finish of faucets and fittings.
Homeowners can avoid these mistakes by investing in the right tools or contacting a professional plumber with the expertise to address the issue.
Exerting too much pressure on stuck valves
When faucets are left unoperated for a long time, the valve knobs can get stuck. Most people try forcing the valves and breaking the stem, which causes flooding.
The easiest way to turn stuck valves is to loosen the stem nut to break contact between the valve knob and the packing seal. Once the valve turns, tighten back the stem nut to prevent leaking.
Preventing plumbing blunders
Although using some DIY methods to solve plumbing issues can help save money, the results often backfire and result in unexpected and costly damage. Homeowners can avoid these mistakes by hiring professional plumbing services.
911 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing provides quality residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, sink drains and sewers, slab leak detection and repair, and water heater repair and replacement services to Phoenix, AZ, residents at affordable prices. Contact us at 602-795-2900 for all your plumbing needs.
