Why You Should Stay Away From Plumbing DIYs
People love a good do-it-yourself (DIY) project because it makes us feel accomplished. It is great to be resourceful and educate yourself on the art of home improvement, however, there are a few specialties that we should leave to the experts. Plumbing often falls into that category of DIYs that you should steer clear from, mostly because they can go very wrong, very quickly.
Although it’s pretty safe to attempt to use a plunger from time to time, other more intricate plumbing projects do deserve the attention of an experienced plumber.
Plumbing DIYs Gone Wrong
Plumbers have seen it all, and are often called in when it’s too late and an emergency has already occurred. What are some of the most common mistakes people make when attempting plumbing projects themselves?
- Forgetting to turn off the water – It’s a funny one, but probably the most common mistake plumbers see is people forgetting the shut-off valve.
- Overtightening – This can lead to cracked pipes, valves, and appliances.
- Using drain cleaners – This seems like an easy fix, but drain cleaners can cause the breakdown of plumbing parts (specifically rubber ones) and corrode pipes
- Using the wrong tools – There are a lot of tools involved in plumbing, and the average person doesn’t own many of them. When starting a plumbing project it’s important to make sure you have the proper equipment.
Types of plumbing DIYs to avoid
If you are considering attempting a plumbing project certain ones should definitely be avoided.
Broken toilet
Installing a new toilet or fixing a leaky one is a somewhat involved process that requires knowledge about plumbing. Mistakes in this area can lead to further damage or complications.
Frozen pipes
People often think that the fix for frozen pipes is to apply heat which can go terribly wrong most of the time.
Appliance Installation
Everything from a new water heater, to a new dishwasher, can have a lot more involvement than you might think. These projects aren’t simply a matter of unhooking the old and swapping in the new.
Dealing with gas lines
When dealing with gas lines, it is critical to enlist the help of a professional to avoid gas leaks, excessive gas inhalation, and explosions.
Low water pressure
The cause of poor water pressure often involves a more complicated kitchen or bathroom plumbing issue that would require a professional’s help.
Call Stephens Plumbing Experts for Your Plumbing Needs
When it comes to your desire for DIY, perhaps consider refinishing a piece of furniture rather than upgrading a pipe. If you have a plumbing project, be sure to reach out to us today to schedule an appointment to assess the situation.