DIY Plumbing Mistakes People Commonly Make

We have all been there – faced with a dripping faucet or a blocked drain and wondering, “I can fix this myself!”

Well, your DIY spirit is admirable. But when it comes to plumbing, DIY can every so often lead to costly blunders. In fact, you will be better off hiring plumbers Richardson, to get even minor plumbing issues fixed. Don’t believe us? Listed below are some common blunders that DIY enthusiasts often make and how you can avoid them.

The Pitfalls of DIY

Plumbing may seem straightforward. But, it is a craft that professionals spend years mastering. Here are frequent mistakes that DIYers make when tackling plumbing projects/

1- Misusing Teflon tape

Teflon is a DIYer’s best friend. But only when used right. Many people wrap it too much or counter-clockwise. Both of which lead to leaks.

Remember, always wrap clockwise and stick to two or three turns. That is usually enough!

2- Forgetting about ventilation

Not just living beings; even plumbing needs to breathe. Many DIYers overlook proper ventilation. This results in nasty odors and backed-up sewage.

If you have significant plumbing work in hand, it is best that you hire plumbers in Richardson, for the same!

3- The “hulk” approach to stuck valves

When faced with a stuck value, resist the urge to channel your inner hulk. Forcing a seized value does nothing better. It only leads to broken pipes and an awful day. Instead, try loosening the valve stem nut. Or, consider replacing the old valves before they turn into a problem for you.

4- Overtightening connections

When it comes to plumbing, tighter doesn’t mean better. If anything, it can mean stripped threads, warped washers, and even cracked fittings. Instead, hand-tighten first, then give it a half-turn using a wrench. That is usually all you need!

5- Soldering with water in the line

Well, a scenario like this is very similar to lighting a match when it is wet – a failed attempt!

Always turn off the water and drain the pipes entirely before attempting any type of soldering.

And besides, it is best to hire plumbers, Richardson, to assist with the soldering. It is not a novice person’s job. The chances of being hurt are high.

The importance of proper tools and knowledge

Using the right tools for plumbing DIYs can make all the difference. Invest in quality plumbing-specific tools if you aim to keep up with your DIYs. These include pipe wrenches, plumber’s tape, and so on.

Also, before you take any DIY project in hand, gain some knowledge of the process and everything involved. Perhaps familiarize yourself with local plumbing codes and regulations. Or, watch a handful of videos to understand the intricacies involved. The idea is to be well-prepared before the project begins!

Wrapping up

While there is a sense of satisfaction in completing DIY projects, you must recognize when a job is beyond your skill level. Complex issues like plumbing are best left to professional plumbers Richardson. They will get the work done correctly and save you money in the long run!