Many small issues around the home can be solved with quick fixes. However, there are a number of common DIY plumbing mistakes that homeowners make.
Here are some of the top plumbing mistakes that you should avoid:
Using Chemical Drain Unblocker
The first thing most people do to unclog their drain is head to the shop and pick up some chemical drain cleaner. While this will temporarily clear your pipes, the highly toxic chemicals can cause substantial damage to both the environment and your drainage system.
It is much easier and better for your pipes to use a drain snake, drain cleaning tool or plunger. Alternatively, you can use a natural cleaning solution of vinegar and baking soda.
Not Turning Off The Water Mains
This might seem like a simple one, but more often than not, people forget to turn off the water mains before starting a plumbing job. This leads to a nasty spray of water and a big mess to clean up. You can find the shut-off valve for most fixtures on the wall beneath the fixture. If you can’t find the interior shut-off valve, shut off the water from the outside.
Over-Tightening Pipe Connections
Over tightening plumbing fittings, whether plastic, brass, copper, or iron can cause serious problems. Over tightening a plastic waste fitting can cause the nut to slip and over tightening on an iron thread can cause the fitting to split. Unfortunately, both scenarios will cause a leak and damage the pipe or fitting completely.
Not Replacing The Chemical Inhibitor After Draining A Heating System
You are supposed to drain your heating systems once a year to ensure that they continue to run efficiently. However, one of the mistakes a lot of people make is not replacing the radiator inhibitor once the system has been drained.
Over time, radiator sludge builds up in your central heating system which stops the water running through your system properly, putting strain on your boiler and causing your radiators to not heat up efficiently. The chemicals in the radiator inhibitor break down the sludge in your central heating system and protect it from building up again.
Connecting Mis-Matched Pipes
Unfortunately, galvanised steel and copper pipes can’t be joined without a special fitting called a “dielectric union”. If you’ve connected a steel and galvanised pipe without it, the materials will start to corrode and you will inevitably end up with leaks in your pipework.
Always ensure that you use a correct fitting when joining mismatching pipes, or contact a professional for guidance.
What To Do If This Happens To You?
Don’t worry! If your DIY plumbing backfires, all you need to do is call a qualified plumber you can trust. We are qualified and happy to evaluate any issues to fix your plumbing.
Click here to request a quote.
