DIY Plumbing Repair Techniques to Avoid at All Costs
August 22, 2023
Having a running plumbing system is no accident. Just like other aspects of the home, owners will need to put time and money into their plumbing to keep it running smoothly. As frustrating as it might be, there will be times when the plumbing system in your residence will need some repair and maintenance.
Performing DIY repairs on this part of a home is not easy and will have to be done with care. Here are some of the DIY plumbing techniques you will need to avoid when trying to garner the right results from this process.
Excessive Use of Drain Cleaners
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to dealing with a clogged drain is using chemicals over and over again. While these chemicals can be used to free a bad clog, they should be used sparingly.
Using them too much will end up causing more harm than good. These chemicals can cause the good bacteria in your sewer system to die off making it very hard for the system to break down solids. The inability to break down the waste coming from your home will cause your septic tank to clog up. The harsh chemicals are also disruptive to your pipes and will cause erosion.
Lack of Proper Preparation
If you are going to tackle a DIY plumbing repair job, you will have to take the time to properly prepare. When working on pipes, be sure to drain off the water before removing them. You will also need to find out where the water cut off is in your home. By cutting off the water supply to the plumbing elements you are working on, you can reduce the chance of flooding. Before starting, you should try to figure out what type of tools will be needed to do the job.
Generally, a pipe wrench is a must with any type of plumbing repair you perform. Starting work on a repair without all of the required tools and parts will add frustration and cost to your project.
Patching Pipes Rather Than Replacing
Another very common mistake that is made during the DIY plumbing repair process is attempting to patch leaking pipes. While there are a number of products on the market that can be effective when trying to stop a pipe leak, they are usually just a temporary solution to the problem.
The best way to address this type of plumbing repair issue is by replacing the pipe altogether. While it may cost you a bit more money, it will pay off in the long run. When trying to get the right replacement pipe, take the old one to the hardware store with you. This will allow the professionals who work there to get you an exact match with ease.
Not Seeking Help
If you feel like replacing the pipe is a bit above your abilities, then you may want to reach out to a plumber in your area for help. Replacing a pipe is tough and very time-consuming so don’t feel bad if you can’t! There are plenty of other DIY repairs you can make in your home. If you do decide to hire someone to help, be very careful! The cheapest isn’t always the best. Make sure the plumber you hire is certified, and insured, and offers a 100% workmanship guarantee. There are a lot of people out there who will advertise an extremely low price with no guarantees; leaving you in the same situation not long after it’s been “fixed.”
By avoiding these common DIY mistakes, you will be able to keep your plumbing system in good shape with ease.
Actionable Steps:
- Excessive use of drain cleaner chemicals can create a lot of additional issues
- Preparing for the job beforehand helps to eliminate the risk of more problems
- Replace leaking pipes for a permanent fix
- Give Hamilton Plumbing Heating A/C Rooter a call when in need of some professional guidance with your plumbing repairs, our 100% Peace of Mind Guarantee will save you time and money