If you are brave enough to tackle a plumbing problem in your home then you need to make sure you give yourself the best possible chance of success. You also need to remember that there is a reason why professional plumbers undergo training for the role. There is a massive difference between attempting a DIY repair job on a dripping tap and trying to plumb in a new toilet. There are many small plumbing jobs which you can probably handle quite easily, but you really should leave bigger jobs to the experts.
If you do decide to undertake some DIY plumbing in your home, there are certain common mistakes that you should avoid if you want the job to go well. Let’s take a look at some of the pitfalls you need to be aware of.
Always remember to switch off the water
This may sound really obvious, but you would be surprised at how often people start plumbing work having forgotten to switch off the water beforehand. You need to locate the main shut-off valve for the water supply to your home, or the shut-off valve for the area where you are working. The valve needs to be switched so that there is no water flowing to the area. If you forget to do this you are going to be faced with a potential flood of water.
Do not use an excessive amount of drain cleaner
If you have a blockage in the drains of your home it’s always a good idea to use mechanical means of clearing it, such as a plunger or a plumbing snake. If you do decide to use any chemical drain cleaner you should do so only sparingly; too much drain cleaner can cause pipes to corrode.
Try not to overtighten
If you are connecting a pipe to a fitting you obviously need to make sure that it’s fitted securely, but you have to be careful not to overtighten. If you do tighten too much you risk damaging the threads and fittings can actually split. You could end up causing yourself extra problems.
Make sure you use the right materials
Remember that you need to match the material of the pipes in your home. If you are thinking of swapping any of the pipes you need to make sure that you choose a material which is suitable. For instance, many PVC pipes are not suitable for carrying very hot water.
Pay attention when you take things apart
Taking things apart is generally the easiest part of a plumbing job, but it’s important that you do not rush and that you pay attention to where all of the parts go. If you rush and do not pay attention then there is a good possibility that you will not be able to put things back together again once you have resolved the problem.
Hopefully, we have given you some idea of how you can avoid some of the common mistakes made during DIY plumbing jobs. If you are now wary of attempting plumbing on your own, or if you have been unsuccessful in your plumbing venture, then it’s a good idea to hire a Sydney plumber to help. A trained professional will make your that your plumbing issues are dealt with effectively and efficiently.
All Images From Balwyn House by Fiona Lynch Design Studio
