4 Common Plumbing Mistakes Made By DIYers
Lots of homeowners attempt to tackle plumbing problems on their own and it isn’t always such a great idea. Sure, most plumbing work isn’t too physically challenging, but if you aren’t equipped with some basic plumbing knowledge, things can quickly go south. See below for a few of the most common plumbing mistakes people make when it comes to DIY projects so that you don’t fall into the same trap:
1 – Overtightening
This is up there with the top mistakes, if it’s not the number one most common. Pipes and fittings usually don’t need all of that extra elbow grease and chances are if you’re using too much muscle, you could end up cracking whatever it is you’re working on.
If something is a bit loose, you can go ahead and tighten it up, but don’t overdo it. You’ll thank us later!
2 – Drain Cleaners
When you have a slow or backed up drain, your first move shouldn’t be to pour a bottle of chemical drain cleaner into the sink or shower. Not only can these caustic materials damage your plumbing system, they can also be detrimental to your health.
Try using a plunger or drain snake first and if that doesn’t do the trick, call in a professional.
3 – Water Supply
Before you begin any plumbing project, it’s a good idea to shut off the water to that area of the house. We’ve heard of way too many stories that resulted in flooding of a room and even water damage to the house because a homeowner forgot to turn off the water before the loosened a pipe connection or attempted to fix a broken faucet.
4 – Tools
Ever take a look inside a plumber’s truck or van? Chances are it’s filled with dozens and dozens of tools. This is because there are specific tools needed for just about every type of project and you won’t be able to get away with “winging” it.
When it comes to plumbing projects, it’s usually best to leave it to the pros and that’s where we come in!
Expert Plumbers in Minneapolis
At Hero Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to providing Twin Cities homeowners with unsurpassed plumbing services, including pipe repairs, water heater replacement, emergency service, and much more! Call us today at (612) 324-1004 to schedule an appointment.