A proud homeowner will often try their hand at home improvement. however, most complex jobs like plumbing repairs are best left to the pros.
If you’re not sure exactly what you’re doing, you’re more prone to making critical plumbing mistakes and causing more harm than good. To avoid costly mishaps around the house, keep these common plumbing mistakes in mind.
Overtightening connections
Overtightening the connections may be the most common DIY plumbing mistake. Most people know the connections between pipes need to be watertight, but you don’t want to overdo it.
Many homeowners believe that tighter connections make better seals, but this isn’t the case. Overtightening puts excessive force on the fixtures causing fittings and washers to crack over time and weaken the seal. It may not happen right away, but the connections can crack some days or weeks later and cause flooding. A good rule of thumb is to keep those connections snug but refrain from pushing past that point.
Using drain cleaner as a first resort
When encountering a blocked drain, many homeowners turn to drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners may work for minor clogs, but overusing them can harm your pipes in the long run. The same chemicals that break up blockages can also corrode the pipe material and make them prone to leaking. Drain cleaners can also be quite hazardous if used incorrectly. Err on the side of caution and refrain from using them altogether.
Try using a plumber’s snake to reach down the drain and dislodge the block. If all else fails, give a local plumber in Winnipeg a call. Professional plumbers are well-equipped and can easily remove the drain p-trap and pour out the material causing the blockage.
Using the wrong tools for the job
DIY methods used to deal with plumbing emergencies often lead to problems if you don’t have the right tools. When plumbers do the job, they make it look easy because they have the necessary equipment to handle a given problem.
Many of plumbing problems are worsened when homeowners don’t have the right tools for the job. For instance, trying to remove galvanized pipe nipples with ordinary pipe wrenches can break the pipe. Using inappropriate tools can also damage your fixtures, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of leaks. Rather than using basic tools, consider investing in internal pipe wrenches which can be found in your local hardware store. Or call in your favourite Winnipeg plumbers, who are equipped for all plumbing repairs.
Using thread tape wrong
Teflon tape (also known as PTFE tape) wraps around threads in your piping to help create a more secure seal. However, some DIY plumbers have made the mistake of taping backwards so that the tape unwinds when tightening the fitting. This defeats the purpose of wrapping as the tape can’t form a secure seal.
A quick tip is to wrap the tape around the fixture’s threads 3 times. When screwing the fixture into place, the final wrap should be facing left. If the wrap is instead facing your right-hand side, unwrap the fitting and start over.
Forgetting to turn off the water first
One common mistake when starting a project is neglecting to turn off the water. Forgetting this important step, water may flood the room and cause severe damage to the surrounding area. Every moment wasted looking for the right valve can compound the problem further.
Shut off your water at the local shutoff valve first or at the water main to avoid costly damage to your home. Take note that shutting off the water at the source still leaves water in the pipeline. Run your faucets for a few seconds to clear the water and drain the pipes.
Connecting galvanized and copper pipes
Another common DIY plumbing mistake is thinking all pipes are compatible, leading them to connect their galvanized pipes to the copper ones. The zinc in galvanized pipes reacts negatively to copper, causing a chemical reaction that corrodes the joint.
Fortunately, it is possible to connect galvanized and copper pipes with a specialized piece called a dielectric union. This is a special joint that uses a plastic sleeve and rubber washer to keep the copper and galvanized piping from actual contact.
Sloping floors incorrectly
For those very handy with tools, it might be tempting to do major renovations, like sloping the shower floor, yourself. It’s critical your floor has the correct grade. Even with technological advances, plumbing still relies on gravity to do much of the work, like directing water to the drain properly. Shower stalls with tile floors need a properly sloped floor to ensure that water flows toward the drain instead of pooling and seeping into the grout. A typical shower floor slopes at a 4° angle, dropping ½ inch every 12 inches from the shower wall to the drain.
While DIYers may assume that higher slopes mean better drainage, it isn’t so. What this does is allow liquids to move faster and solids slower. Solid residue can get left behind and stain the tiles. For efficient drainage, entrust this one to professional plumbers in Winnipeg instead.
Performing unpermitted work
One task Legacy Mechanical plumbing services can do for you is handling the permits. You’ll need the right permits before making serious additions or adjustments to your plumbing. When doing your own work, you need to apply for a building permit to avoid fines and prevent future damage. Permits will also allow you to avail of insurance to cover any future damage. A permit may cost more upfront but think of it as an investment to protect your home later on.
When it comes to plumbing issues around the house, it’s often best to leave the work to the pros. Legacy Mechanical Services offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to Winnipeg and the surrounding area to help you whenever an emergency strikes. We’re here to offer effective solutions to common plumbing problems to help save your home and ease your mind. Give us a call now at (204) 452-9424 for prompt, professional plumbing help in Winnipeg.