Plumbing Blunders: 4 Mishaps That Can Happen Without A Professional
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Fixing your own plumbing might seem like a good idea at first. Performing a DIY plumbing job helps you save money and allows you to learn new things. However, not all DIY projects are successful. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing. There are many pitfalls that can occur when fixing broken pipes. Here are four common plumbing mistakes.
Leaving on the Water
Turning off the water before making repairs may seem like a no-brainer. Yet, failing to do so is one of the most common mistakes made by plumbing novices. If you remove a pipe while the water is still on you’ll experience a mini-flood in your home. Water can damage interior areas in a relatively short amount of time. This type of damage is expensive and time-consuming to fix. You can avoid water damage by hiring a professional who will know how to shut off the main valve.
Mixed Piping
Expert plumbers know that certain pipes go together. Many DIY plumbers do not understand the distinction between different types of piping. As such, most DIY jobs have mismatched piping that causes serious problems later. The experienced plumbers at Jim Dhamer Plumbing and Sewer, Inc. point out that just because two pipes fit doesn’t mean they go together. Knowing the right material, weight and sizing to use is crucial. If you don’t know why you can’t attach a copper pipe to one made out of galvanized metal then hire a professional.
The Wrong Fixture for the Job
Installing a new faucet in your sink may seem like a simple task. Yet, it is important to use the right type of fixture for your setup. When you install a poorly fit fixture it can create pressure pockets along the water line. These pockets build up over time and causes leaks which often go unnoticed. After some time these leaks create hidden patches of water damage. In most cases it’s more expensive to fix damage than to hire a professional plumber from the start.
Not Making a Connection
What is just as important as pairing the right types of pipe? A proper connection! If you don’t join and seal pipes correctly then you’ll have problems regardless of the piping used. Novice jobs often involve improper coupling. This is due to using the wrong connectors. The end result is much unnecessary wear and tear as well as corrosion. Skip the research or guessing! Hire a knowledgeable plumber make sure your pipes are securely joined.
Learning from Mistakes
If you’ve tried to fix plumbing problems by yourself you may be familiar with these blunders. Plumbing jobs can be complicated. It is wise to avoid experimenting with plumbing. The best choice is to employ an experienced plumber who knows how to get the job done right.
