We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a DIY plumbing project and must fix a plumbing problem. But as you’re working, something goes wrong. You’ve ended up with clogged pipes or backed-up toilets, and your DIY project has become a nightmare.
You could call a professional plumber in Salt Lake City, but that would be expensive, right? Plus, they’d probably just tell you what you did wrong anyway… so why not learn how to fix diy plumbing mistakes and make sure they don’t happen again?
In this article, plumbing experts Mr. Expert Plumbing has put together a list of common plumbing mistakes that DIYers make—and how to avoid them so you can enjoy your next DIY project without worrying about clogged pipes or backed-up toilets!
Plumbing Pro Tips: Mistakes to Avoid
Plumbing is not a job for the faint of heart. In fact, even if you’re a DIYer and have enough confidence to tackle just about anything, plumbing is probably not for you.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself. It just means you need to be careful and follow some basic rules.
Here are a few tips for you to avoid common plumbing mistakes, so check them out below!
Using the wrong tools and materials
Using the wrong tools is one of the most common mistakes DIYers make when plumbing. You don’t need to buy a whole new set of tools just for plumbing repair, but you do need to make sure that you have some basic supplies on hand—pipe wrenches, pliers, adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers (both flathead and Phillips), needle nose pliers, and Allen keys. If you don’t already have these things in your toolbox, it’s time to add them!
Overtightening connections
Over-tightening connections can cause leaks in your plumbing system because it makes the joints between pipes too tight. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a wrench or a wrench socket attachment instead of an adjustable wrench when tightening joints between pipes in a plumbing project.
Ignoring local plumbing codes
If you’re working with a professional plumber, they’ll tell you about local plumbing codes and how they affect your project. But if you’re going at it alone? You might not know what those codes are—and this may lead to some serious issues down the line. If you want to avoid running afoul of local authorities and potential lawsuits due to improper plumbing work, ensure you know exactly what code requirements apply to your project before starting work on it.
Incorrect pipe sizing
If you’re installing new pipes in an existing structure, it’s important to ensure that their size matches up with the rest of the system—or else things won’t work properly. This can be a big problem if your pipes are too small or too big for the job they need to do—or if they aren’t compatible with the other pipes in your home.
Improper pipe support
If you’re doing any type of plumbing work, you need to ensure that your pipes are properly supported so they don’t fall down and break things. You can buy pipe supports at any hardware store or online, and they’re fairly cheap, so there’s no excuse not to use them!
Incorrect slope
The slope of your drains and pipes should be about 1/4″ per foot (1/2″ for every 12″). If your drain has too steep of a slope, it could cause water to back up into your house instead of letting it flow out smoothly. This can lead to flooding and other problems!
Failing to shut off the water
Shutting off the water is the most crucial part of any plumbing job—but it’s also one of the most typical mistakes made by many DIYers. If not addressed immediately, this mistake can lead to disaster, so double-check before you start working!
Inadequate sealing
If you don’t seal your pipes properly, leaks will happen—and they’ll probably happen at night when no one is around to hear them. Make sure you use plenty of pipe sealants and replace damaged parts before finalizing your project.
Not using a plumbing vent
Plumbing vents are a necessary part of any plumbing system. They allow air to enter the system, which prevents your pipes from bursting. Without them, your pipes will eventually crack and leak water everywhere.
Reusing old washers
When your washer breaks down, it’s tempting just to put in another one and be done with it. But if you do this, you’ll just end up with another broken washer in no time! Instead of reusing old parts, replace everything when something goes wrong so that your new parts last longer than the old ones.
Forgetting to turn off the water heater
It’s a simple mistake, but it can be a costly one. If you’re going to be working on your how-to DIY plumbing project, it’s important to remember that turning off the water heater is always step number one. If you don’t do this, there’s a chance that you’ll open up a pipe and have hot water spill everywhere—and no one wants that.
Mixing up hot and cold water connections
If you’re going to be doing any work around your toilet or sink, it’s essential that you know which is hot and which is cold before you start disconnecting any hoses or pipes. This is because if you don’t get those connections right, then there’s a chance that you’ll end up with some very angry plumbing indeed!
Not using a pressure regulator
This is one of the easiest things you can do wrong when working on your own pipes. Pressure regulators lower water pressure by controlling how much water flows through them. When they’re not used correctly or installed correctly, they can cause severe harm to your home.
Overloading garbage disposals
Garbage disposals are designed to grind food waste quickly and efficiently so it doesn’t clog up drains and cause damage as it goes through your system. That being said, they’re not made to handle large amounts of food waste at once—if you overload yours by throwing too much into it at once (or if something gets jammed), it can cause major clogs in your system that will require professional any hour plumbing Salt lake city help.
Using too much drain cleaner
Drain cleaners are designed to unblock drains, but they should never be utilized as a replacement for regular maintenance. If you use too much drain cleaner, you could damage your pipes or even cause an explosion! It’s better to call a professional plumber to clear out any blockages than risk damaging your home or yourself!
Incorrect toilet installation
It’s tempting to save money by installing your own toilet—but there’s a big difference between simply putting a new toilet in place and installing it correctly. The easiest way to tell if your toilet is installed correctly is by checking that the water level in the bowl stays at or below the rim of the bowl (if it doesn’t, you may have an issue with your fill valve). You should also check for leaks around the base of your new toilet and under the tank lid.
Neglecting to insulate pipes in cold climates
When temperatures drop below freezing in your area (or even if they don’t), insulated pipes become more important than ever. Insulation helps keep water flowing smoothly through your home’s plumbing system so everything works as it should. Without insulation, water can freeze in your pipes and cause severe damage.
DIYing complex plumbing repairs without proper knowledge
This one may seem obvious—but it’s worth repeating! If you don’t know what you’re doing, then don’t try it yourself! Even if you’re confident in your DIYer abilities, some things are better left for professionals (like any job involving electrical work). If you’re unsure whether something needs professional attention, consult an expert before attempting any plumbing repairs or replacement projects on your home.
Not checking for leaks after completing repairs or installations
This one is a biggie! After replacing or repairing a pipe or fixture, it’s important to check for leaks by turning on the water and listening for running water in places where it shouldn’t be running—like under your sink or toilet tank lid! If you don’t catch the leak before it causes serious damage, it could cost thousands of dollars in repairs down the line.
Ignoring warning signs
If a pipe freezes or bursts, it can cause serious damage to your home and property—and put you out of commission until repairs are made. To prevent this type of disaster from happening, keep an eye out for any signs that something’s wrong with your pipes: discoloration or bulging walls, sounds like gurgling or hissing noises coming from pipes in walls or floors near sinks or toilets (that sound is usually associated with low water pressure), or even bad smells coming from drains.
Incorrectly installing or using plumbing fixtures without proper waterproofing
If you’re a DIYer, it’s easy to make this mistake. You might think that you know how to install a fixture again because you’ve installed a fixture properly before. But many factors go into the installation process that can vary depending on where your home is located and what kind of plumbing system you have. If you don’t know those factors, you might be setting yourself up for failure.
Using excessive force
We see many DIYers doing this when they’re trying to remove clogs in their drains or toilets. They use too much force and end up causing damage to the pipes themselves—or even worse, they break the fixture they’re trying to fix! It’s important to remember that even though your goal may be to get things done quickly or cheaply, rushing through an installation process or using too much force will likely lead to bigger problems down the road. You’ll save yourself some time and money if you take your time when working on any type of home repair project (and who doesn’t want that?).
Failing to secure pipe joints properly
A leaky faucet can be annoying, but a leaky joint in your water system can cause serious damage to your home. Make sure you use all the necessary tools, like pipe tape and connectors, before connecting pipes together.
Flushing inappropriate items down toilets
Don’t flush down anything that’s not supposed to go down there! This includes paper towels, cotton swabs, or feminine hygiene products. These all expand in water and can clog up your pipes if disposed of improperly.
Using the wrong type of drain cleaner
Drain cleaners are designed for specific types of drains—you don’t want to use a toilet bowl cleaner in your sink drain because it will damage the metal inside your pipes!
Neglecting to clean or maintain plumbing fixtures
Many people don’t realize their pipes need regular maintenance, just like their cars. If you’ve neglected flushing systems for too long, mold can grow in them, eventually leading to clogs and other issues down the road (like damaged floors). Make sure you brush off your faucets every week or so and give your toilets a good scrubbing once every month or two. You’ll thank yourself later.
Mixing incompatible chemicals or cleaners
This is another one we’ve all heard before, but sometimes it’s hard to remember. Mixing chemicals or cleaners is never a good idea—you need to read the labels carefully before using any product around plumbing fixtures! And remember: if you have iron pipes with galvanized fittings, you’ll need special products made specifically for those materials.
Using the wrong type of pipe for specific applications
Plumbing pipes come in a variety of materials, including copper, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and more. It’s important to know which type of pipe is best suited for each job so you don’t waste money on materials you’ll never use again or end up with problems down the road because your pipes aren’t strong enough to handle their current load.
Failing to address small leaks promptly
Small leaks can cause big problems over time if left unattended—and they can lead to much larger issues down the road! If you’ve got any kind of leak in your home, get it taken care of right away so it doesn’t lead to bigger problems later on down the road (like flooding).
Skipping regular inspections and maintenance
You might think this is an unnecessary step for your home, but the truth is that inspections and maintenance are essential for your home’s plumbing system. They can help you catch problems before they become major issues and save you money in the long run by helping you avoid expensive repairs. You’ll also get peace of mind knowing that everything is working properly in your home—and that means less stress!
FAQs
As a homeowner, you know that there are many things in life that can be frustrating. And when it comes to plumbing, there’s nothing more frustrating than having to deal with problems at an inconvenient time. What if your toilet overflows at night? Or the sink starts leaking? What if there’s an emergency and your garbage disposal stops working?
Don’t worry. We’ve compiled the most common questions that DIY-ers have and put them in one place so that you can find the answers right away.
How do I fix a leaky faucet?
Do you know that annoying drip that keeps you up at night? It’s probably your faucet. You can fix it by replacing the washer. If you don’t have one lying around, you can pick one up at any hardware store!
My sink is clogged and overflowing. What do I do?
The first thing to do is turn off the water supply to your sink. Then, use a plunger to unclog it and flush out any debris that’s causing the issue. If that doesn’t work, try pouring hot water down the drain—that should soften up whatever is blocking it. You can also try using an auger or snake if neither of those works!
What plumbing torch DIY enthusiast need?
A plumbing torch is a type of soldering iron that uses a propane-based fuel to generate heat. It’s used for heating and cooling, which comes in handy when working with pipes. The temperature can be adjusted to suit the task at hand, so it’s an ideal tool for plumbing projects.
How do you fix tree roots blocking plumbing DIY?
Tree roots are one of the most common problems plumbers see, but they’re also one of the easiest to fix. Tree roots are usually found in older homes, where they grow into the pipes and clog them up. If you find yourself with a clog in your pipes that won’t go away no matter what you try, call us today at (801) 509-6906!
How do I finish a basement plumbing?
When you’re finished with your basement plumbing, it’s important that you check for leaks! A leaky pipe in your basement can cause all kinds of problems—from mildew and mold growth to flooding—so it’s definitely worth checking before calling yourself done.
How do I know if I need a plumber?
You need a plumber if your sink or toilet won’t stop running; if there’s water leaking from one of your pipes; if you have hot water issues (like scalding); if you have no water in any sink or shower; or if any element of your plumbing system has broken down (like a pipe).
How much should I pay for a plumber?
This is a tough question because the answer depends on many factors: what kind of plumbing problem you’re having, how long it’s been going on, and do you wish to wait until the problem gets worse. We suggest getting an estimate from your plumber in Salt Lake City before they start working—that way, if it ends up being more than you were hoping for, you can decide whether it’s worth it.
Hire Professionals For The Best Plumbing Services In Salt Lake City!
Are you looking for a backflow testing service in Salt Lake City? If so, you’ve come to the right place! A backflow prevention device is a tool that helps prevent contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s water supply.
Backflow prevention devices are mandatory for certain homes in Salt Lake City, as they are important for safeguarding your family’s health. However, they require regular maintenance and testing to ensure they’re still operating properly.
If you’re looking for a reputable backflow testing service in Salt Lake City, call Mr. Expert Plumbing Professionals!
At Mr. Expert Plumbing Professionals, we are dedicated to providing the best plumbing services in Salt Lake City. We have been in business for over 10 years, and our team of experts is ready to help you with any issue you might have.
We provide the most comprehensive plumbing services in Salt Lake City, and we do it with unmatched professionalism and expertise. Our team of highly-trained, experienced, and Professional Plumbers in Salt Lake City will ensure you receive the best plumbing services at a cost-effective price.
If you need any plumbing services in Salt Lake City, we can help! Some of the most common services we offer include:
– Backflow Testing in Salt Lake City
– Water Heater Repair and Installation
– Faucet Repair or Replacement
– Toilet Repair and Installation
– Sump Pump Repair or Replacement
– Drain Cleaning
– Garbage Disposal Installation
– Sewer Line Repair
– Gas Line Repair
– Repiping Solutions
– Bathroom Remodels
– 24*7 Emergency Plumbing
– Plumbing Repair, and much more!
Our friendly customer service representatives are available 24/7, so if you ever need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to reach out! Call us today at (801) 560-8207!
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