By AJ Danboise
Plumbing issues happen all the time. A leaky faucet or clogged toilet is stressful, especially when coming home from vacation. Although most plumbing should be handled by professionals, there are smaller repairs you can do yourself. “Do-it-yourself” plumbing can save you money if completed correctly, but serious accidents can happen when you’re not careful.
AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, a leader in plumbing services, knows firsthand the trouble that can arise from DIY projects. We get countless calls from our Michigan neighbors concerning plumbing problems exacerbated by “novice plumbers.”
There are several common mistakes that are made – and could easily be avoided. We’ve put together some helpful notes for those DIY homeowners to take stock of before attempting a repair. Remember to always contact a professional if you are unsure about your plumbing. Our 24/7 Customer Care Representatives are ready to take your call and assist in any way possible.
Below are common DIY plumbing mistakes every homeowner should avoid.
Turning off Water
- Before fixing any plumbing issue, your water must be turned off.
- Although an easy-to-forget step, having your water on while messing with pipe can spray water and create extensive damage.
- Sink shut-off valves are usually found underneath the water fixture (usually in the lower cabinet space. Other fixtures might need to be shut off at the main water valve, which is generally located in the basement or utility room.
Misuse of Tools
- Grabbing the nearest wrench and eagerly twisting away your pipe can cause serious damage.
- Plumbing is careful work, and you must know the right tools for each component.
- Each type of pipe requires a specific tool and making substitutions for tools you don’t have will damage your plumbing.
- Using the wrong tools can cause you to overtighten or strip parts, leads to bigger problems.
- Research what tools you will need for the job or contact your local professionals.
Forgetting the Design
- As you’re taking apart your plumbing, it is important to remember the location of each piece you’ve disconnected.
- Not remembering the original configuration can lead to misplaced parts, causing your plumbing to malfunction.
- Document (maybe photograph) where everything is, or place pipe markers to label a part’s location and function.
- Doing this will save hours from figuring out how to put everything back together.
Taking on Difficult Plumbing Jobs
- If you managed to fix your leaky faucet, good job!
- While it is great to know how to fix minor leaks, more invasive projects require the skills of a professional plumber.
- Many more complicated problems require a licensed technician who can comply with local housing codes.
- Taking on these projects yourself can lead to disastrous results for both your home and wallet.
- Know when to draw the line and contact your local plumbers.
DIY plumbing can be a good way to save money if the procedure is simple, but other than a common leak most problems should be overseen by an experienced plumber. If you are unsure about a plumbing concern, AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is just a phone call away! Our licensed technicians use several decades of experience to provide affordable quality to the Southeastern Michigan homeowner. Give us a call at (248) 600-5048 to schedule an appointment today!
