How to Avoid DIY Plumbing Disasters in your Home.
Many plumbing and repair projects around the house may seem easier and cheaper to do yourself. Licensed plumbers can be expensive and some problems may appear to be easy to fix, but there is a lot that can go wrong. Most plumbing problems are best handled by experts. Before you head over to the store to purchase plumbing supplies, first weigh in on the feasibility of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional plumber.
If there is an issue that you are sure that you can fix all on your own, then follow our short do’s and don’ts guide to avoiding a potential disaster.
Learn How to Turn Off the Water
If you are attempting to fix a leak or any other plumbing issue, the first step is to turn off the water from the main valve. Not doing this as a first step can lead to several problems which can end up cause twice as much damage, costing you twice as much money and ultimately lead you to call a licensed plumber.
At Trident Plumbing, we advise that you first locate your home’s primary water line which comes in from the street. Turning off the main valve will prevent flooding, which in itself is a disaster. If you live in an apartment then you will not have access to it.
Don’t Just Remove Stuff
When you are taking things like fixtures, piping, and other plumbing items apart, it is important to know how it will all be put back together. You shouldn’t start a project assuming that you’ll learn along the way as you disassemble it. If you are not familiar with how to do something, find a YouTube video, take pictures of the area before you start disassembling it and trying to do it yourself.
Use the Right Tools and Materials
If you are going to take on a DIY plumbing job, you should have the right tools. You should at least have a basic plumbing tool kit. We’ve seen many people get stuck halfway through a plumbing project because they didn’t have the right tools on hand for the job. You’ll always want to replace plumbing and fixtures with the same type or model. Even if you are replacing a pipe, make sure it is with one of the same size, type, and material. A different diameter can cause a variety of things to change, including water pressure, which could then lead to a ruptured pipe.
Don’t Look for Trouble
If you see that there is water coming out of your wall or from the ground, you might want to cut or dig to see what is causing the problem. We strongly urge you to stop However, instead, you might want to hire a Local Frisco Plumber to look into it. You shouldn’t go looking for trouble underground or behind a wall unless you’re a professional because there is a good chance that you’ll break something which becomes very expensive to fix.
Call Trident Today
The best way to avoid DIY trouble and to ensure that your plumbing is fixed correctly is to hire a licensed plumber. Call Trident Plumbing today to get a quote or to find out more about our services.