If you own a house or use the facilities inside a similar place, you must know the importance of good plumbing. Even with the best manufacturers and the utmost care, some things in your home will need the help of a plumber. And if not an external resource, you might have to be one yourself. Whether supervising a plumber or doing the work yourself, you must know the dos and don’ts. Lucky for you, we have curated this blog to educate you on all the plumbing mistakes you must watch out for when doing or overseeing the job.
Under or Overtightening the Connections
A common plumbing mistake DIYers and rookies make is either applying too little or too much pressure when tightening connections. Usually, the latter happens more often. We equate force with security and end up turning our pipes, bolts and fittings from well-fitted to damaging. Heavily-tightened fittings can cause damage to fragile neighbour items. You might end up with an internal crack or shattered materials. It can appear during, afterwards, or weeks past the jobs. And once it does, you have to settle for redoing the whole process or replacing the damaged series with newer ones, hence causing a waste of time, effort and money.
Installing Cleanouts in Inaccessible Sites
An often neglected aspect is the position of cleanouts, valves, and pipes. We pay attention to flooring, paint job, alignment, etc. But rarely pay attention to how and where our cleanout spots are being installed. Running on blind faith that you won’t need to access them for repair or renovation is a foolish belief. One that will cause frustration for you and your plumbing team. It’s ideal to have respective mediums in places which can be reached by not only professionals but also the inhabitants if need be.
Relying too much on Drain Cleaners
Another plumbing mistake rarely considered an error is the frequent or wrong use of drain cleaners. The plumbing department relies on metals, chemicals, plastics and tools. All these respond to moisture, temperature, stress, and more. Hence, you must be mindful of the products used and how their composition will impact the subjects. Jumping headfirst into drain cleaners can cause permanent damage as it alters the nature and bonding qualities of the materials. Some issues can be remedied without using harsh cleaning products, and even with confirmed usage you need to monitor the quantity ingested by the item in question.
Using Inadequate/Wrong Tools
Planning before you pick apart the root of the problem is a vital strategy. If it’s a minor water leak, estimating that a putty can help seal it can work. But if it’s a major issue, not analyzing it carefully can cost you a lot in terms of vexation and time. To avoid this plumbing mistake, ensure that your designated plumber or tool kit has all the necessary accessories needed to not only assess but also fix the problem at hand. Using an unsuitable medium can do more harm than good. You have to select a category and then scroll through the exact size and measurement to ensure the plumbing catastrophe has the solution it deserves.
Lacking Spare Parts
On the less serious but consequential side of plumbing mistakes, we have a shortage of spare parts. When sitting down to fix a problem, you must be prepared for anything. That means a pipe can break, a bolt can bend, or a puncture can also result. Instead of expecting the resources to withstand whatever is being done, be sure to have some spare parts for whatever you work on. If damage does occur, you have a second chance at solving the issue.
Overapplying Strength
Over or underestimating the strength and pressure you apply is one of the gravest plumbing mistakes. Being precise yet gentle is a requirement of plumbing jobs. A miscalculation can cause permanent damage in force, measurement, size, and area. A slow but firm deliberate pressure can tell you how much more strength the subject can take.
Leaving the Water on
When fixing a leak or any issues which result in an irregular flow, you should turn off the water. Wasting natural resources is not advised, but moisture for some can render the solution useless. So ensure shutting off the valves before you dive into the job. Being aware of chemical combinations you are surrounded by and work with is a prominent sign of a professional plumber.
Not Acknowledging the Local Codes
Another serious figure on this list of plumbing mistakes is neglecting area codes. Before you take up a plumbing job, familiarize yourself with the requirements provided by the respective authorities. So you can walk around some plumbing disasters which might be remedied but can have slegal repercussions. Knowing and respecting the local codes of the zone you’re performing in can save you a lot of trouble.