Stay Away From These DIY Plumbing Mistakes
The only clown any person wants to see around their house in October is someone trick-or-treating. Homeowners that clown around with trying to fix plumbing mistakes can lead to big problems.
To avoid looking like a clown, this article will cover the three common mistakes many homeowners make when trying their hand at DIY plumbing system repairs. Not only are they easy to avoid, but there are also better alternatives that work.
Spooky Drain Cleaners
Many homeowners make the mistake of immediately purchasing drain cleaners when there seems to be a clog. Drain cleaners can often cause more problems than the homeowner initially anticipated. If the liquid cleaner doesn't solve the clogging issue, there is a good chance that the trap arm will be filled with caustic, corrosive drain cleaner.The metal traps and pipes can be damaged by too much drain cleaner, which will lead to leaks. Drain cleaners also can destroy the rubber gasket in drain line couplings. This will also lead to a leak, which will cost the homeowner a lot more money.
The easiest way to take care of a sink clog is to use a snake or a drain cleaning tool. If the homeowner is confident in their skills, they can remove the P-trap and pour out the clog themselves. Or, consider having someone look at it before making any decisions.
Over-Tightening Bolt Nightmares
Another prevalent mistake DIY homeowners make is over-tightening bolts. If the bolt is cranked too tight on a pipe, coupling, elbow or tee, the fitting is at serious risk of being cracked.
What is more frightening is that the crack may not happen right away. The excessive force will build up pressure and break the fitting weeks causing a stunning flood. No one wants to see an entire valve system break!
The same can be said for tightening plastic fittings on the toilet and faucet supply tubes. A supply tube can be tightened relatively easily. Homeowners are urged to be gentle with this tightening.
Results may not be shown right away, but a water leak will burst once the pressure builds up too much. The porcelain on your toilet could also be destroyed by over-tightening.
Plumbing Tape Terrors
Many DIY homeowners make catastrophic mistakes with plumbing tape. They tend to wrap the tape counterclockwise, which is incorrect. By doing so, the tape unwinds from the thread as they tighten the fitting. The tape won't be able to seal because it won't be embedded in the threads.It is also essential to make sure that homeowners are using the proper kind of tape. PTFE thread tape, which is commonly referred to as Teflon tape, should be used in plumbing situations. Thin white or thick pink thread should be used for fittings that carry water.
When wrapping, DIYers should wrap three times around the threads. The last wrap should face to the left as they screw the pipe into the fitting. The last wrap should never be pointing to the right. If so, it will need to be redone.
About The Meridian Company
The most trusted name in-home services, The Meridian Company prides itself in connecting with their community through Lansing, East Lansing, and surrounding Ingham County. They believe in open communication and are transparent and honest with their customers.
Their team specializes in plumbing, heating, and cooling while always being committed to providing the best services that reach beyond their customers' expectations.
