When you’re faced with a slow draining sink or a running toilet, it’s natural to attempt a quick fix. In many cases, a DIY approach can work, and it’s a good idea to build a skill set that can help you around the home. But, in some cases, it’s better to leave it to the professionals, and this is especially true when it comes to plumbing problems. In this article, we will take a look at three common plumbing mistakes that you want to avoid.
When you have a clogged drain, you’re looking for an easy fix, and a liquid drain cleaner may seem like the best option. This is not true; chemical drain cleaners contain caustic and toxic chemicals that can harm you and your plumbing pipes. A simple look at the ingredients will confirm this, you can find all kinds of warnings on the label, and they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. If something can cause a chemical burn on your skin, there’s a good chance it will burn your pipes too. For this reason, a local professional plumber will always prefer a manual removal method. When you have a clogged drain, try shifting it with a cup plunger. If that doesn’t work, pour a cup of baking soda in the drain and follow up with a cup of vinegar. This will create a gentle chemical reaction to melt the clog safely. Leave the mixture in the drain for 10 minutes and flush it with hot (not boiling) water. If the clog persists, contact your plumber, there may be an underlying issue to fix.
2. Not Using the Shut-off Valve
If you are changing a washer in a faucet or trying to fix a leaky toilet, you need to shut-off the water first. This may seem really obvious, but you may be surprised at the number of people that don’t take this simple precaution. If you have some kind of mishap when you're attempting a DIY repair on your plumbing, it can cause localized flooding. Water damage can occur quickly, and it’s very expensive to fix. Locate your shut-off valve and make sure the water is turned off before you begin any plumbing work.
3. Not Getting Permits
Many homeowners want to update their plumbing system or remodel a bathroom to increase the resale value of their home. This is a good idea, but a DIY upgrade can be fraught with danger if you undertake this work without the proper permits. In fact, you could even lower the resale value because major work may be needed to correct the problems. In most cases, it’s a better idea to consult a local professional plumber in the early planning stages. They can offer good advice on the permits that you need and help you to get them before starting the project.
If you’re considering some major or minor plumbing work for your home, contact your local professional plumber for expert help and advice today.