Unlike a gas leak, which is quite a hazardous problem, a leaking pipe is a mere annoyance that can be repaired easily.
DIY plumbing isn’t challenging if you know your way with plumbing fixtures and tools. You can also contact a good plumber Sydney and learn the hacks while they’re working before stepping into the DIY realm.
But why wait for a water leak to happen to learn the know-how of plumbing?
Read this article to learn a few mistakes that DIY plumbers make unknowingly when they get started.
Overtightening connections.
Many think that overtightening supply tubes, bolts, pipes and fittings save the trouble of them coming loose, which is incorrect—cranking any spare part or tight connections increases the risk of them breaking apart.
Wrap Teflon tape clockwise.
Yes, you read that right. Teflon tape needs to be wrapped clockwise and not the other way around. Wrapping Teflon tape anti-clockwise hinders its effectiveness as it unwinds while fitting.
So, ensure you tape it correctly to seal cracks and holes during fittings.
Drain cleaners are your friend.
Drain cleaners are the simplest way to eliminate clogs in your bath or kitchen sinks. Using a liquid drain clean might seem convenient and time-saving, but it’s not.
Instead, it makes the blockage highly caustic and corrosive.
Moreover, if used more than recommended can cause your metal pipes to corrode, causing leaks.
Well, a liquid drain cleaner doesn’t look so appealing now, does it?
Spare parts are a ‘must’.
It’s crucial to understand that DIY plumbing is not a hobby that people cultivate. When you call a plumber or do it yourself, the fundamentals of this subject won’t change. That said, fixing plumbing issues without proper spare parts is more inviting to handsome bills than savings.
Many try to make do with what’s left of the cartridge, washer or the O-rings to save on costs as much as possible. Temporary fixes are no fix; instead, they further aggravate the problem.
Invest in plumbing tools and don’t try to cut on expenses when you buy spare parts.
For instance, if you’re looking to repair your faucet and notice the wear and tear of the washer and cartridge. Then, don’t just use a washer or cartridge because chances are that you’ll need to replace the stem seal, O-rings and the gasket.
Else, you’ll end up with a leaky faucet again.
Turn the water off.
Trying to swap a new valve without turning off the water is neither a good idea nor has it turned out well.
After all, attaching a new valve with the water running is even more challenging for the best plumber Sydney. So, instead of wasting litres of water for a doomed attempt, turn off the main water supply and change the valve.
Muscles don’t fit in DIY plumbing.
Shut-off valves of the toilet and sink become difficult to turn as they get stuck if not used for a long while. So, if you cannot turn the knob, don’t think that muscle strength will do the job. It won’t; instead, it might break the knob.
To unlock a seized valve, use an adjustable wrench for the task. The grip will come undone in a few minutes without any damage. Moreover, ensure that you stem the nut when you’re done or it may lead to a lousy leak later.
Summing up.
DIY might seem a bit confusing if you’re starting. However, once you’ve gotten hold of the basics, you’ll be able to do a decent job.
Just take care of the above pointers while you work to minimize damages. And if the problem seems too complicated, then instead of relying on an internet guide, contact a plumber immediately. This will save you from future troubles and lengthy plumbing bills.
