We all like to think that we can fix most problems in our homes by ourselves. When they work, DIY solutions can save you a lot of money and help you feel more accomplished. Unfortunately, it's all too easy to make your problems worse if you don't know exactly what you're doing, especially when you're trying to fix something as complicated as plumbing. It's always best to call a professional plumber rather than attempt plumbing repairs on your own. If you do decide to go the DIY route, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
1. Overtightening Plumbing Connections
Plumbing connections need to be tight enough to withstand the water pressure that moves through your pipes, but they can't be too tight. Overtightening a galvanized pipe, coupling, or joint could cause it to crack. You might not crack it immediately, but the pressure from the water moving through your plumbing can cause a crack to form within a few weeks. Plumbing connections don't need to be as tight as you think. They should be tightened to hand-tight plus an additional one-and-a-half turns with a wrench. Any tighter is too tight.
2. Using Thread Tape Incorrectly
Thread tape or Teflon tape needs to be wrapped clockwise around threads to work properly. Going counterclockwise will only cause the tape to unwind from the threads when the connector is tightened. To make sure that you're using thread tape correctly, wrap the tape three times around the threads and make sure that the last wrap is facing to the left when you're screwing the pipe into the fitting. If the last wrap is facing to the right, you wrapped the tape incorrectly. You also need to use the correct tape for your situation. Thin white or thick pink thread tape is for water pipes, and yellow gas-rated tape is for gas pipes. Do not use thread tape for compression or flare fittings.
3. Relying Too Much on Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners seem to work well on clogged drains, but don't rely on them too heavily. They should be used only as a last resort. Instead of reaching for a drain cleaner, use a snake or a barbed drain cleaning tool on stubborn clogs. They are much more effective at clearing clogged drains, and they won't damage your plumbing or create a safety hazard with caustic chemicals.
4. Not Having the Correct Spare Parts
It's tempting to buy only the parts that you need for a DIY plumbing repair, but it's way too easy to end up with the wrong parts for the job when you buy them by the piece. Your faucet might need only a new washer or cartridge, but it's safer to assume that it requires more work than that. Instead of buying a spare part here or there when you need it, obtain all the parts you need to rebuild a faucet. This way, you'll have a fully functional faucet after one repair job instead of several.
5. Not Turning Off the Water
If you need to replace any pipe fittings or fix any leaks, shut off the water for your house. Way too many homeowners think they can leave their water on while quickly switching out a fitting. That's only going to cause a big mess and make your job a lot harder. If you don't know where your main water shutoff valve is, take time to find it. Make sure that you have easy access to it, and be prepared to turn off your water when necessary.
6. Trying Too Hard to Turn a Stuck Valve
Shutoff valves can seize up when they aren't used very often. If this happens to valves in your home, don't think you can just use extra muscle to force them to turn with your bare hands. If you do this, you could damage the valve or hurt yourself. Instead, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the stem nut attached to the valve knob. That should allow you to turn the knob. When you're done, tighten the knob and nut just enough so that the valve doesn't leak.
7. Sweating Pipes With Water in the Line
"Sweating" refers to heating a copper pipe with a torch and applying solder to create a water-tight seal. Pipes need to be completely dry before you can sweat them. Applying heat and solder when you still have water in the line will only cause them to leak. When you sweat a pipe, turn off the water and plug the pipe with a special tool or even a wad of white bread before you get to work.
8. Not Having the Right Tools or Fittings
Plumbers have specific tools for specific jobs, but the same cannot be said for the average homeowner. If you try to make plumbing repairs with whatever you have on hand, you'll probably damage your plumbing and make your problems worse. This also applies to replacing pipe fittings. While it seems possible to work with what you have and install a wye pipe to connect a P-trap to a vertical pipe, that will only result in leaks and possible code violations. If you aren't absolutely sure that you have the correct tools for the job, skip the DIY attempt, and call a professional plumber instead. If you still have your heart set on making repairs on your own plumbing, do your research and buy all the tools and fittings you might need for the future.
9. Not Knowing When to Call a Professional
The most important thing to remember about resolving any plumbing problems is knowing when to call a professional. DIY solutions may seem cheaper at the time, and you might even have the knowledge and equipment to make most repairs on your own, but there is only so much that you can do by yourself. If you have any doubts about your plumbing skills, hire a professional plumber. Never assume that your fixes are "good enough," either. A problem that appears to be gone or reduced to something that you think you can live with will only cause bigger headaches down the road.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Grand Rapids for Help
If you have any plumbing issues that you hesitate to fix yourself, call our team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® in Grand Rapids. We offer plumbing services of all kinds to homes in Grand Rapids, MI, and the surrounding areas, and we are available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Our prices are straightforward and easy to understand, and we regularly have specials for teachers, first responders, and senior citizens. Forbes recognized us as a top plumbing company in 2024 for our commitment to excellent service and trusted solutions for all of our customers. To learn more about our plumbing services or to schedule service for your home or business, call us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® today.
