What Are The 6 Most Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes?

Plumbing woes can be a real headache, and it's natural for homeowners to want to save money and take matters into their own hands. However, doing plumbing repairs without the required knowledge can have expensive and unpleasant results. According to the EPA, a leaky plumbing fixture in a toilet can waste around 200 gallons of water daily. 

Overlooking leaks is one of the most common mistakes that DIY enthusiasts make. In this blog, we will shed light on the six most common DIY plumbing mistakes. We will also provide information on how DIY methods can cost you lots of dollars and the significance of professional plumbing services. 

Common Plumbing Mistakes

Lacking Appropriate Plumbing Tools

Taking on a DIY plumbing job without all the necessary tools can lead to unforeseen plumbing complications. Plumbing issues, such as a leaky faucet, may appear straightforward but often involve more than just a worn cartridge or washer. In some cases, the leak may be attributed to a faulty seal or gasket, which won't be resolved by replacing only the worn washer.

If you attempt to fix the problem with incomplete parts, the plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets will likely continue to leak and may even worsen over time. Consequently, you'll end up making multiple trips to the hardware store for the missing components and spend additional time disassembling the problematic faucet. 

Also, performing a gas leak repair yourself (DIY) is not recommended for a number of reasons. Gas leaks offer a lot of safety risks, like explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning. To avoid accidents, you need the help of a professional. 

According to a reliable report by Reuters, over 2,600 leaks from hazardous gas pipelines in the United States resulted in damages and emergency service costs exceeding $4 billion. Tragically, these incidents caused 122 lives and released a significant amount of 26.6 billion cubic feet of methane or carbon dioxide fuel into the environment.

This staggering data highlights the severity of gas leaks and the critical importance of handling them professionally. DIY attempts without appropriate plumbing tools to fix gas leaks can exacerbate the problem and result in devastating outcomes for both property and human life. 

Overtightening Connections

One of the most common plumbing mistakes to avoid is over-tightening connections. While it's essential to connect pipes securely to prevent leaks, excessive tightening should be avoided. There's a misconception that tighter connections lead to better sealing, but this is not true. Overtightening puts excessive pressure on the plumbing fixtures, causing fittings and washers to develop fractures and weaken the seal. Although the consequences might not be immediate, the connections could eventually crack after a few days or weeks, leading to potential flooding. 

Using Chemical Cleaners

Numerous studies have revealed the potential dangers of using various commercial drain cleaners, as they can lead to severe burns due to their caustic chemical content, such as bleach & sulfuric acid. According to the National Library of Medicine, over 1 million burns require medical attention each year in the United States. This is why the thought of accidental burns is enough to make you stop using these chemical cleaners for your drain. Moreover, the fumes emitted by these cleaners can also cause respiratory problems, and they pose a risk of damaging home plumbing pipes and fixtures.

A safer alternative to drain cleaners is investing in a high-quality DIY plumbing snake. This tool is not only more effective in removing clogs from pipes but is also far less hazardous. For more complex clogs or numerous clogged pipes, it is advisable to seek the assistance of professional drain services. By doing so, you can have your clogs cleared out faster, easier, and with minimal risk to your health and plumbing system.

Forgetting To Turn Off The Water Supply

Turning off the water supply in your home is the initial step in 90% of most DIY plumbing projects, but it’s also an easy step to forget. The water pressure causes severe damage to your home within minutes, so finding your home's main water shut-off valve is the first and most important step. Don't take any chances by attempting repairs with the water still on, even for small tasks like replacing a valve. Leaving the water on during DIY plumbing work can lead to a catastrophe that must be avoided at all costs.

Tackling Plumbing Jobs Beyond Your Skill Level

One of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make is attempting DIY plumbing tasks that are beyond their skill level. Some individuals believe they can fix anything in their home without prior experience, while others may feel confident due to having resolved a few minor issues like leaky faucets.

However, taking on a plumbing job that you know, or even suspect, is beyond your capabilities is not a wise decision. It can lead to significant expenses, sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars in repairs. Plumbing projects can vary greatly in difficulty, and it's crucial to honestly assess your skills before diving into a DIY plumbing task.

Performing Un-permitted DIY Work

One common issue is that many homeowners lack awareness of local building codes. Undertaking unpermitted work can lead to complications in the future, especially when selling the home or updating insurance. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that building permits and codes exist to guarantee the safety of residents. 

Making unpermitted alterations to a home could potentially lead to hazardous mistakes that might remain unnoticed for extended periods of time. Homeowners who decide to take on DIY projects should always start by researching and familiarizing themselves with the relevant city and state regulations.

Why Choose A Professional Plumber

When dealing with plumbing problems at your home or business, it is important to choose a professional plumber over a DIY strategy. While it may be tempting to try to save money by doing repairs yourself, the hazards and disadvantages of this approach cannot be undervalued. Depending on the difficulty of the plumbing project, experienced plumbers in the USA typically charge between $45 and $200 per hour, according to Forbes Home. You can save this money by performing DIY approaches, but if plumbing problems are not resolved by this method, they may eventually become more serious and expensive concerns. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, DIY plumbing can be tempting for homeowners looking to save money, but it comes with significant risks. These above-mentioned common DIY plumbing mistakes can lead to costly and hazardous consequences, such as worsening leaks, potential flooding, burns from chemical cleaners, and even gas-related accidents. It is crucial to recognize the importance of professional plumbing services to ensure the well-being & safety of you and your property.

Our plumbing experts at Bethlehem offer Cannon Plumbing provide exceptional plumbing services to ensure your satisfaction. We never charge for unnecessary services and have a proven track record of success. From minor issues to major plumbing concerns, our licensed and insured plumbing team can resolve them all. Contact us today and start your plumbing journey with us!