Low water pressure, clogged drains, and leaky pipes are all plumbing issues homeowners face sooner or later. These issues can disrupt daily routines such as bathing, laundry, dishwashing, and preparing food. Homeowners that want to save money prefer to take the DIY route to save money.
However, without the proper expertise, you could end up damaging the plumbing system and putting yourself at risk of injury. In this blog, we’ll list 3 plumbing mistakes you should avoid at all costs!
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
Liquid drain cleaners have become the go-to products for homeowners facing a clogged drain. Just pour a few cups down the drain to send wastewater straight into the sewer. Unfortunately, these chemical cleaners negatively affect galvanized plumbing. Over time, it causes the pipes to corrode and leak.
There are other ways of clearing clogged pipes without resorting to caustic chemicals. Alternate and safe products include a plumbing auger—a manually-powered drain cleaning device similar to a drain snake. Natural products such as vinegar mixed with baking soda can be left to sit for several hours and then flushed with hot water.
Ignoring Local Laws
Anyone with basic plumbing knowledge will most likely attempt to resolve minor plumbing issues. However, each state has its own set of unique building codes that list the dos and don’ts of plumbing. Delving into the realm of unpermitted work might make it harder to sell your home or to renew your insurance.
It’s important to note that these laws were formulated to protect homes and homeowners. Carrying out plumbing repairs without the right tools or knowledge could result in costly repairs or serious physical injuries. The Plumber Magazine lists several possibilities of what could go wrong during plumbing repairs.
Forgetting to Cut the Water Supply
Almost every plumbing repair job begins by turning off the water supply. Removing a pipe or fixture before cutting off the water supply can cause water to gush out resulting in a terrible mess or a miniature house flood. For most fixtures, the shut off valve is positioned on the wall underneath. If you can’t find it, just turn it off at the water main.
While DIY plumbing videos on YouTube might make it look easy, it’s definitely not. Protect yourself and your home by calling in qualified professionals. Pro Serve Plumbing offers reliable plumbing repair services in Fort Worth, Texas. They have years of experience in the industry as well as countless repair jobs under their belt. Contact us today for more information.
