There is a lot of buzzes recently surrounding the “do it yourself” phenomenon. And rightly so! This term refers to projects and repairs homeowners can do themselves without professional assistance. This movement is

DIY Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid

Although do-it-yourself projects may seem like the most affordable option when searching for a solution to a plumbing problem, these ventures can sometimes lead to you biting off more than you can chew. The repair project may seem manageable at first, but after a long Saturday of digging through pipes, taking multiple trips to local department stores, and searching for answers on the internet, you may find you’ve taken two steps back rather than one step forward. These setbacks can leave any homeowner with significant repair costs, tons of frustration, and a great deal of wasted time. At Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical, we believe informed customers make the wisest decisions when choosing to take on these challenges. Here is a list of common DIY plumbing mistakes to avoid.

  1. Forgetting to turn off your water:
    Let’s layout a scenario for you. You decide to start your project by removing a pipe from the problem area. Grabbing the sharpest saw you can find, you begin to cut through when you’re met by a thick, consistent spray of water that proceeds to flood your newly installed hardwood floor. You then come to the profound realization you forgot the first step: turn off the water. Seems a little too simple, right? But this situation tends to happen more than you might think. If you wish to avoid damage and living in two inches of water, remember to turn it off first.
  2. Lacking the right tools:
    Whenever starting a project, remember to take a gander in your old toolbox first. Verifying you have the right tools to accommodate a project before you begin is always necessary. Otherwise, you may be faced with a problem that needs to be solved immediately, but do not have the required equipment to fix it. Most plumbing projects will require a plumber’s wrench, basin wrench, and plumbing snake. Ensuring your equipment is appropriate is an important step before starting any project.
  3. Go easy on the drain cleaner:
    Drain cleaner can be a good idea when used in moderation when trying to fix a plumbing issue, but when used too often it can damage the pipes in your home. Before resorting to the cleaner, try simply using a plunger and drain snake if needed for particular pesky clogs. This will most likely solve the problem. But, if you’re looking for a useful substitute for your average drain cleaner, try vinegar and baking soda. Also, if you do opt for a chemical cleaner, wear equipment that will guard your hands, face, and eyes.
  4. It’s okay to ask for help:
    As we mentioned before, sometimes you may bite off more than you can chew. If this is the case, you can call us at (623) 201-5066 and set up an appointment with one of our expert technicians who can pick up where you left off or start from scratch.
company icon