DIY plumbing projects can be a great way to save money and tackle small repairs around the house. However, as a DIYer, it’s important to know what you’re doing to avoid making costly mistakes. A lot of homeowners in Toronto embark on DIY plumbing projects with good intentions, but end up running into several hiccups along the way.

For a few lucky homeowners, the issues they encounter during DIY plumbing projects are minor and easy to fix, but for many others, these mistakes could be very costly. To save yourself from falling into the latter category, here are a few common plumbing mistakes that DIYers make that you should avoid when tackling your next project.

1. Not turning off the water supply

Before starting any plumbing project, it’s important to turn off the water supply. Failure to do so can result in a flood, which can cause damage to your home and belongings.

Many DIYers often believe they can leave the water supply on while swapping valves or replacing a faucet. However, this poses a huge risk of flooding your property and incurring hundreds to thousands of dollars in expenses to repair the damages.

2. Over-tightening fittings

Over-tightening fittings can lead to cracked or damaged pipes. It’s important to use a wrench or pliers to tighten fittings just enough to prevent leaks.

This is usually a common mistake and it’s necessary to remain gentle and strictly follow instructions when tightening pipes, fittings and bolts to avoid them cracking or breaking over time.

3. Not using Teflon tape

Teflon tape is an essential item when working with pipes and fittings. It helps to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.

Also, failing to wrap it correctly can equally lead to damages. Teflon tape must be wrapped on the threads in a clockwise manner for them to be effective.

4. Mixing different types of metals

Mixing different types of metals in plumbing can cause galvanic corrosion, which can lead to leaks and other problems.

5. Using too much drain cleaner

Drain cleaners can be useful for removing blockages, but using too much can damage your pipes and lead to leaks.

There are several Toronto drain services that you can consult with to avoid costly long-term damages to your property’s plumbing.

6. Using the wrong type of pipe

Using the wrong type of pipe can lead to leaks and other issues. It’s important to choose the correct type of pipe for your specific project.

To avoid being guilty of several plumbing code violations and ending up stinking up your property, it is necessary to know the appropriate pipes to use in each application.

7. Ignoring local plumbing codes

As earlier mentioned, it’s important to be aware of local plumbing codes when carrying out a project. Failure to follow these codes can result in heavy fines and other penalties, asides from the incurred cost of damages.

8. Forgetting to clean the pipe

Before installing new pipes or fittings, it’s important to clean the existing pipes to ensure that there are no blockages or debris.

However, be conservative when using drain cleaners as earlier mentioned. These cleaners often contain corrosive chemicals and when used excessively, over time, it causes significant damage to your pipes and fixtures.

9. Not checking for leaks

Some DIYs homeowners are guilty of not carrying out thorough checks before, during and after a plumbing project.  After completing a plumbing project, it’s important to check for leaks to ensure that everything is working properly.

10. Ignoring warning signs of a larger problem

Ignoring warning signs, such as slow drains or water stains, can lead to larger plumbing problems down the line. It’s important to address these issues as soon as they arise.

11. Not prioritizing your safety

There are a lot of DIY homeowners in Toronto who embark on plumbing projects without wearing the right protective equipment or enforcing safety measures. This leaves you exposed to injuries, particularly with chemicals and tools involved in the process.

Always ensure you strictly adhere to safety standards during your DIY plumbing projects and take extra caution if there are children or pets in the vicinity. 

12. Carrying out complex projects you are not qualified for

While some plumbing projects can be tackled by DIYers, more complex projects should be left to professional licensed plumbers to ensure that they are done correctly.

There’s no substitute for hands-on experience and professional education in plumbing works and hiring a licensed plumber to carry out your complex repairs would save you a lot of money in potential damages and repairs.

In conclusion, DIY plumbing projects can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes to prevent costly damage and repairs. By following these tips, you can tackle your next plumbing project with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.