Top 12 Toronto DIYer Plumbing Mistakes
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.
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