Do’s and Don’ts to Remember for DIY Plumbing Projects
Plumbing issues can be intimidating, so many homeowners prefer to leave repair projects to professional plumbers. However, it’s best to note that there are minor plumbing repair jobs you can accomplish on your own.
If you want to save money and awaken your inner handyman, start listing all the do’s and don’ts to remember for DIY plumbing projects.
Do locate where the shutoff valves are.
Before you proceed with any DIY plumbing project, make sure to know where your shutoff valves are. Since the job will involve the water supply line, you have to turn it off to lessen the risk of flooding your home and damaging other fixtures or appliances in the area.
Aside from that, you also have to turn off the electrical line of your house before you begin, especially if the plumbing project you’ll be working on involves electrical appliances.
Do arm yourself with the right materials and tools for the job.
Check your toolbox before starting to ensure that you have the tools and supplies you need for the job. You see, if you jump right into the plumbing job without the necessary tools and safety equipment, your work will be disrupted because you’ll have to make a trip or two to the hardware store.
Do know when to call a professional.
Even if it’s a simple plumbing repair, knowing when you need an expert’s help is vital. For example, if you repaired your dripping faucet a week ago and it starts leaking again, the problem may be caused by another plumbing issue.
In that case, hiring a professional plumber who can thoroughly inspect your plumbing system and provide you with the repair you need is more advantageous than having countless trials and errors.
On the other hand, if you plan to have a large-scale kitchen renovation or toilet renovation project, you should also consider hiring an electrician, renovation contractor, and interior designer.
Don’t forget to turn off the electrical appliances in the work area.
Sometimes when you’re dealing with a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, you may come in close contact with fixtures and electrical appliances such as your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine.
For that reason, turning them off before you start is a must. This is to ensure that your work area will be safe even if you don’t turn off the main valve.
Don’t use harsh chemicals.
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain or sink, it might be best to avoid using a drain cleaner that has harsh chemicals in it. Even if this can give you an instant fix, the chemicals can be harmful to your plumbing system.
When you use drain cleaners every time you experience having a clogged drain, the pipes will be frequently exposed to heat. Soft PVC pipes or outdated plumbing systems will be more susceptible to leaks, corrosion, and other plumbing issues.
Some of the homemade mixtures you can try to fix clogged drains or sinks are the following:
- Baking soda and salt
- Baking soda and white vinegar
- Baking soda and lemon juice