It feels good to be able to fix something without calling a professional to help you out. However, when it comes to your property’s plumbing system, it’s often that DIY-ing it just turns it into an even bigger problem. As such, don’t let this happen to you! Here are some of the most common plumbing mistakes that homeowners make that you should avoid:
1. Use of Chemical Product
A lot of homeowners will pour a chemical product down their drain to remove a clog. However, these chemicals can be dangerous due to their toxic content. Some chemical substances, while they can remove the clog, can also cause damage to the pipes.
2. Improper Tools
Some homeowners truly believe that they can fix any issue as long as they watch a YouTube video, so they gather the tools they readily have at home and follow a YouTube tutorial. The problem is, using the wrong tools can damage your pipes, and even a YouTube tutorial won’t be able to remedy that.
3. Not Turning Off the Water
When you have water-related issues at home, it’s essential to turn off your water first. It’s more important if you can’t find where the leak is coming from. If you can’t find the local shutoff valve, then it’s best to turn off the main water system in your home for the meantime or until the plumber arrives at your home.
4. No Permits
Some states require contractors to get permits for significant work, such as repiping. In some instances, homeowners can get the permits themselves. However, if you don’t get permits for work to be done in your home, you risk your property getting devalued.
Permits exist to let local building officials oversee home improvement projects and to ensure that it follows a specific community code. One of the reasons homeowners don’t get permits is because they don’t want to pay for it. However, unpermitted work at your home will only have you facing a larger amount from the fines that you’ll be required to pay.
5. No Proper Training
There are plenty of helpful articles and other materials online that can help you solve almost every plumbing issue that you may have. However, it doesn’t mean that you should try it for yourself. Many homeowners have tried DIY-ing their plumbing system, but only end up causing more damage. If you don’t have proper plumbing training, then it’s best to leave your plumbing to the professionals.
6. Mismatching Pipes
This is common for DIYers: they purchase pipes from their local home improvement store and install a new pipe until it creates a more substantial problem after a few days or weeks. Improper pipe fittings may work initially but it can cause more significant problems later on. If you’re unsure of which pipes to get, once again, just leave it to the experts.
Conclusion
These are the most common plumbing mistakes that homeowners make. Committing these mistakes will only leave you with bigger problems that will cost you more money in the long run. The takeaway here? Leave your plumbing system to the experts! Unless you have proper training, then don’t touch your plumbing!
Our team at Pic Plumbing provides one of the best plumbing services in San Diego. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you.
