Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes Made By Far Too Many Homeowners

Homeowners can often tackle their own minor plumbing problems today, as they can rent tools from the hardware store and find instructional videos online to walk them through these repairs. However, too many homeowners assume that online videos and a few tools equate to a contractor's license and years of experience in working on home plumbing! It's not unusual for homeowners to make certain mistakes when handling their own plumbing repairs simply because of their lack of experience and expertise. Note a few of these here so you avoid them or know when to call in a pro as needed.

Taking things apart, but not knowing how to put them back together

It can be easy enough to take apart plumbing fixtures and connectors; however, putting them back together properly is an entirely different matter! Very often, certain flanges and other connectors are placed on different pipes or sections of pipes for a reason, and putting those parts together incorrectly can mean leaks, burst pipes, and the like. You might try taking a picture of pipes before you disassemble them or putting things out on a shop rag in the order they need to be reassembled; better yet, if you need to take pipes apart for repair work, it might be better to call a pro.

Using the wrong tape or sealant

Homeowners often assume that duct tape can be used on anything, anywhere in the home. This is incorrect, as consistent exposure to water can allow the adhesive of duct tape to soften and weaken. You also don't want to use just any type of epoxy or sealant on pipes, as these too might become weak when exposed to water or certain types of metal, or they may not be made to actually adhere to PVC and plastic. Plumber's tape and pipe epoxy meant for the material of your pipes is the best choice.

Sloping pipes incorrectly

Don't assume that a vertical pipe for draining water is a good thing in a home; if a pipe is sloped too steeply, this can allow water to drain before it can move solid matter along the pipe. You're actually more likely to see clogs with pipes that are sloped too steeply. On the other hand, a pipe that is perfectly horizontal may also allow for standing water and resultant clogs. It's vital that you slope a pipe correctly, depending on its location and usage, when installing new pipes in your home.

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