5 plumbing mistakes DIYers make and how to fix them
With instruction videos available for just about anything on the internet, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have become commonplace. While they can be a great way to learn a new skill and save some money, they can also lead to costly mistakes that could affect life and property. These are especially seen in the plumbing industry. In this article, we will discuss five common plumbing mistakes DIYers make and how to fix them. Overtightening connections DIYers frequently overtighten supply tubes, pipes, fittings, and toilet bolts. Although this feels like a preventive measure to avoid any loose, leaky connections, it could be a recipe for disaster. Overtightening fixtures increase the risk of cracks that can cause the fitting to break open and flood the area. To fix this, remember to be gentle with the fittings and follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Not documenting how things go back together While taking things apart can feel quick and easy, putting them back together is often a major task. However, many DIYers choose not to document how things go together. This results in panicked phone calls to professional plumbers and increased repair expenditure. Fix this mistake by keeping instruction guides and manuals handy, and take plenty of pictures, notes, and videos to document the process and reduce the risk of confusion.