5 Common Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Make

You may look at a plumbing problem and overlook the need to call a plumber. However, you may make a more significant mistake, causing expensive repairs later. Sometimes contacting a plumber in Denver is the best solution to your plumbing problems to avoid magnifying the issue.

Here is standard plumbing you may make when DIYing plumbing.

Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes

Over Tightening Pipes

Over-tightening pipes, fittings, and toilet bolts is a common mistake among DIYers. Excessive force can lead to cracked fittings, which may cause flooding later. Similarly, overtightening plastic fittings on supply tubes can result in breakage and leaks. Additionally, tightening toilet bolts excessively can damage the porcelain and ruin the toilet. It is vital to use appropriate torque to avoid these issues.

Use of the Wrong Tape or Wrap Thread Tape Backwards

Most DIYers often make the mistake of over-tightening pipes, fittings, and toilet bolts. This can result in cracked fittings that may lead to flooding later. Similarly, excessive tightening of plastic fittings on supply tubes can cause breakage and leaks. Over-tightening toilet bolts can also cause damage to the porcelain and potentially ruin the toilet. It is crucial to apply the appropriate amount of torque to prevent these problems from occurring.

Fixing Plumbing Issues without Spare Parts

DIYers commonly make the mistake of buying only a single part, such as a cartridge or washer, for faucet repairs. However, if these parts are worn, other faucet components are likely also worn. Failure to replace the stem seal, gasket, and O-rings with the washer or cartridge can result in a leaky faucet.

Buying all necessary parts upfront and rebuilding the faucet instead of replacing just one component is recommended. The same principle applies to drain lines, where having sufficient rubber compression gaskets or spare beveled poly washers is necessary for disassembly and reassembly.

Forgetting to Turn off Water

Attempting to replace a valve or faucet without turning off the water supply can lead to disastrous consequences. The full water pressure will flood the room and potentially cause damage to the lower floors. When a simple solution is available, it is not worth the risk of incurring thousands of dollars in damages. Experienced plumbers always shut off the water supply, and it is highly recommended that you do the same to prevent mishaps.

Using Force to Shut Off Valve

When sink and toilet shut-off valves remain unused for extended periods, they become stuck or seized. Applying more force to turn the knob is not the solution, as it can result in breaking off the knob or even the valve stem. The issue arises because the stem packing seal fuses the valve stem, preventing it from turning.

To resolve this problem, you can use an adjustable wrench to loosen the stem nut slightly, breaking the bond and allowing you to turn the knob. Once the valve is operational, appropriately tighten the stem nut to ensure a secure fit and check for leaks.

Conclusion

Homeowners often make common plumbing mistakes when attempting DIY repairs instead of consulting a plumber in Denver. These include over-tightening pipes and fittings, failing to use the right tape or thread wrap, neglecting to replace all necessary parts during repairs, forgetting to turn off the water before making changes, and using excessive force on shut-off valves. These errors can lead to cracked fittings, leaks, flooding, damaged porcelain, and costly repairs. It’s crucial to approach plumbing tasks cautiously, use appropriate techniques, and consider seeking professional help to avoid these mistakes.