Unfortunately, it’s very easy to fall prey to some simple plumbing mistakes, that can end up costing more time and money down the road.
There are a lot of simple plumbing problems that occur around the home, with some homeowners trying to fix the problem on their own rather than calling out a Sydney plumber. Did you know that even the simplest fixes can lead to some costly mistakes? Here are a few common Do It Yourself plumbing mistakes – and how to fix them.
- Using too much drain cleaner – commercial drain cleaners are great to use to clear away clogs and helping to reduce built-up residue, however using these products too much, or using too much of them, can damage your drains or blocked drain. Drain cleaners use harsh chemicals to break up solid waste and clean the pipes, but, overusing these products can eat away at the walls of your pipes – metal and PVC. Why not use a pipe snake instead?
- Using drain cleaners in the wrong places – you need to be careful WHERE you use these products, even if you rarely use them. Most cleaning products are safe to use in the bathroom and kitchen sink, shower, bathtub and toilets but they can be damaging if you use the wrong type of cleaner. To avoid problems read all the safety plumbers directions BEFORE using them.
- Mismatching your pipes – minor leaks that are visible; such as those under a bathroom or kitchen sink are run of the mill DIY projects most handymen or women undertake at home. When replacing a leaky pipe, many DIY’ers choose the wrong size or type, or try to make the pipes fit using the wrong connectors. For example, you should never try and connect galvanised with copper pipes or you risk corrosion. You must also use a proper connector and sealant, just because two pipes seem tight, doesn’t mean they will hold water. Always double check the type of pipe and connector you need.
- Not turning off the water – when a pipe springs a leak, or a tap starts dripping it’s easy to forget the first rule of DIY plumbing – Turn OFF the Water! No matter what the repair is, or how important it is, always shut off the water. Leaving the water on and disconnecting a pipe could cause a flood and cost you more than time.
- Not calling a professional plumber – while there are some jobs you can take on, any repair that is above your ability, requires cutting into the wall or floors or accessing the main water line is best handled by an emergency plumber. While the cost of hiring a pro can put some people *off* the money paid is well worth the assurance that the job has been properly completed.
If you have any plumbing issues, call your Sydney plumbers today on 1300 896 508.
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