4 Common Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Make Taking On Repairs

Some homeowners enjoy doing plumbing in their houses. It gives them a great sense of pride and satisfaction in getting the job done by themselves. Some homeowners take on the project because they believe it can save them money. A good idea is to understand the risks of not hiring a plumbing repair expert and taking on the job by yourself.

     1. Using a Chemical Drain Opener

A chemical drain opener for many homeowners is the miracle product that they have always been looking for. All they have to do is pour the stuff down the drain. Bingo! All your worries of a clogged drain are no more.

Unfortunately, things are not all that straightforward. These products often have strong caustic chemicals. Using these substances regularly can erode the pipes very quickly. The gunk stuck in the line also goes down into the sewage line.

As a result, the drainage system can get clogged if the sewage lines are not very wide. People living in an apartment will have this problem. A better way to clear a drain is to use a plumbing auger. If you are a plumber and has not received your license yet, check the state-by-state plumbers license requirements and apply for it.

     2. Not Turning Off the Main Before Performing Repairs

Make sure that the main valve is closed before you begin any plumbing project. Not switching off the tap can lead to gushing pipes. It could quickly become a huge mess and turn into a small household flood. It can become a bigger problem if you have carpeting at home.

Make sure you know where the pipes come from and lead to before you begin any plumbing project. A recommendation is to turn off the local shutoff valve before starting any repairs. If you can’t find it, switch off the water at the main.

     3. Performing Plumbing Without Permits

Your real estate needs to follow basic sanitation demands set by your local homeowner’s association. Some changes may not be permitted if you make extensive alterations to the main pipework. Making these changes can devalue your home. A house with unpermitted work will take longer to sell and with a lower market value.

Homeowners need to get permits before installing new plumbing. The pipework needs to match the drainage facilities provided by the government in that area. Getting a permit will cost money, but it will also save you from paying a larger fine. After getting the authorization, you can rest assured that all the water pipes are installed correctly and with approval.

     4. Linking Copper Pipes to Galvanized Lines

Corrosion is the product of joining copper pipes to galvanized lines. Homeowners who do their plumbing often make this mistake, unaware of the result. In the long run, one of the two pipes becomes useless because it begins to leak.

The right way to connect the two different pipes is to use a dielectric union between the two. The dielectric union prevents the two different pipes from touching each other. Both can work without damaging the other.

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