Helpful Tips for Safe and Successful DIY Plumbing Projects
Tackling plumbing projects around your home can be a great way to enhance your space and save on repair costs. However, it’s important to approach these tasks with caution to avoid costly mistakes or potential damage to your property. Below, we’ll walk through common plumbing pitfalls and how to avoid them, helping you safely handle these projects like a pro.
1. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
When faced with a clogged drain, many homeowners first think of chemical drain cleaners. While these products can be effective in breaking down hair, grease, and other organic matter, they come with significant risks.
Chemical drain cleaners can cause severe burns if they contact your skin, and if they splash into your eyes, they could lead to serious injury, including blindness. Moreover, overuse of these chemicals can damage your metal pipes, plumbing fixtures, and finishes in kitchens and bathrooms.
Safer Solutions: Consider using a natural drain cleaner instead. Enzyme-based cleaners break down clogs without harmful chemicals. Though these methods may take longer, they are gentler on your pipes and your home.
Pro Tip: If these DIY options fail to clear your drain, don’t hesitate to call in a professional plumber. At MR Plumbing, we specialize in safely resolving the most stubborn drain clogs.
2. Always Shut Off the Water Supply
One of the most common mistakes DIYers make is forgetting to shut off the water before starting a project. Whether you're replacing a faucet or fixing a leak, failing to turn off the water supply can result in gushing water and significant water damage.
How to Avoid This: Always locate the shut-off valve closest to your fixture. If you can’t find it, you can turn off the water at the main shut-off valve for your home.
3. Get the Necessary Permits
Planning to install a new hot tub, remodel your bathroom, or make other significant upgrades? Don’t forget to check with your local municipality about required permits. Some areas allow homeowners to pull their own permits, while others require a licensed contractor to do so.
Why It Matters: Securing the proper permits ensures your project meets building codes and is safe. Failing to do so can lead to fines, delays, and issues when you decide to sell your home down the road.
4. Watch Out for Bad Pipe Connections
When working with copper pipes, especially in older homes with galvanized steel plumbing, you must use the proper connectors. If copper and galvanized steel pipes touch directly, it can lead to rapid corrosion and leaks. When in doubt, call a professional plumber.
The Fix: Use dielectric unions, which are designed to prevent copper and steel from contacting each other, thus avoiding corrosion.
Ask the Experts at MR Plumbing
If you’re ever unsure about the details of a plumbing project, don’t hesitate to call the professionals. At MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical, we’ve been providing expert plumbing services to homeowners in the Chicagoland area for decades. We’re here to help you assess the project, guide you through the steps, or take over and get the job done right. There’s no replacement for professional experience!
