DIY Mistakes to Avoid When There’s a Plumbing Issue

The piping of your home or apartment is a delicate and intricate system that moves water to and from your bathroom and kitchen. Unfortunately, plumbing issues can arise at any given time, often causing you big problems and expensive repair bills. Small leaks can turn into huge headaches if left untreated and pipes can burst during cold, inclement weather. Being meticulous about the care and upkeep of your plumbing is key to preventing these issues. If you’re concerned about maintaining the health of your plumbing system, here are some DIY plumbing maintenance tips that can help you keep your water flowing.

Turn Off the Water

In the event of a plumbing emergency, the first thing you must do is shut off your water. Every home has a water source that pumps the water in the house through a pipeline and this pipe is connected to an underground mainline.

If you are looking for the source, check the location of your water meter. The valve is usually nearby. Failure to turn off the water before starting a plumbing project can lead to disastrous consequences.

Check Your Pipes

When you notice an issue with your plumbing, no matter how small, one of the first things you should do is give your piping a complete examination. Check your pipes for any cracks or other obstructions. This is especially important during the winter time, when pipes are most likely to freeze and break. Small cracks have a way of becoming big cracks, making it vital that you catch and address any problems with your piping early on.

If you notice a crack, purchase the tools needed to repair it right away.

Zero in on the Issue

Before you can make any efforts at repair, it is important to identify the exact problem with your pipes. A common mistake many people make is failure to properly assess the problem. If you’re not sure about the type of emergency you have, research common plumbing emergencies.

Cracked pipes, broken pipes and blockages are the most likely source of your plumbing woes, and all of these issues have a solution. However, each problem requires specific tools to fix the issue. For instance, a snake is a tool that travels into the pipe to remove any debris stuck inside. This is the ideal tool to remove blockages. Purchase one of these tools if it is not already a part of your DIY arsenal.

Getting the Right Tools

Another common mistake is using the wrong tools to fix a plumbing issue. Unfortunately, most homeowners are not well versed in repairs or what tools are needed for every job, often causing them to use the wrong tool and exacerbating an already serious plumbing issue. Therefore, it is important that you learn about the tools needed to fix your plumbing issue before you attempt any repairs. If you use the wrong tools, it will make your emergency worse. Go to your local hardware store and describe your issue to an associate. They should be able to help your purchase the right tools.

DIY Plumbing Maintenance Can Be Fun and Easy

When you encounter a serious problem with your plumbing system, your first inclination may be to call the repairman. However, with the right information and tools at your disposal, DIY plumbing maintenance can actually be fun, easy and an affordable solution for most homeowners.