Plumbing is a complicated business.
When you’re a DIY-er, sometimes the best way to solve something is just to dive in and get it done. But plumbing isn’t one of those times. If you’re going to go through all the trouble of installing a bathroom sink or fixing a leaky faucet, you don’t want to have to take it apart again because you did something wrong.
It’s not just about the pipes, you know—it’s also about the people who maintain them and the human mistakes that can be made along the way.
There are many DIY plumbing projects you can complete yourself, but there are some that are just too risky. These DIY plumbing mistakes can lead to severe problems, such as burst pipes and overflowing toilets.
So if you’re thinking about taking on your own plumbing projects, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
In this article, we will cover a list of DIY plumbing mistakes and how to fix solutions on your own or by calling a professional plumbing company in Atlanta and the surrounding area.
25 Worst DIY Mistakes in Plumbing
Plumbing problems can be a real bummer. You might have a leaky faucet, a clogged toilet, or maybe even an overflowing bathtub. While DIY plumbing repairs seem simple enough, there are some common mistakes that can be made during the procedure that could end up costing you big time in the long run.
Let’s take a look at some common DIY plumbing mistakes that could be costing you money, time, or even your home’s structural integrity:
Mistake #1: Lack of knowledge of local regulations
There are many federal and state regulations governing how you can install and repair plumbing systems in your home, apartment building, or office building. It’s important to know these rules so that you don’t get into trouble with the law or end up causing damage to someone else’s property by accident!
Mistake #2: Not having the right tools
This is a simple mistake to avoid—just make sure you have all the tools you need before you start working on your plumbing! Don’t forget about things like wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers (they’re all important).
Mistake #3: Using too much force when turning a wrench
Sometimes it seems like we’re all just one tool away from getting everything done by ourselves. But don’t be fooled! Some jobs require more finesse than brute strength can provide. Use your best judgment when deciding if it’s worth trying to repair something on your own or if it’s better to call an expert.
Mistake #4: Incorrect pipe sizing
If installing a new sink or toilet, ensure the pipes are sized correctly for the job. Too big and your water pressure will suffer; too small and the pipes could burst or crack. You’ll save yourself a headache later on if you get your math right from the start!
Mistake #5: Improper pipe connections
This is another common mistake made by homeowners in Atlanta and the surrounding area. It’s important to use correct fittings when connecting pipes together so that they hold securely and don’t leak (or worse). A professional local plumber will be able to advise you on how to ensure your pipes are properly connected.
Mistake #6: Not using a sealant on threaded joints
This is an easy mistake that can lead to leaks in your system if not addressed immediately after installation occurs on site; therefore, it’s important that you use thread sealant around any threaded joints during the installation time frame so nothing leaks later down the road!
Mistake #7: Lack of venting
If you don’t have proper ventilation for your plumbing system, you’ll grow mold or mildew in the walls around your pipes. This can lead to major problems down the road. Make sure that every connection point has an opening in order to allow airflow through them.
Mistake #8: Over-tightening fittings
If you’ve ever had to repair a leaky faucet, you know what a nightmare it can be. The problem is that most people don’t realize how much pressure you need to put on a fitting in order to get it tight enough that it won’t leak. Most of the time, if you’re dealing with a new installation, all you need is a wrench and some Teflon tape—you don’t need to put your body weight into tightening them down.
Mistake #9: Incorrect toilet installation
Some DIYers choose to install their own toilets. This is a mistake. A leaky toilet can cause damage to your home, not to mention the embarrassment of having your guests discover that you’ve been leaking all over their bathroom.
Mistake #10: Using the wrong type of pipe
When it comes to plumbing, you need to be aware of several types of pipes. There’s copper, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you’re utilizing the right kind for your project!
Mistake #11: Incorrectly Installed Shut-Off Valves
Many homeowners are under the impression that the easiest way to avoid a plumbing emergency is to install a shut-off valve in each room of their home. This is not correct. While it is true that installing shut-off valves can help prevent some plumbing problems, these devices are not designed for every situation. Shut-off valves are intended for use with bathrooms and kitchens only and should never be used in other areas of your home unless specified by your local licensed plumber.
Mistake #12: Excessive use of drain cleaners
Drain cleaners can be very effective at clearing away common clogs, but they should never be used on a regular basis. Over time, these products will damage your pipes and cause leaks that are difficult or impossible to repair without replacing them completely (which means more money out of your pocket). If you have been using drain cleaners too often, contact The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc today so we can arrive at your location and assess the situation before it becomes worse!
Mistake #13: Insufficient insulation
Insufficient insulation can cause pipes to freeze and burst during the winter, leading to serious flooding and water damage.
Mistake #14: Insufficient slope in drain lines
Poor drainage can lead to a backup of wastewater, which can be challenging and expensive to clean up. In extreme cases, poor drainage can also cause sewage backup into your home or business.
Mistake #15: Using the wrong type of caulk
Caulk is your friend. It stops leaks, keeps water out, and makes your bathroom look nice. But not all caulks are created equal, and some can cause leaks!
Mistake #16: Ignoring leaky faucets
If you see water dripping from your sink or bathtub faucet, it’s time to look for a plumber near me. And don’t wait until you see puddles on the floor! If you hear a drip in your home, make sure you check for leaks as soon as possible.
Mistake #17: Not fixing clogged drains
If you have a slow-flowing drain or have noticed water backing up in your sink or tub, get help from a professional plumber in Atlanta ASAP! These issues could lead to more serious problems down the line if left untreated.
Mistake #18: Lack of backflow prevention
Backflow prevention is a great way to help ensure the safety of your drinking water supply. It’s also super simple: all you have to do is install a check valve on your pipes so that any contaminated water doesn’t flow back into them after it leaves your house or business. If you don’t already have one, it’s a good idea to consult with your local plumber about what type will be most suitable for your setup so that you don’t end up with a costly plumbing repair bill later down the road!
Mistake #19: Ignoring water pressure issues
For optimal performance, your water pressure should be at least 40 PSI, ideally between 50 and 60 PSI. If yours drops below those levels, then it might be time for an upgrade! Your plumber can help walk you through this process and ensure everything gets installed correctly. Hence, your system runs efficiently without causing any damage over time due to low flow rates or clogged filters (which cause higher maintenance costs).
Mistake #20: Poorly planned plumbing layout
This is where you spend money on pipes and fixtures without planning for how they’ll be used. For example, do you really need two sinks in your bathroom? Will it make more sense to put one in the kitchen instead? If so, plan accordingly!
Mistake #21: Overloading garbage disposals
A garbage disposal isn’t meant for large amounts of food waste but for small amounts of food scraps. If you overload your disposal with too much food at once (or if you don’t feed your disposal regularly), it can cause damage or even break down completely. Keep this in mind when feeding your disposer—and if there’s ever something stuck in the blades, don’t try to fix it yourself—call a professional garbage disposal repair and replacement expert instead!
Mistake #22: Ignoring signs of leaks
Ignoring the signs of a leak is one of the worst mistakes you can make when working on plumbing. You may think that it is just a slow drip and that you can fix it later, but the truth is that most leaks will only grow in size over time. If you ignore them, the damage will get worse, and you will end up having to replace more than just the pipe.
Mistake #23: Cutting pipes too short
Cutting pipes too short is another common plumbing mistake. When you cut a pipe, make sure to leave about two inches extra for fitting purposes. This ensures that there will be enough space for all fittings to fit properly and for there not to be any leaks at the joints where pipes meet up with other pipes or fixtures in your home’s plumbing system.
Mistake #24: Using too much elbow grease
This is the most common mistake of all. If you’re trying to fix a leaky faucet by tightening it with pliers or a wrench, stop! You’ll only make things worse by tightening it further or cracking the valve seat entirely. Instead, call in a professional who will use specialized tools that won’t cause more damage than necessary.
Mistake #25: Reusing flexible plumbing hoses
Flexible hoses are great for quick fixes and temporary use but should never be reused. They’re easy to damage when used improperly and can lead to serious leaks if they’re reused too many times. They also have a tendency to dry out over time, which means there’s no way to know how much longer they’ll last before breaking down completely. If you need a quick fix for something like an outdoor hose or water filter, go ahead and buy something new—it’ll save time and money in the long run!
How to Fix DIY Plumbing Mistakes?
So you’ve made a DIY plumbing mistake. Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us.
Don’t panic. You’ll feel like you’re in an episode of The Twilight Zone when your pipes start leaking, but don’t freak out! That’s the worst thing you can do. Just take a deep breath and relax. Then try these steps so you can fix your DIY plumbing mistakes:
Assess the problem.
Identify the specific issue caused by the DIY plumbing mistake. Determine the extent of the damage and any potential safety concerns.
Gather the necessary tools and materials.
You probably already have everything you need in your toolbox—you just need to remember where it is! Most problems are easily solved with a wrench or screwdriver, but if something seems stuck or broken, don’t hesitate to call a professional 24-hour plumber. They’ll have access to specialty plumbing supplies that will solve your plumbing issues and keep it running in no time!
Educate yourself.
If you’re going to start fixing your plumbing, you should educate yourself. Don’t just try to fix things with no knowledge—there are some pretty big consequences if you make a mistake.
Shut off the water supply.
You may have a lot of different plumbing needs, but there are some that require shutting off the water supply before beginning work on them. If you don’t know how to do this, look for an emergency plumber near me.
Make necessary repairs or replacements.
If your toilet is leaking or your sink is clogged, don’t wait for it to get worse. Make the necessary repairs or replacements as soon as possible.
Double-check your work.
If something goes wrong, there’s nothing worse than realizing the problem after it’s too late—and having no idea how to fix/repair it or where to go next. This can lead to bigger problems down the line, so make sure to double-check all of your work before turning off the water and leaving your property!
Check for leaks regularly throughout the year (not just after a storm).
Leaks can happen anywhere—under sinks and in crawl spaces, near windows, even inside walls—so it’s important to check all of these spots regularly (at least once every 6-months) to make sure nothing has sprung a leak in an unexpected place!
Address any additional issues.
If you’ve already completed a repair or installation project and are now noticing issues with water flow, it’s important to address them before they become major problems. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that these issues will get worse and require more extensive repairs down the road. Make sure you’ve fixed all leaks and plugged any leaks before moving forward with other projects in the area!
Clean up and restore the area.
After fixing your plumbing issue, make sure that you clean up any messes left behind by tools or materials used during installation or repair work (or just general use). This will ensure that there aren’t any lingering problems with mold or mildew growth due to moisture buildup over time on surfaces where they shouldn’t be present (like kitchen counters or bathroom vanities).
Learn from your mistakes.
When something goes wrong during a DIY project, take time to analyze what happened and why. Did you choose the wrong tool? Did you apply too much pressure? Was there an error in judgment? Take note of the lessons you’ve learned to prevent similar errors in the future. Consider consulting an emergency plumber for complex plumbing tasks to ensure proper installations and repairs.
Need Help with Plumbing Solutions? Call The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc.!
We understand that plumbing problems can be stressful. That’s why we want you to know that there’s a team of experts at The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc who are ready to help you with any plumbing issue you have. We provide complete plumbing services for Marietta residents, and we really want to assist you in getting back on track with your plumbing so that you can continue enjoying your home.
At The Clog Dawg Plumbing & Hydrojetting Inc, we offer a wide range of plumbing services in Atlanta and the surrounding area, including:
– Complete Plumbing Services in Marietta
– Drain Cleaning Services in Marietta
– Water Heater Repair Services in Marietta
– Leak Detection Services in Marietta
– Toilet Repair Services in Marietta
– Sink installation and repair
– Emergency plumbing services
– New Construction Plumbing Services
– Emergency Plumbing Repair & Installation
– Hydrojetting & Drain Cleaning
– Water Heater Service & Installation
We offer complete plumbing services and will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your needs are met. When you call us, we will send one of our licensed plumbers to your home or business and fix the problem quickly and efficiently so that it doesn’t happen again!
Our goal is to make your home or business comfortable and efficient again so you can start focusing on what really matters most: your loved ones, friends, and your own happiness.
Whether it’s a leaky faucet or something more serious, like a clogged drain or sewer line backup, we’ve got you covered—and at an affordable price!
We are also on call 24/7 for emergency service, so next time when you have a plumbing issue, and you are looking for plumbing companies near me that you can trust with your home and family’s safety, feel free to call us at (404) 998-1967!