Which Of These Common Plumbing Mistakes Are You Guilty Of?

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Most household plumbing issues can be fixed with a few special tools and basic knowledge of the differences between the many types of pipes, fittings, glue, and solder. But that’s one big area where DIYers often go wrong. In addition to not using the right parts, here are some other common plumbing mistakes to avoid in order to get the job done right.

  • Overtightening The Fittings

When you crank too hard on supply tubes, pipes, fittings, and toilet bolts, you risk cracking the fitting. The crack may not happen right away, but the excessive force of water will cause the connections to eventually break and leak. 

  • Using Thread Tape Incorrectly

PTFE thread tape must be wrapped clockwise around the threads for it to work properly. After going around three times, the last wrap should face the left as you screw the pipe into the fitting.  Wrapping it backward defeats the whole purpose since it can’t seal if it isn’t embedded in the threads. It’s also important to use the right tape – thin white or thick pink thread tape for fittings that carry water and yellow gas-rated tape for threaded gas line connections.

  • Using Chemicals To Unclog Drains

Most times, a snake or a barbed drain cleaning tool is the easiest and most effective way to clear kitchen and bath sink clogs. Or, even simply removing the P-trap and pouring out the clog works. Pouring in liquid drain cleaner isn’t the best idea and more certainly isn’t better – in fact, it creates more problems than it solves.

  • Not Turning Off The Water

Many DIYers are under the impression that they can leave the water on and while they quickly swap in a new valve or faucet. That rarely works out. If you don’t succeed, you’ll have water flooding the room and dripping down to the lower floors. 

  • Not Stocking Up On Spare Parts

For a faucet repair job, DIYers often make the mistake of buying just a new cartridge or washer to replace the worn-out ones. But chances are, other faucet parts like the stem seal, gasket and O-rings are worn-out as well. If you don’t replace them when replacing the washer or cartridge, you’ll probably still wind up with a leaky faucet. In order to avoid a second trip to the hardware store and another faucet disassembly and reassembly, make it a rule to buy all peripheral parts upfront. The same rule applies for other jobs as well.