How Not to Do Plumbing! – The Top 5 Common Mistakes You Might Be Making

You can fix almost all household plumbing repairs and you can even update plumbing fixtures yourself with the right tools and fittings.

BUT, you will have to know the difference between all the pipes, fittings, glue and solder, because that is where most people mess up. While the job might look easy, it can be confusing as to which is the right connection to use or how to install it correctly, this is where most people make common mistakes.

So, with that in mind, we thought we’d help you out. Here’s our 5 of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them and get the job done right.

1. Overtightening Connections

Over tightening plumbing fittings, whether plastic, brass, copper or iron, can cause major problems.

Over tightening a plastic waste fitting can cause the nut to slip. Over tightening on an iron thread can cause the fitting to spilt. Both scenarios will cause a leak and damage the pipe or fitting completely.

2. Wrapping Thread Tape backwards or using the Wrong Tape

PTFE thread tape must wrap clockwise around the thread joint for it to work correctly. Many home DIYers make this mistake of wrapping it backwards so the tape unwinds from the threads as you tighten the fitting. This defeats the whole purpose of using the tape since it can’t seal the threads.

3. Using Drain Cleaners as a first Response

The first thing people do when their plugholes are blocked is to head straight local shop and pick up some drain cleaners. Easy right? It is just so much easier to clean the trap using a drain snake or plunger and far more environmentally friendly.

4. Do a Plumbing Job without Spare Parts?

DIyers often make the mistake of buying just a cartridge or washer for a tap repair. But if the washer or cartridge are worn, chances are other parts are worn or maybe on their way out as well.

If you are going to replace the washer then it might be worth investing to replace the stem seal and gasket and O-rings as well. Those parts are cheap, so the number one rule is to buy these parts alongside the washer and cartridge, rebuilding the tap is cheaper than buying a new one.

5. Not Turning the water Off

Many believe you can leave the water on a quickly swap in a new valve. If you can’t quickly attach the new valve or tap you will have a room full of water. Why risk hundreds of pounds in damage when all it takes is seconds to shut off the water at the mains.

Hopefully these tips will help you with your DIY plumbing endeavours. But, if you really don’t want to try to do these things yourself, then we’re always here to lend a helping hand. Our team of experienced plumbers and gas engineers are on hand to help with any pluming, heating or bathroom job. Just call us on (01773) 749 713.