Put That Wrench Down!

A little DIY knowledge can fix many things, but it isn’t going to fix most of the complex problems that arise when attempting to repair an intricate plumbing system. The desire to save money with personal ingenuity is understandable, but the stakes can be high when it comes to repairing plumbing, as one tiny mistake can turn a bothersome leak into a disastrous flood in seconds.

The Worst DIY Plumbing Disasters

• Mismatching pipes – Just because a pipe connects easily to another doesn’t mean it’s the right type of pipe. Mismatched pipes can lead to bigger problems than the one you initially had, potentially resulting in pipes slipping out of place, leaking or bursting. Affordable PVC piping can be misleading, as cheaper prices can indicate lower quality. It’s best to have a trained, licensed and insured plumber make the decision of which piping type to use.
• Using too much drain cleaner – Drain cleaners can clear out many clogs, but they shouldn’t be a crutch to rely on every time you need to dislodge blockage. Drain cleaner’s harsh chemicals can eat away at the walls of pipes, thinning them and making the pipe more susceptible to leaking or breaking. A homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda is usually enough to solve the issue, but a professional should be called for more serious blockages.
• Overtightening fittings – It’s understandable to assume making a pipe or fitting as tight as humanly possible is going to reduce the chance of a leak occurring. Unfortunately, overtightening joints and fastenings runs the risk of damaging your plumbing system. Overtightening can lead to stripped threads and split fittings. Most tightening can be completed by hand and only requires ¼ or 1/8 of a turn with a tool.
• Not turning off the water – Although most would think this step is elementary in most DIY repair projects, it’s a commonly missed step. Just because you don’t feel water flowing through the pipe you’re repairing doesn’t mean it’s empty, as resting water can remain in the pipe even when it’s not in use. Not turning the water off can turn a simple repair into a flood of epic proportions.

Let South West Plumbing’s Expert Professionals Repair Your Plumbing

Complex plumbing problems often require expert solutions. South West Plumbing provides comprehensive plumbing services at affordable rates – we charge by the job, not the hour, so if the unexpected occurs and a job takes longer than expected you don’t owe us anything extra. Our certified plumbers and heating technicians are highly trained, licensed and ready to handle just about any plumbing or heating problem you have. From digging sewer lines and fixing leaking faucets to repairing HVAC and installing water heaters, no problem is too difficult for our professional plumbers.

Don’t worry about timing – we’ll work around your schedule, with no extra charge for weekends or evenings. Contact South West Plumbing today to schedule a repair.