Four ways to ace DIY plumbing repair projects

Four ways to ace DIY plumbing repair projects

South West Plumbing offers their top dos and don’ts for Seattle area homeowners

SEATTLE — Feb. 10, 2021 — South West Plumbing, Seattle’s leading provider of plumbing services, understands that do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are common for homeowners. While some projects are safe, others could easily cost homeowners more money in the process.

“DIY projects are something many homeowners take on for different reasons,” said Darrell Paul, general manager of South West Plumbing. “Sometimes, it’s to save money, while others simply take pride in or have a passion for maintaining their property themselves. We want to make sure that homeowners are equipped with the knowledge to perform many DIY tasks safely and to also understand when to call an expert.”

Paul helps navigate some dos and don’ts when it comes to DIY projects:

• Do – Turn off main water line: When beginning a DIY plumbing project, be sure to know where the main water line shutoff is located, and turn it off before proceeding. This will help lower the possibility of water damage when performing the repair. Many additional shut-off valves are located near fixtures.
• Don’t – Try to force the wrong parts to work: It may be tempting to try using what’s at hand despite an improper fit. This can cause major issues as components are usually designed for specific applications or projects, making it important to ensure the proper part for the job.
• Do – Properly tighten fittings and connections: When performing a DIY project, putting everything back together carefully and thoroughly is key. When putting pipes, joints or couplings in place, make sure the fit is snug but not too tight. Tightening too much could rupture the fitting.
• Don’t – Excessively use drain cleaners: When drains clog, it’s easy for homeowners to purchase a chemical drain cleaner for a quick fix. While this is an OK in an emergency, drain cleaners should be used sparingly. The chemicals could kill good bacteria, which makes it hard for the system to break down solids. This could cause the septic tank to clog up. Many harsh chemicals can also cause erosion to walls of pipes, so consider choosing an all-natural biological solution like an enzyme instead.

“There is nothing wrong with homeowners deciding to fix minor issues in their homes as long as they take the proper measures into consideration,” Paul said. “A simple mistake could cost homeowners more money than intended.”

About South West Plumbing
South West Plumbing was started over 35 years ago by Bill and Connie Buckingham out of their home with just one truck. All South West Plumbing plumbers and technicians are certified and come prepared with fully-stocked trucks that have everything they need to do the job right. We have friendly, professional, and uniformed technicians that are trained on an ongoing basis to ensure that they can perform your plumbing service with both precision and accuracy. We are the plumbing service company YOU can count on. For more information, visit onetocall.com.

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