There are a lot of people who love the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach when it comes to household projects. It’s easy to see why; not only do you save the money you would spend on a professional, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing you did the work on your own.
When it comes to plumbing, DIYing is okay for minor work, but trying to tackle more complicated issues on your own is when people start making costly and dangerous mistakes. Familiarize yourself with the most common DIY plumbing mistakes below, so you can avoid them and know when it’s time to bring in a professional!
Mistake #1: Going overboard with drain cleaner.
While liquid drain cleaners may seem like miracle workers when you have a clog, they are not kind to your plumbing in the long run. If drain cleaner doesn’t remove the blockage, it leaves behind a caustic substance that makes it more difficult for a professional plumber to fix the problem. When used too often or in too high of quantities, these chemicals also corrode piping over time, which can lead to major leaks.
Mistake #2: Leaving the water on.
A lot of homeowners either forget or don’t think they need to turn off the water while completing plumbing work. You may think it won’t be a big deal for a project that seems quick and easy, like replacing a valve or a broken knob, but flooding can happen in the blink of an eye if things don’t go as smoothly as you anticipated. Then not only have you wasted a lot of water, but you’ve probably also caused a lot of water damage (which may be visible or hidden).
Mistake #3: Doing work that isn’t up to code.
Safety codes and regulations are in place for a reason. If you perform plumbing work without proper permits, training, or equipment, your water system—and entire household—are at risk. It is often the small mistakes you make now that end up costing you big-time down the line in damage and repairs. Plus, unpermitted plumbing work can decrease the value of your property if you choose to sell in the future. DIY work that’s not up-to-code may not pass inspection, leaving you with the choice to either pay to have it redone or lower your asking price.
Do you suspect your plumbing has sprung a leak? Don’t risk wasting time or causing damage by trying to find and fix it yourself. Inland Empire Leak Detection will come to your property and determine if there is a leak for FREE! If our experts find something, we’ll be able to provide the cost-efficient, non-invasive solutions you need to fix it.
Call us today at 951-442-5339 to book our free leak detection services!
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