DIY plumbing can save you money. However, one mistake is all it takes to turn a simple problem into a total disaster. You need to be careful when tinkering with your plumbing system, and you should know when to call a professional to do the job for you.
Take note of these DIY plumber tips to avoid bigger problems in your bathroom plumbing.
1. Know your shutoff valves.
Before starting your DIY project, make sure to locate the shutoff valve for your bathroom. This step is both basic and crucial, but eager DIY-ers sometimes forget the simplest rule. If you fail to turn off the water, you might just have a nightmarish flood in your bathroom.
2. Research the basics.
Have an overview of how bathroom plumbing works. You don’t need to cram your brain with complex information; just the basics will do. What’s important is that you have a general idea about various plumbing components and their functions.
3. Map out your plumbing.
Once you get a clear concept of bathroom plumbing, you can try applying it to your property and mapping out your plumbing system. This will make it easier for you to locate certain pipes and avoid causing damage to walls or any part of your home. This allows quicker troubleshooting too.
Of course, you can’t call yourself a DIY plumber if you don’t have the right tools. A starter kit should have different types of wrenches (pipe, basin, and adjustable), tongue-and-groove pliers, a hacksaw, a metal file, a hand auger, a closet auger, a tubing cutter, a plunger, a propane torch, and some fire-resistant cloth.
5. If you can’t do it, go to a professional plumber.
Remember that you’re only allowed to do simple plumbing tasks like changing tap washers or clearing waste pipes. Anything that involves sewers, open drains, altering water pipes, or gas work should be handled by a licensed plumber.
We have made a list of the best plumbers on our site. Feel free to check the services that they offer; they can give you prompt and reliable quotes.
