Chardon, OH &
Surrounding Areas

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Contact Us
440-286-1004

Contact Us
(440) 286-1004

Fixing plumbing mistakes on your own can be tempting, especially with the thought of saved time and cash on your mind. However, all too often these DIY attempts can turn into costly fix-ups requiring the help of a plumbing professional. If you’re attempting to tackle some plumbing projects on your own, make sure that you’re aware of these common DIY plumbing mistakes.

Mismatched Pipes: Modern piping is constructed from a wide variety of different materials. While each piping material has its advantages and disadvantages, it is important to mainly stick with one piping material. Piping consistency is an essential to remember when installing piping on your own. Mismatched piping can occasionally be connected via a specialized connection; however, most of the time it merely results in leaks due to incomplete connections between the two materials.  Rather than attempt to replace a rusted or damaged pipe with a new material, it can often be easier to replace the entirety of the old pipes.

Forgetting Placement: Taking something apart without remembering how to put it back together again can be deadly, especially for an appliance with a lot of small pieces. Even a more straight-forward appliance can be challenging to reassemble without a reference point or a guide to check. While professional plumbers have the experience to patch together, this is not often the case for overly ambitious DIYers.  Be sure to have your appliance’s configuration well-documented before beginning the project or be prepared to contact a professional in case the project doesn’t go your way.

Overusing Drain Cleaners: Keeping your drains clean and unclogged is an essential form of maintenance —however, there is such a thing as going overboard. Excessive drain cleaner usage can actually strip away the piping over time due to the heavy concentration of chemicals in the drain cleaner. They can also build up around clogs if not effectively applied, as well as release concentrated, toxic fumes back into your property. Try a natural cleaner or a drain snake first before turning to drain cleaners or the help of a professional.

Forgetting to Shut Off the Water: A simple error can cause disastrous results. Attempting to DIY a plumbing issue can turn costly if the water is not shut off before the project starts, as water floods and damages your home while you struggle to find the correct value to stop the flow. Water can also accumulate in the pipes even after the water value has been shut off, so make sure to run the faucets in your kitchen or bathroom for a little to ensure that the pipes are truly drained.

While it can be tempting to solve all of your property’s plumbing problems on your own, it can also be costly if not done correctly on your DIY attempts. Be cautious of these common DIY plumbing mistakes if you are committed to fixing the issue without help. And remember, if the plumping project appears to be too ambitious, don’t hesitate to call a professionally trained plumber who can help properly install and maintain your plumbing system.