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3 Common Plumbing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Dry hands

Not every plumbing project requires help from a professional. In fact, there are several things that most homeowners can handle themselves, like changing out shower heads and minor pipe repair. Most homeowners aren’t professionals, though, and mistakes do happen.

Here are a few of the most common plumbing mistakes and some helpful plumbing tips to help you avoid them.

Avoiding Common Plumbing Mistakes

Mistake #1: Scratched Fixtures

Scratching the fixture is one of the most common rookie plumbing mistakes. Since many fixtures are chrome plated, even the smallest scratch will be extremely noticeable. These scratches usually occur when the homeowner attempts to tighten or loosen the fixture using a regular wrench. The teeth bite down or slip, and the rest is history.

Instead of using a regular wrench, pick up a strap wrench. This tool is designed specifically for this purpose and uses a rubber strap rather than metal teeth. All you have to do is wrap the strap around the fixture, secure it in place, and you’re good to go for damage-free tightening and loosening!

Mistake #2: Deformed Pipes

A pipe wrench can easily turn a round pipe into an oblong pipe if you aren’t careful, especially when dealing with old plumbing. To prevent this, make sure the wrench contacts the pipe in three places, not just two. The bottom jaw, the top jaw and the back of the wrench should all contact the pipe to prevent deformation.

Mistake #3: Mismatched Pipes

Minor water leaks are often pretty easy to fix without the help of a plumber. However, using mismatched pipes for the job can lead to a much bigger problem. Homeowners often buy the wrong size pipe and attempt to make it work using the wrong connectors or adapters, which can lead to more leaks. Another common mistake is mixing materials. For example, you should never connect copper pipes directly to galvanized metal pipes because the two metals interact in a way that causes rapid corrosion.

Tackling minor plumbing projects can be a good way to save money, but only if you avoid making costly mistakes. If you aren’t confident in your abilities, it’s always best to contact a plumber. When you need a Phoenix plumber, giving Plumbing Masters a call at 602-296-1127.

 

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