Avoid these common mistakes that can damage your plumbing system

burst pipe
Plumbing repairs are expensive. You can save a lot of money just by taking good care of your pipes. Here are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make that lead to major problems.

Forgetting to turn off the water before digging in

If you’re going to attempt to fix small problems yourself, you need to do it right. Failure to close the shutoff valve can lead to a big mess and potential water damage. If you’re only working on a sink or toilet you can simply close the local valve. For work on supply lines you’ll need to shut down the main outside your house.

Using the wrong tools

If a job calls for a tool that you don’t own, head to the hardware store and pick one up. Attempting a repair with the wrong tool can lead to broken fixtures, damaged fittings and personal injury, not to mention a lot of frustration.

Mixing and matching pipes

Joining copper tubing with galvanized pipes is a job to be left for a professional plumber. It’s not always a good idea to mix & match materials, so leave the decision to someone with more experience.

Refusing to throw in the towel

The most expensive damage you’ll ever do is generally 1 or 2 hours after you should have given up and called in for backup.

It’s OK to admit when you’ve tackled a DIY project above your skill level. Don’t wait until it’s too later to elicit the help of a certified tradesman.

Ignoring the risk of frozen pipes

Most of your plumbing is protected by your home’s heating system in the winter, but exposed pipes under the house need to be insulated. Investing in high-grade pipe insulators is the best way to avoid costly burst pipes.

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