Some people find it easy to fix plumbing issues on their own. Some of the plumbing issues like updating existing fixtures could be resolved with little effort and just a few tools. Even though a plumbing job may seem easy, many mistakes are committed by newcomers and amateurs in the plumbing industry and mostly by DIY enthusiasts.
However, you need to have a sound knowledge of the different kinds of pipes, fittings, solder, and even glue as most DIY enthusiasts fail to see the importance of being well-informed about these. Besides using the wrong parts, many of you tend to make multiple plumbing mistakes that should be avoided.
Creating Insufficient Plumbing Cleanouts
As per Thebalancesmb.com, cleanouts are often located in the wrong place. It is of strategic importance to provide the necessary clearance for servicing the line whenever the line is clogged. We know that cleanouts are not mandatory as per code above a building’s first floor; however, a plumbing expert must examine carefully how the line has been designed for adding some cleanout for facilitating proper servicing of the line.
Overlooking Pressure Relief Valve Issues
Water heaters normally are equipped with both temperature and pressure relief valves that should be instrumental in releasing pressure while there is a constant rise in pressure and temperature. A plumbing expert must make sure that the drain line is actually a full-size pipe and there should be slope for draining in the absence of valves between the outlet and the drain. The fitting strategically placed where the line ends, should not have any thread. Moreover, you need to observe carefully the exact distance from precisely the floor drain.
Over tightening Certain Plumbing Connections
Over tightening certain fixtures like pipe fittings, toilet bolts, and even supply tubes is one of the most common blunders made by DIY enthusiasts. Excessive cranking on galvanized pipes, tees, elbows, or even coupling could lead to cracks in the fitting. Even though cracks may not appear immediately, the excessive force could result in breaking the fixture after a few days and this could culminate in flooding. Over tightening plastic fittings present in your toilet is quite common, however, when nuts are over tightened they would break and lead to some leakage. Get in touch with a reputed plumbing company such as Ryan Old Plumbing Brisbane for perfect plumbing solutions.
Using Unsuitable Tape or Taping in a Wrong Way
All DIY enthusiasts must understand that PTFE tape or Teflon tape should be wrapped only in a clockwise direction for things to work effectively. Most amateurs wrap this tape backward so the tape would be unwinding itself when a fixture is being tightened. Hence, the fitting would not be sealed properly. For safety, wrap the tape thrice around the threads of the fixture. Moreover, make sure that the final wrap faces left when the fixture is being screwed. You must always make it a habit to use the perfect tape for a specific plumbing issue.
- Use white tapes or thick pink tapes for your water supply fittings.
- Use a high-quality gas-rated yellow-colored tape for effectively threading all gas line fittings.
- Always stay away from using thread tapes on compression or flare fixtures.
Conclusion
Avoid these plumbing mistakes so that your plumbing issues are fixed smoothly and in a timely manner. It is best to contact the experts in the plumbing industry for the best results.
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