In the modern world, it is very easy for homeowners to watch a how-to video or pull up a step-by-step tutorial and then decide to tackle their own plumbing repairs. Many small tasks like unclogging a drain or swapping a toilet valve can be done with basic tools and a little patience. Often, plumbing problems can be much more complicated than you think and should be left to the professionals.
At Larkin Plumbing, we often see the consequences of homeowners’ well-intentioned DIY projects that result in disaster or more problems than the original issue. Unfortunately, what they thought would be a quick fix turned into costly repairs, water damage, or eventually emergency plumbing service.
Knowing the most common mistakes homeowners make with DIY plumbing repairs can help you avoid these pitfalls and know when to call a professional. If you want to save money, be more independent, or just enjoy hands-on projects, here are the most frequent plumbing mistakes we’ve seen homeowners make.
1. Underestimating the Complexity of the Task
One of the most common errors we notice in DIY plumbing is underestimating the complexity of doing the job. It may all seem fundamentally simple, stopping a leaky faucet or tightening a leaky pipe, but things can quickly become problematic. The information that is available on the internet may make the project seem simple, however, professional plumbing requires basic understanding of water pressure, pipe compatibility, local building codes, etc.
Small mistakes during a DIY repair can lead to leaks, water damage, or broken fixtures, especially when you don’t have the right plumbing tools or expertise. Even when you attempt to do your own repairs, issues don’t always show up right away. A poorly sealed joint may not show up for weeks in the form of mold or stains. So always assess the job before you start, and if you aren’t sure, call a professional.
2. Using the Wrong Tools or Materials
While professional plumbers are trained and able to use the correct tools and materials for the job, homeowners often only have basic tools when they are doing DIY plumbing repairs. Using the incorrect tools can affect the installation or even create permanent damage to the plumbing system.
An example is using the wrong wrench. The wrong wrench can strip fittings or cause connections to be over-tightened. Over torquing a connection between plastic pipes can damage the pipes and joint. Another example is the mixing of materials such as connecting copper to galvanized steel without dielectric fittings. Mixing these can lead to corrosion and possibly leaks or even water contamination.
3. Ignoring Shut-Off Valves
It may seem like a basic step, but one of the most common and costly DIY plumbing mistakes is forgetting to shut off the water supply before starting a repair. Whether you’re replacing a faucet, repairing a toilet, or working on a section of pipe, failing to close the appropriate shut-off valve can lead to a sudden and messy water leak, often requiring immediate assistance from water leak plumbers.
Always double-check all the shut-off points and have a bucket or towels handy. A few extra minutes of preparation can save you from a big headache and an emergency call.
4. Consistent Usage of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing issues that homeowners try to fix themselves, and many try by using chemical drain cleaners. While these products may give you temporary relief, repeated use can damage your plumbing system and eventually require professional drain cleaning services.
Most chemical cleaners have corrosive ingredients that can weaken, warp, or erode pipes over time, especially older plumbing systems. Improper use or mixing of these chemicals can create a reaction that’s bad for you and your home.
Mechanical solutions like plungers and drain snakes are safer and more effective. If the clog persists, the best thing to do is call a professional drain cleaning service to remove the blockage without damaging your plumbing.
5. Incorrect Use of Teflon Tape
Teflon tape, also known as plumber’s tape, is a small but crucial plumbing tool used to seal threaded pipe connections and prevent leaks. But it’s often misused or overlooked in DIY plumbing repairs, and that can lead to problems that will require emergency plumbing service.
Common mistakes include wrapping the tape in the wrong direction, using too little tape or using it where pipe thread sealant (pipe dope) is needed. These mistakes may not cause immediate leaks, but they will weaken the connection over time and cause drips or water damage.
6. Tightening Connections Too Much
Most homeowners think the tighter the connection, the more secure it will be. But over-tightening and under-tightening can lead to major plumbing problems that may require pipe leak detection services. Over-tightening brass or PVC fittings can cause cracks or warping and hidden leaks that get worse over time.
Under-tightening results in loose connections that may drip slowly at first but will leak big time if left alone.
7. Not Checking Local Plumbing Codes
One of the most common DIY plumbing mistakes is not checking if the work meets local plumbing codes. Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, installing plumbing fixtures or working on sewer or gas lines, knowing your code is important for safety and legal reasons. Most codes are local requirements, and if you don’t follow them, it could lead to an inspection failure, a fine, or a safety issue, particularly if you plan to sell your home. In many cases, homeowners have no idea that a plumbing job violates local plumbing codes until it is too late.
Final Thoughts
Doing plumbing repairs yourself can be rewarding if done right, but it is easy to make mistakes that can turn into unsafe and costly repairs. From using the wrong tools to underestimating the complexity of the job, these typical errors result in increased costs well beyond what you would have paid for a professional in the first place. If you are ever in doubt, trust the water leak detection & plumbing experts at Larkin Plumbing. We have served Las Vegas Homes and businesses right since 1936, offering reliable, safe, and lasting plumbing repairs. Regardless of whether you need our emergency plumber’s service or general repairs, contact us today for a trusted 24-hour plumber service to serve your home or commercial plumbing needs.
