We are a do-it-yourself society brought up by craft and tool-loving parents, who taught us to have a “can do” attitude. Though it can be invigorating and empowering to fix things for ourselves, there are also times when it is best to leave a repair job to the professionals, and that is often the case when it comes to plumbing issues. Making a mistake with your home’s plumbing can result in messy and expensive disasters, which are often bigger than the problem you started with. Some of the most expensive mistakes can lead to burst pipes and overflowing toilets. While letting a professional handle most issues is best, if you’re facing a fix that you feel up to handling on your own, here are a few tips to help you avoid unnecessary plumbing disasters.
Know where your shutoff valve is located.
When it comes to working with your home’s plumbing system, the first and most important thing that you need to know is where the shutoff valve is located. You’ll find that you have a number of them spread throughout your home, and in many cases there will be one for each bathroom as well as a separate one for the kitchen. Though it is nice to know where each is and how to access it, what’s essential is that you know where the main water valve is located. It is usually located in the basement or near your hot water tank. Locate this area before you begin your plumbing repair and ensure beforehand, that the valve is easily adjustable and not rusted shut. This will allow you to access it and avoid major floods and damage to your home.
Learn about your home’s plumbing system before you start.
Plumbing may seem simple, but there is actually a great deal that you need to know before you start taking on a do-it-yourself job. Take the time to learn the difference between a vent pipe and a waste pipe, and get the lay of the land in terms of where your home’s drain lines and pipes are located. The more you know, the less trouble you’re likely to get into.
Make sure you’re well equipped.
Before you get started, take a careful inventory of your toolbox to make sure that you have all of the equipment and supplies that you’ll need for your plumbing job. There’s nothing like the frustration of shutting down your entire household’s water supply, only to find that you need to run to the hardware store to buy solder and flux. Do your homework and invest in having the right tools on hand.
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