For many homeowners, there is a great sense of pride that is felt thanks to the ability to fix things around the house. Many of us relish the idea of adorning a tool belt in order to look the part of someone who is proficient in making repairs. However, we’re not all as handy as we’d like to believe. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing. Even the smallest of errors can create the biggest of problems.
What can we do to avoid the top plumbing pitfalls made around the house?
Don’t over-tighten the fixtures.
We can’t help it. Whenever making a plumbing repair, we often feel the need to ensure the extreme tightening of all nuts, bolts and screws. As a result, we tend to crank them just a little too much to the right. While ensuring a super tight fit may seem like a great way to fix a plumbing issue, it can damage the pipes. Applying too much pressure can crack or warp the rubber fittings inside the pipes. It can also strip the threads.
Inevitably, this will lead to leaks. Over-tightening can even inhibit water flow. Of course, this defeats the purpose of the entire repair job. In most cases, a hand tightening is all that is necessary for your pipes to provide adequate water flow throughout the home.
Read all installation instructions.
“I got this, this is easy!” or “I don’t need these instructions, I’ve done this before.” Have either of those exclamations ever come out of your mouth? If so, you’ve likely run into some trouble trying to install a dishwasher, washing machine or other appliance that requires a connection to your home’s water supply. When you skip the manufacturer’s instructions, you lend yourself to making costly errors.
Poorly-installed appliances can pose numerous risks. The most obvious and important of them all are the safety hazards you may create. Electrical problems can lead to fires, electrocution and other serious injuries. Secondly, an incorrectly installed appliance may not work as efficiently as advertised. As well, your warranty may not cover damage caused by your poor installation job. This leaves you responsible for costly repairs or replacements.
Locate your main water valve.
Being able to shut off your home’s water supply, during an emergency, is a vital way to maintain your home. Many homeowners, however, don’t know how to find it! Back in July, one of our blogs stressed the importance of knowing how to find your main water valve in order to prevent water damage and avoid frozen pipes during the winter.
Remember that water expands as it freezes. The expansion puts a lot of pressure on the pipes supplying water to your home. When exposed to severe cold, your pipes can endure significant damage if there is still water in them. This is why Canadians should be particularly vigilant. Shutting off the pipes in your garage and backyard during the winter is an important job each year. Check out this recent blog for tips on how to keep your pipes from freezing during the chilly months.
Have any questions? Please don’t hesitate to give your friends at 2 Bro’s Plumbing a call at 905-556-0790. You may also email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
