subject: Five Handy Diy Plumbing Tips For Beginners [print this page] Do you splash out for a plumber every time your sink clogs or your loo blocks? If so, its worth learning a little DIY. Many issues can be resolved without professional help, but be sure to follow these five handy tips so you dont make the problem worse!
Use quality parts
First and foremost, its essential to use high-quality parts so visit a reputable home store and buy everything you need. Rubber washers tend to last longer than ceramic alternatives (as theyre strong with a decent grip) and opt for brass screws (as they wont corrode easily). If youre unsure what to purchase, ask a salesman for help and advice and look for discounts on useful materials.
Gather the right tools
Before you start any job, ensure youve got all the right tools. Having everything nearby will make your life a lot easier and will stop you panicking half way through a task. Keep in mind that you might need more equipment than you first think, so do your research prior to carrying out any task. If youre really not sure what youre doing, arrange appliance repairs with a reputable company like HomeServe just in case.
Check handbooks and instruction guides
If youve got a manufacturers handbook or an instruction booklet nearby, check the maintenance advice on offer. There might be some useful tips you can take on board before you start unscrewing nuts and bolts and taking apart joints. Repairs arent always easy, so learn all you can before you commit to the task and avoid these five common plumbing mistakes highlighted by experts.
Know the basics
When it comes to plumbing, knowing the basics will really help. For instance, always leave enough time to carry out a job and turn off the water valve before starting or you could end up flooding your house. Whats more, never attach copper to steel (as copper tends to erode quicker) and dont leave threaded joints unsealed, unless you want water to fly everywhere!
Take out plumbing insurance
Its essential to take out pluming insurance with a well-respected service provider just to be on the safe side. This will protect you in an emergency and should cover the cost of maintenance and repairs if something goes wrong. Opt for the best policy out there and you could save yourself a lot of money in the long run which is important during these economically unstable times.
Plumbing can be fun, but you must know what youre doing.
