No matter how much you may cherish your craftiness or tech-savvy traits, plumbing fixture repairs can be difficult if you’re not familiar with your system. In many cases, such tasks are better left to the professionals, but if you plan to take action on your own, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are three common plumbing mishaps and how to avoid them. 

3 Common Mistakes Associated With DIY Plumbing Fixture Repairs

1. Using Store-Bought Drain Cleaning Solutions

While grabbing a bottle of the most affordable chemical drain cleaner at your supermarket may seem like a smart choice, it could do considerable damage to your plumbing system. While professional plumbers handle clogs by extracting the actual blockage — whether it’s hair, food scraps, or toilet paper — these solutions aim to dissolve the clog with harsh chemicals. Consequently, the same chemicals will eat away at the surrounding piping.

2. Connecting the Wrong Pipes

There are some pieces of plumbing information that the average homeowner isn’t expected to know — such as the corrosion that occurs when galvanized and copper pipes touch. Oftentimes, homeowners will use modern copper pipes to repair their galvanized piping, unintentionally damaging their system further. The only time these pipes can be connected is if they’re separated by a dielectric union. 

3. Being Forceful With the Knobs

If you notice a leaky faucet in a sink or bathtub, you might be tempted to twist the hot and cold knobs as tight as you can to prevent water from dripping. However, in most cases, a leaky faucet isn’t a test of strength — it indicates you need a plumbing fixture repair. If you try to twist the knobs too hard, they could break off, preventing you from using the fixture at all.

If you want to avoid these plumbing mishaps, turn to Millard Plumbing & General Contractor in Dardanelle, AR. This team offers plumbing fixture repairs and installations for residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Yell County, as well as 24/7 emergency work. They also provide in-depth sewer line inspections, cleaning, and replacements. To learn more about these and other services, visit their website, or call (479) 229-1025 to schedule an appointment with the licensed, bonded, and insured team today.