5 Plumbing DIY Repairs That Can Cause More Problems

Do you have problems with your plumbing system? The first thought that may spring to mind is to search YouTube for tips on how to fix it. With so many commercially accessible plumbing solutions on the market, it's understandable that it's tempting to try to do your own plumbing repairs. Also, plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, and your first response will always be to look for ways to fix them immediately.

Some minor repairs may indeed be completed by an ordinary person with a basic toolkit. However, some of these do-it-yourself hacks might cause more severe harm to your house and plumbing system.

Which do-it-yourself plumbing repair hacks should you avoid? Take a look at the list below.

1) Plumbing Tape
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Silicone tape and pipe thread tape are widely available and promoted as leak-repair products for various pipe problems. The former is meant to produce a watertight seal between plumbing joints, while the latter is used to close up crack leaks. They are, however, just temporary repairs, and leaving them on a defective pipe for an extended period will result in the material losing its adhesive properties. The leak itself will not be repaired and will continue to persist without professional efforts.

2) Epoxy Pipe Sealant

This product is similar to plumbing tape in that it is a stopgap solution. While the epoxy sealant will solidify against the damaged area, preventing water from leaking through the pipe, it will eventually fail. If you leave it in place, it will ultimately leak again, perhaps causing severe water damage depending on the severity of the problem.

3) Pipe Clamps

Speaking of stopgap solutions: pipe clamps are quite tough, but they are not meant to be used for a long time. It's fine to lay a piece of rubber over a leak and secure it with a pipe clamp, but you shouldn't leave this temporary repair in place for more than a few days. Call a professional plumber to take care of any leaks!

4) Repair Sleeves

Repair sleeves are ideal for joint pipes. They're also an excellent choice for minor leaks, but they shouldn't be left alone for too long because the problem can quickly grow beyond the point where it started.

5) Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners may be a tempting option if you have a clogged drain or toilet. If you want your pipes to last, though, it’s best to stay away from these products. They are designed to burn through anything that's blocking up your pipes, so they are incredibly corrosive. They can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. You may either hire a professional drain cleaner or use an enzymatic drain cleaner instead.

Conclusion

All of the above-mentioned do-it-yourself remedies are, at best, interim workarounds. While they may temporarily fix your difficulties, they are not ideal in the long run. They can potentially develop far greater challenges that will cost you more money after a few weeks or so.

Professional plumbing repair is the best approach to deal with your plumbing issues. If you discover a pipe leak, you should contact a plumber immediately. An examination and diagnosis will reveal both isolated and systemic faults that must be addressed to minimize water damage and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

If you are looking for 24-hour plumbing service in Edmonton to take care of your plumbing repairs and fixes in Calgary, Alberta, 24 Hour Plumbing can do the job for you. Our team specializes in emergency plumbing, so we can surely solve all your problems. Contact us today!