When many homeowners in Indianapolis discover a plumbing issue in their homes, they are fast to grab a few tools and take on the challenge of making the repair on their own rather than calling a licensed plumber. While taking the initiative to fix the problem is admirable, it is equally vital that you know your limits and capabilities before diving into a plumbing project. Unfortunately, one mistake in a repair can cost you a significant amount of money for water damage repairs and professional help to fix the issue properly. So if you are a DIYer, be sure to avoid these three common and often expensive mistakes.

Know Your Limits

There are many simple plumbing repairs that the average homeowner can handle with no worries. For example, replacing a washer, removing scale build-up, or even installing a new faucet can be very simple if you are handy with a few tools and follow directions. However, when it comes to more serious issues like repairing a leaking water line, installing a new water heater, or replacing a leaking toilet, you might want to leave these tasks to a professional. The secret to saving money with DIY repairs is knowing your limit and staying in your comfort zone.

Don’t Forget To Turn Off The Water

It sounds like a rookie mistake, but it can happen more than you might imagine. You have gotten all the tools and parts you need for a repair and just want to get one more look at the leak before you begin. Then you get ahead of yourself and dive into the repair process before turning off the water. Suddenly, that tiny leak is not a gusher because you have cut into a pressurized water line. The other possibility is that you get a little too rough and accidentally break another fitting loose while trying to make the original repair. So now you have to turn off the water to the entire house and replace the valve you had closed and the original leak. Be careful and methodical. And don’t forget to turn off the water.

You Make Do With The Tools You Have

Having the right tool for the job is priceless. If you do not have a pipe wrench, a simple plumbing repair can take hours. There is no way to substitute for the right tools. If you don’t have the tools required for the repair, and cannot get them from a tool rental or friend, call a plumber and save yourself a ton of frustration and a potentially costly mess. There are too many things that can go wrong compared to the off chance that the repair goes well. You could break additional water lines or fittings, hurt yourself trying to use the wrong tool, or do more damage with the wrong tools.

If you get in over your head on a DIY repair, call (317) 751-2995 or click here to request the assistance of a licensed plumber from JW’s Plumbing. We are here 24/7 for all your plumbing emergencies.