Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and inconvenient and often require a prompt response. If you cannot get a professional plumber to your home, you might want to DIY fix it. However, not all DIY plumbing fixes are equal. There are several DIY plumbing emergency fixes that you should avoid at all costs. In this article, we’ll look at some of these fixes and explain why they should be avoided.
1. Chemical Drain Cleaners
You might use a chemical drain cleaner when your sink or bathtub is clogged. These cleaners promise to dissolve hair, grease, and other blockages in your pipes. However, they come with several risks making them a poor choice for DIY plumbing fixes.
Firstly, these chemicals are highly corrosive and can cause damage to your pipes over time. They can also create toxic fumes that are harmful to inhale. Additionally, if the chemical doesn’t dissolve the blockage, it can create a dangerous buildup of pressure in your pipes, which can cause them to burst.
Instead of using chemical drain cleaners, try using a plunger or a drain snake to remove the blockage. If these methods don’t work, it’s best to call a professional plumber in Narre warren who can safely and effectively remove the blockage without causing damage to your pipes.
2. Pliers and Wrenches
Pliers and wrenches are tools that many homeowners have in their toolboxes. However, using these tools to try and fix a plumbing emergency can cause more harm than good. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can easily strip or damage the fittings, which can cause leaks and other plumbing problems.
Using pliers or wrenches on a gas line or water heater can be incredibly dangerous. These lines require specific tools and training to work with safely. If you need more confidence in your workability with these systems, it’s best to leave the repairs to a local plumber in Narre warren.
3. Duct Tape
Duct tape is a common household item that can help you with several repairs. However, using duct tape to fix a plumbing emergency is a recipe for disaster. While duct tape can temporarily stop a leak, it’s not a permanent solution.
Over time, the tape will degrade and lose its adhesive properties, which can cause the leak to return. Additionally, if the tape doesn’t hold, it can cause water damage to your home, which can be a costly repair.
Instead of using duct tape, try using a pipe clamp or epoxy putty to stop the leak temporarily. These products are designed specifically for plumbing repairs and can provide a more reliable fix until a professional plumber in Narre warren can assess and fix the problem.
4. Boiling Water
Boiling water is another DIY fix often recommended for clogged drains. While pouring boiling water down your drain can help dissolve minor blockages, it can also cause more harm than good.
If your pipes are old or damaged, the boiling water can cause them to crack or burst. Additionally, if the blockage is caused due to a solid object, such as a toy or piece of jewellery, the boiling water won’t be able to dissolve it.
Instead of choosing boiling water, use a plunger or a drain snake to remove the blockage. If these methods don’t work, it’s best to call a professional plumber who can safely and effectively remove the blockage without causing damage to your pipes.
5. Burst Pipes
A burst pipe is one of the most severe plumbing emergencies. It can cause significant damage to your property and even put your health and safety at risk. Burst pipes can occur due to freezing temperatures, ageing pipes, or water pressure issues.
While it may be tempting to fix a burst pipe yourself, it’s essential to know that this is not a DIY job. Attempting to fix a burst pipe without the proper knowledge and tools can result in further damage and even personal injury.
If you experience a burst pipe, the first step is to shut off the water supply to your home. Then, call a professional plumber who can safely and effectively fix the problem. An emergency plumber in Narre warren will have the necessary equipment and experience to locate and repair the burst pipe without causing further damage.
6. Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is a plumbing emergency that requires immediate attention. Sewage backups can occur due to clogged sewer lines, tree roots, or damage to your sewer system. While you may think about fixing it yourself, it’s crucial to know that this is not a DIY job. Attempting to fix a sewage backup without the proper knowledge and equipment can result in further damage and exposure to harmful bacteria.
A professional plumber in Narre warren will have the necessary equipment and experience to locate and remove the sewage backup. They can also help you clean the affected areas and prevent future backups.
7. Leaking Faucets and Toilets
Because a leaking faucet or toilet is a severe plumbing emergency, it can lead to higher water bills and wasted resources. Leaking faucets can occur due to worn-out washers while leaking toilets can occur due to a faulty flapper valve or a damaged tank.
While it may be tempting to fix a leaking faucet or toilet yourself, it’s essential to know that this can cause further damage if not done correctly. Moreover, fixing these issues requires specialised tools and knowledge that most homeowners do not possess.
Doyle Plumbing: 24/7 Available Emergency Plumbers
Plumbing emergencies can be stressful and overwhelming. You can consider tackling these emergencies yourself, but it’s essential to know which ones are safe to fix and which ones require the professional assistance of an emergency plumber in Narre warren. Attempting to fix plumbing emergencies like burst pipes, gas leaks, sewage backups, water heater problems, and leaking faucets and toilets can result in further damage, personal injury, or even
legal issues. It’s always best to call our professional plumbers at Doyle Plumbing. We have the knowledge, tools, and experience to safely and effectively handle these emergencies. So, if there is a plumbing emergency, safety should always be your top priority.
