DIY Plumbing
Advice
Know Your DIY
Plumbing Limitations
Although most plumbing chores done
around the house can seem daunting, seen from the perspective of a
plumber or one who has spent some time learning proper procedures, it can be pretty easy. Much of what is involved in plumbing for the DIY person such as stopping
a faucet from leaking or replacing under-sink drain pipes is not difficult, and only takes a little patience to
learn and perform correctly. If you are already
somewhat handy doing repairs, half the battle has already been won.
On the other hand every person who
intends to perform home maintenance needs to know their limitations. This could come in the form of
knowing how to or not “sweat” copper tubing fittings, or awareness of what local codes are as far as whether or
not certain activities are only allowed for licensed plumbers. So in DIY Plumbing, the operative phrase
is you can't do it all be yourself you also have to know when you need to hire a
professional.
DIY Plumbing: Be Safe
Considerations of safety should actually be at the top the
list for a DIY person, and for good reason. In DIY
Plumbing, if you are working near electricity - say during the process of changing a garbage
disposal, you need to be certain that the electrical power is disabled, and that you are not in danger of
splashing water into exposed outlets. If you are in a cramped area particularly, you need to be assured that it
is properly illuminated and made as comfortable as possible with items such as drop cloths and cushions being
used.
DIY Plumbing: Watch and
Learn
Sometimes it is an annoyance to a plumber to be watched
closely by a customer who wants to become a DIY Plumbing Person. This is understandable, but if
done discreetly and tactfully it is an opportunity to learn something new and/or
important. If you can hang back for the first few
minutes and let the repairman clearly assess the situation while demonstrating both your appreciation of his
presence and your desire to learn, most likely you will not be viewed as a nuisance.
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