You can fix most household plumbing repairs and even update plumbing fixtures with just a few special tools and a little elbow grease. The work isn’t physically challenging. But you do have to know the differences between the many types of pipes, fittings, glue and solder because that’s one big area where DIYers often mess up. In addition to not using the right parts, DIYers also make these other common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid the top 10 most common plumbing mistakes and get the job done right.
Overtightening Connections
Overtightening supply tubes, pipe and fittings and toilet bolts is the #1 DIYer mistake. If you crank too hard on a galvanized or black pipe, coupling, tee or elbow, you risk cracking the fitting. The crack may not happen right away, but the excessive force can break the fitting weeks later, causing a flood.
Overtightening the plastic fittings on toilet and faucet supply tubes is even more common. It just doesn’t take that much torque to seal a supply tube. If you tighten the hex nuts too much, they’ll eventually break and leak. Plus, overtightening toilet closet bolts at the f