DIY plumbing is simple, easy and affordable. There are no special skills or knowledge required and many of the materials used are quite forgiving and easy to fix if a mistake should occur. Most DIY plumbing projects take very little time and provide years of lasting comfort and confidence knowing the job was performed without the high overhead cost of more traditional methods. Does this Spark an idea?
Warning
Before beginning any DIY plumbing project, it is important to check with your local building and residential codes. Some residential codes require that a certified professional must do any gas line work. In addition to these codes, it is important to know that older homes often have lead pipes or have lead-based soldering, the adhering compound used on copper plumbing. Lead is a toxin that, if exposed to during a DIY plumbing project, can cause brain and nerve damage. For any assistance with lead-based plumbing or soldering, it is important to contact your local water company or the Environmental Protection Agency, which also provides information on obtaining funding for homeowners looking to replace any hazardous plumbing. Before beginning any DIY plumbing project, it is important to check with the homeowner. Renters may void their deposit contract if they attempts repairs on their own.
Considerations
When starting a DIY plumbing job, it can be a bit confusing. There are two types of basic plumbing supply lines in the house, gas and water. For each type of plumbing repair needed, there are different types of pipes and tools that will be required to do the job. For gas plumbing, be sure to use black iron pipe. Connect multiple pipes by threading the pipes and using threaded adapters and connectors to ensure a secure fit. When purchasing threaded adapters, it is wise to take the old threaded connectors to the store for an accurate comparison and match. For water, use copper piping or PVC plastic plumbing. Most DIY plumbing plans run into the tricky question of using PVC or CPVC. While PVC is suitable for cold water applications, CPVC is required for temperatures over 180 degrees F and applications where 100 lbs. of pressure per square inch will occur. PVC is a great material for beginning DIY plumbing projects because it is semi-flexible, inexpensive and forgiving. However, many people worry that the use of plastic and its containment of certain cancer causing agents is an unhealthy risk for safe plumbing construction. PEX tubing is relatively new to the plumbing market but is getting great reviews due to its flexible nature, making installation a breeze. However, PEX tubing is not approved for outdoor above ground applications
Size
Plumbing comes in measurements of ¼ inch to 4 inches depending on the type of plumbing needed. Most homes feature ½-inch copper or PVC plumbing. Gas lines use ¾ inch to 2-inch pipes and most drainage systems, such as toilets, use the 4-inch pipes. To determine the size of pipe needed measure across the end of the pipe to find its diameter. If in doubt, take a sample of the pipe to the store for a better match.
Features
There are many tools used in DIY plumbing. Cutting iron pipe requires a more intense tool, such as a reciprocal saw or a diamond headed blade saw. To cut copper or plastic piping use a hacksaw or pipe cutters. Make sure that the pipe is secure and the cut is straight and even across. Iron pipe comes in a variety of lengths and is available with or without threads. For copper and plastic plumbing, use fine sandpaper to prepare a clean bonding surface between the pipe and the fitting. For copper plumbing, apply flux with a small paintbrush or old toothbrush. Use a small blowtorch to heat the flux and pipe before applying an acid-free solder to secure the fittings to the pipe. For PVC and CPVC, the adhesive glue comes with an applicator brush. Compression fittings do not require a bonding agent. These fittings tighten securely onto the pipe creating a compression seal to prevent leaks. For threaded and compression joints, it is imperative to use the proper tool to tighten the adapters. After applying Teflon tape or plumber's putty use Channel-type pliers or pipe wrenches instead of an adjustable wrench that will create uneven pressure throughout the fitting and pipe.
Prevention/Solution
There are many common misconceptions to DIY plumbing. People think it is far too difficult a task to perform on their own. People are often unsure of where to start and therefore rely on the professional work of a hired contractor. While there is no fault in this method, this means to solving any plumbing issues can cost hundreds of dollars a year in repairs or maintenance. People often worry that a DIY plumbing project will last an entire day or even weekend, but with the use of the correct tools and materials, it should only take a few hours to remove any old plumbing and install new pipes. In addition to proper installation, it is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections on the plumbing. Clean up any old soldering and flux from the copper pipes, as these components can clog the inside of the pipe restricting water flow. Fasten plastic plumbing to a stable wall or ceiling mount to prevent movement that can lead to breakage. Use heat tape to keep pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter. Inspect the pipes to ensure there is no corrosion or warping involved. These are signs that another DIY plumbing project is coming soon.
Tags: plumbing project, beginning plumbing, copper plumbing, plastic plumbing, Before beginning, Before beginning plumbing
