10 DIY Plumbing Mistakes NOT To Make! | GOT2LEARN

Here are 10 plumbing common DIYer mistakes and how to avoid them or fix them if they've already be made.

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DISCLAIMER: Got2Learn is NOT responsible for any damage done to a property of which the plumbing wasn't done by a professional, I do not recommend doing your own plumbing if you are unsure about what you are doing, always hire a LICENSED contractor when doing any type of plumbing so you can be covered by insurances if something does happen, these videos are for entertainment purposes only!

[kevincounihan]

Note to all of you that use a plunger: The upstroke (Pull) is where all the work is done. The goal is to break up the clog by pulling it back, not pushing it in tighter. Seat the plunger and push slowly until it is collapsed to the surface and the air is expelled, then pull back sharply, repeat as necessary. If you push to plunge the clog will get firmer and you will get splashed with the effluent. 01-16-2020.

[instazx]

"A toilet plunger will work in a sink, so there's no reason to get both models"

... I can think of at least one reason.

[Flapswgm]

Very Well Done. NO Stupid music. NO TIme Wasted. NO Silly LONG explanations which never help after the first 10 words. THANKS SO MUCH.

[kabluey]

Another reason for getting sewage odors is not having any water in the trap. If you have a floor drain (or any drain) that does not get used the water in the trap will dry out and render the trap ineffective. So, if you don't use a sink, drain or toilet on a regular basis be sure to pour water in to keep the trap full of water and sewer gas OUT!

[nidoevin]

I especially like the vise grip trick with the unsoldering. Neat to know.

[Niawen]

I would add a few points:

1. Install check valves - aka "anti back flow valves" - on exterior hose bibs - especially those near the ground. Under some fairly common conditions, a vacuum can develop in the line above the bib and pull toxic water back up a garden hose and into the household water supply. Alternately, you can religiously coil the hose up and hang it so it's not in contact with the ground. Simply disconnecting the hose after each use works just as well. Check valves are more idiot proof in any case.

2. Never toss hair in a bathroom sink (any sink). Hair easily gets caught and accumulates on obstructions - such as excess glue on the inside of pvc or abs joints and even sloppy soldered joints - where it eventually forms a clog. When oils from makeup, soap, facial cream, etc. later get trapped in accumulated hair, the problem becomes even worse. I always use threaded fittings so that a joint can be easily taken apart if it becomes necessary to clear out a clog. A simple plastic hair screen over the drain will mitigate or prevent the problem. (Also note that most chemical drain cleaners produce considerable heat and can melt pvc or abs pipes and fittings. Threaded fittings will avoid having to replace melted fittings and sections of pipe.)

3. Always de-burr pipes before soldering or glueing them together. Burrs cause "whistling" as the supply water moves past them. Whereas "hammer" can be corrected by simply splicing in an anti-hammer device, whistling is a different issue and usually requires disassembly, de-burring and reassembly of pipes untill the offending joints are corrected. In some cases it may be necessary to completely replace entire sections of plumbing. Note that one whistling joint often betrays a sloppy plumber who may have created several such problems throughout a house. Always do a job correctly and to the best of your ability, weather making simple repairs or plumbing entire systems. Never cut corners to save a nickel since you'll almost always have to go back and make costly, time-consuming repairs. A happy wife and satisfied customers are what you want, every time.

* An electrician buddy once shared his "80-20 rule" with me. He said that 80 percent of his business was repeat business that came from 20 percent of his customers. Keep them satisfied with your best work and not only will they keep you coming back, but they'll recommend you to their friends and neighbors as well.

[danfacine]

Thank you for the insight, I am an appartment maintenance tech and I just learned a bunch of things, and also had somethings confirmed that I was doing it right! Very cool! ☺

[MLTUBE]

Thank you Got2Learn for such outstanding content, as a homeowner I've learned so many things I never knew about plumbing. Your videos are so easy and clear to learn from. I believe I can become a plumber just by your videos ! Great stuff Keep it up and much Love from Scarborough, Ontario

[bloodphoenixab]

3:37 Never had a problem getting suction in my toilets with flat plunger (yay for water efficiency toilets) and it's more than a little gross to me to use the same plunger you would on a toilet as you would for the sink (especially the kitchen sink) so I would end up buying multiple anyways. Not to mention touching the plunger to fold it in and out all the time.

[needtoknowbasis]

you are so direct, so succincted and clear about what you are talking about

[pcofranc]

Loved it, did not know about the backup one way valve. DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE PLUNGERS!! but I'm on 50 yrs old...Thanks.

[dontuno]

I always find your presentations well crafted and brim full of explanation. Many thanks.

[TigerCraps]

thanks for dropping knowledge. experience is the best teacher.

[mopar]

Great Video, in my mothers basement she used to get flooded when their was a bad storm, I didn't know they made a backflow preventer for a sewer main. I have installed a backflow preventer on my boilers feed line. Its almost like a check valve.

[louisracicot]

Love your videos man, so helpful, I’m an apprentice plumber and learning these tips and tricks has really helped me out, thanks man

[brit]

Excellent video, I am not a plumber but I have done a lot of plumbing in my various houses.
Most of the tips here are simply COMMON SENSE, but some are not.
I was gratified to see that I knew all of these tips and have never been guilty of ignoring them.
Just one thing however, yes the toilet plunger can be used in a sink by folding the horn into the plunger.
HOWEVER considering where the toilet plunger is used, I personally WOULD NEVER USE IT IN A SINK.

[rtel]

about cig butts in toilets... reminded me of university days. Maintenance staff put up a sign "please do not put cigarette butts in the toilet". A smartass added the note "makes them soggy and hard to re-light".

[ryandelaney]

I have been a journeyman plumber for years, this video has thought me so many things. Thank you!

[jeffostroff]

All handyman and home DIYers should be required to watch these what not to do videos, they are often better than the how to do it videos.

[markbaker]

Your video is one of the best I have ever seen... it’s short informative and straight to the point... thank you..