How to Not Kill Your Plumbing: DIY Tips From a Master Plumber

It’s easy to take plumbing for granted—until a toilet suddenly backs up at midnight. Be prepared so you can stop a simple fix from worsening into a nightmare.

Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock, Getty Images, Freepik

Largely unseen, a home’s plumbing system runs from the kitchen sink to the backyard spigot and everywhere in between. Because every part of it needs to work all the time, it’s important to learn basic do-it-yourself (DIY) plumbing skills. In addition to saving money, knowing what to do in the event of a sudden leak means not having to wait hours or even days for a plumber to arrive.

Robert Mazzacone, CEO of Mazzacone Plumbing & Heating and grandson of the company’s founder, Victor Mazzacone, encourages homeowners to take on DIY plumbing projects. He told The Epoch Times: “The best way to keep your home’s plumbing system working great is to pay attention to it so small problems don’t become big ones. But know your limitations; don’t attempt repairs without proper knowledge. If a plumbing project seems like something you can’t handle, it probably is, so call a professional.”

Mazzacone is a master plumber, which requires the completion of a four- to six-year apprenticeship, serving as a licensed journeyman for up to four years, and then completing college-level courses including blueprint preparation and business law. In short, a master plumber is an extremely knowledgeable professional, not “just another guy with a wrench.”

Be Vigilant

As a third-generation master plumber, Mazzacone has an encyclopedic knowledge of plumbing. He said the best way to keep the water flowing in the right direction is to “be alert to any hint of drips.”

“React immediately to any signs of water damage, such as stains or mold. Finding and dealing with issues early is critical,” he said.

“Don’t ignore leaks. Even what seems like a very minor leak can lead to big problems if it is not quickly repaired.”

Think Before Flushing

A plunger is the best tool for unclogging toilets. Shutterstock-Pixelsquid/Shutterstock

Mazzacone said that preventing problems often comes down to common sense.

“Besides what it’s designed for, don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet,” he said.

Even flushable diapers should be disposed of in the trash, not the toilet. In the kitchen, don’t rinse food down the drain unless there’s a garbage disposal installed, and never pour grease down the drain.

While strong water pressure might seem great, Mazzacone cautioned, “Overly high pressure can actually stress pipes and fixtures in your home, causing problems.”

When asked about other examples of common things that people do that can harm plumbing, he said: “Chemical drain cleaners are one of the worst things for plumbing, because they can corrode pipes and cause serious damage. Using a plunger is a safer way to clear clogs.”

Get the Right Tools

Plumber’s pliers are good for home fixes from the kitchen to the bathroom. donatas1205/Shutterstock

Mazzacone said that all too often, homeowners and renters call a plumber for things they could have fixed themselves. One example is a clogged bathroom sink or tub. In many cases, the sink or tub is plugged by a mass of hair that prevents water from draining.

Adjustable wrenches come in different sizes. It's good to have large and small ones on hand. donatas1205/Shutterstock

After removing the stopper, either by pulling it out or unscrewing the cover, the fix is inserting a long, skinny hair clog remover into the drain and then pulling it out, along with the hair. These tools can be found at dollar stores and are simple to use, very effective, and safer than resorting to caustic chemicals. Those chemicals are hard on pipes and can cause skin injuries or stain clothing if spilled or splashed.

When asked what other tools a DIYer should own, Mazzacone said: “First of all, a plunger for unclogging toilets and drains. Next, get a quality pipe wrench to tighten and loosen connections. Plumber’s tape is a must, because it is indispensable for sealing pipe threads. Add an adjustable wrench and plumber’s pliers that will be used for many plumbing fixes.”

Take on Challenges

Plumber’s tape helps ensure a watertight seal. bluebloodbkk/Shutterstock

Another project that seems difficult at first but is actually fairly simple is fixing a leak in a two-handled faucet by replacing either the hot- or cold-water cartridge.

The first step is to watch a how-to video on YouTube to become familiar with the procedure. After turning off the water supply, which is a skill that everyone should have in case of a leak, it’s as simple as loosening a set screw to remove the handle, removing a retaining nut, pulling out the old cartridge, sliding in a new one, and reinstalling the handle.

When tightening the screws, resist the temptation to tighten every nut as much as possible—this can result in broken bolts and stripped screws. The rule of thumb is to wrap the threads of any connection that controls water with plumber’s tape and tighten it just a bit beyond hand-tight. If there’s a leak, tighten it a bit more.

This project takes 30 minutes at most, saves a lot of money, and provides a nice burst of self-esteem upon completion.

Don’t Go Beyond Your Qualifications

“Most people with basic DIY skills and tools can do pretty much anything that doesn’t require a master plumber’s license,” Mazzacone said.

That includes replacing a toilet flapper or installing a new shower head, for example. He also knew a DIYer who replaced an entire bathroom sink himself.

“He watched tutorials, took his time, and did a fantastic job. We inspected the job, and everything worked perfectly and looked professional,” Mazzacone said.

(Left to right) With the proper tools, a homeowner can make many basic plumbing repairs themselves, such as fixing a leaking faucet. Repairing a constantly running commode is actually a very easy DIY project, as the components are designed for fast and simple installation. With the right tools in your toolbox, changing the shower head will also be straightforward. Grigvovan/Shutterstock, R Dorosh/Shutterstock

However, he cautioned against tackling more-complicated projects.

“Anything that requires a license or certification, such as major pipe replacements, backflow testing, major renovations, finding and repairing major leaks, water heater installations, gas line repairs, and septic system repairs should be left to experienced, licensed, and insured professionals,” he said.

“A homeowner decided to install a new shower himself. But because he didn’t know he needed to secure the pipes properly, he accidentally caused a leak inside the wall. This caused major water damage and mold before he realized he had a leak. He ended up spending a lot more to fix it than if he had called a plumber in the first place.”

Be wary of puncturing a wall if you don’t know where pipes are located. Hanging a picture frame can suddenly become a disaster if the nail pierces a water line. Use a stud finder to determine where it is safe to drill or place a nail to hang pictures or install shelves.

Have a Plan B

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Every plumber knows that working with water involves the risk of causing an unplanned leak. This means that they approach every project with a clear plan of what to do if it goes sideways.

“Before you pick up the first tool, find the home’s main shut-off valve, which could be inside or outside, and turn off the incoming water,” he said.

All homeowners should know the location of their homes’ incoming waterline shut-off valves. This is important in case a pipe begins to leak and when preparing to work on the home’s plumbing. If the valve is outside the home, a special tool may be required to turn it on and off, but pliers will work in a pinch.

Have towels and a bucket handy, along with the phone number of an experienced plumber, just in case. This isn’t a sign of doubt in one’s ability but an acknowledgment that things can quickly go wrong. It’s smart to have a Plan B.

The first step of any plumbing project is to determine what is wrong. Look closely and make sure you are comfortable with the task; if it is beyond your skill level, call a professional. The Good Brigade/Getty Images

Keep Learning

Some DIYers want to master a skill, and there are several ways to become well-versed in plumbing. In addition to perusing relevant books at the local library, there are numerous YouTube channels devoted to plumbing, such as Roger Wakefield Plumbing Education, Home RenoVision DIY, and PlumberParts. Another option is to find an experienced plumber at the journeyman or master level who is willing to take on an apprentice to provide hands-on training.

Several online schools offer programs in plumbing. These courses typically provide instruction in pipefitting, installing water heaters, reading blueprints, and more skills required of a plumber. Students use study guides and videos to learn procedures and techniques.

Although the courses are designed for those entering the industry, preparing them to be an apprentice to a plumber, they’re also a great way for a homeowner to gain the skills needed to keep their plumbing systems in perfect condition. For those with large homes or multiple properties, learning this skillset could lead to significant cost savings in the long run. The courses are often flexible to allow students to work toward the degree at a pace that best suits their schedules.

One example is Penn Foster, which offers an online course leading to a Plumbers Career Diploma at a cost of $1,089, which includes study guides and other required materials.

The bottom line? Before picking up a wrench, go slow. Research the problem and possible solutions. If at any point the project becomes overly intimidating, stop and call a plumber.