Plumbing is essential to ensure that sanitation and piping systems are properly installed and maintained. In urban cities like Dubai, there are so many plumbing regulations that only an experienced plumber can ensure they are not violated. People usually go with inexperienced plumbers with cheaper rates. This often results in costly repairs, delays, unsatisfied clients, or even serious hazards.
This article explores five common mistakes that plumbers make. If you are a homeowner seeking to book a plumber in Dubai, it is essential to understand these mistakes to ensure a satisfactory plumbing experience.
Ignoring the Plumbing Codes and Standards
The plumbing codes are set in order to regulate any building’s plumbing systems – from design and installation to maintenance. These standards are set by regulatory bodies to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the system. Failure to adhere to these codes and standards can result in significant issues such as property damage, monetary costs, or legal penalties.
It is essential for plumbers to have the knowledge of all the latest codes, otherwise, they may cause some of the following violations:
- Improper slopes of drainage pipes
- Incorrect pipe fittings
- Missing clean outs
- Improper waste disposal and venting systems
- Not using the authorized pipe material
- Improper placement of fixtures
Over-Tightening Fittings & Connections
It is a common misconception that a piping connection is more secure if it is tighter. This cannot be further from the truth. Over-tightening can actually damage the pipes and fittings due to added wear and tear. Whether it is faucets, valves, or compression tubes, overtightening them can cause more leaks and cracks. Here are a few problems that can be caused by overtightening:
- Disassembling a fitting
- Deformation of tubing
- Valve breakage and leakage
- Ferrule deformation
- Stripped threads
- Weakened tubing
Using the Wrong Tools
The incorrect usage of tools like pliers, clamps, or wrenches can severely damage pipes and fittings. Using a small wrench for a pipe with a bigger bolt can scratch or damage it. Similarly, using one that is larger than needed can make the nut become loose. The following issues can result from using the wrong tools for a job:
- Cracked or broken pipes
- Improperly sealed connections
- Damaged fittings
- Stripped or broken pipes
Leaving Water Supply On
Turning a property’s water supply off is a crucial step in any plumbing work. If a plumber fails to turn off the water supply before starting work, they can risk causing flooding, which can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural issues later. Here are a few problems that can arise due to this mistake:
- Clogged drains and toilets
- Water wastage
- Drainage issues
- Flooding
- Mold and damp walls/ceiling
- Pipe breakage due to pressure
Wrapping Plumbing Thread the Wrong Way
This is another common but costly plumbing mistake. If the plumbing thread is wrapped backwards, it will be unable to stick because the back side lacks adhesive quality. This will result in the fixture coming apart even before it is fixed. This can cause anything in between an incomplete job or a clog. Other issues that result from this are:
- Leaks
- Loose fittings
- Difficulty in removing fittings in the future
- Reduced water pressure or flow
How to Avoid Plumbing Mistakes?
All the problems mentioned above can be tackled using one simple solution: hire an experienced and reliable plumber. A plumber who is highly trained in his field would be least susceptible to human error and will know the issues you may face inside out, and would take care of any unexpected ones too efficiently. Plus, an experienced plumber will have the right tools and will know when to use them. So by hiring a good plumber, you can ensure that your plumbing project is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.
Conclusion
It is essential for plumbers to communicate with clients regularly and clearly, discussing project timelines, costs, and any potential issues. If plumbers do not inform and advise their clients in time to schedule regular maintenance and inspections, there are more chances of things going wrong in the future.
Are you conflicted about where to find a reliable plumber who has both experience and skill? Do not worry. You can easily hire the best plumbers in Dubai through the ServiceMarket app or website. All plumbers on ServiceMarket are highly trained, and also offer customer support channels to respond to queries.