If you simply dive in and let go, some DIY projects can be a lot of fun. However, if you are not careful, your DIY project might turn into a disaster that  might end up costing more money to fix than what you saved.

Learning to fix your toilet and pipe leaks are the perfect example of projects that can save you money if you know what you are doing, but be costly if you don’t.  Although some problems can be avoided if you have basic skills,others may be beyond your skill level and  may require a professional like those available through plumbing services. Here are some steps that you can take to deal with problems before they occur:

Understand Your House

Before you do anything to your plumbing, you need to know what your plumbing system looks like as a whole. Understand some basic concepts such as the size of your drain lines and the function of vent pipes. If your basement is unfinished, you will have an easier time figuring out all this on your own.

The more information you have about your plumbing system, the less intimidating things will seem when you decide you should DIY your plumbing problems.

Know Where the Shutoffs Are

Before you even start your DIY project, you need to know where the shutoff valves are and how to turn them off. If your plumbing system was installed with some thought, every bathroom in your house might have its own shutoff. In most cases, shutoff valves are in the basement, but others are hidden at the back of access panels.

Most importantly, you need to know where your main shutoff is, which is usually near where the water line enters your house. You might be sprinting off to your shutoff sooner than you know.

Buy a Complete Toolbox

You need to have more tools than you actually need. By having a complete toolbox, you will be ready to tackle any problem that you encounter without running to the hardware store. Therefore, before you start working, you need to check whether your toolbox has every tool that you might need.

If you have no idea which tools are necessary, you should do some research first before you start fixing anything. Moreover, if you do not know which tools are necessary, you might make things worse.

Know How to Sweat Copper Pipe

In modern plumbing, you need basic skills, such as  learning how to sweat copper pipes. Once you try it for yourself, you will be amazed by how easy it is. Visit your local hardware store for copper pipe, solder, a torch, and flux then teach yourself.

You should start by cleaning the copper then adding some flux. After this, you should heat the joint and apply the solder. As a novice, you should take it easy the first time to avoid ruining your pipes. Although the solder joints will not be a good as those made by a professional, they will still be functional, which is all that matters.

Do Not Forget to Tighten Fittings

Faucets, including the modern pieces at MaestroBath, have fittings that need to be tightened. If you do not tighten your fittings, you risk having leaks in future. If it is your first time doing it, make sure that you tighten it as much as your hand will allow you, but do not keep cranking.

Document When You Take Things Apart

Although putting your showerhead back together seems like a no-brainer, you should take pictures in case you forget how to do it. Not every faucet or showerhead is similar, so what you know might not apply to everything. If possible, you should save all your instructions in one file so that you can use them again when the need arises.

Your goal in DIY plumbing is to get the job done without damaging your pipes. If you have the right tools and the right skills, you should be able to get the job done correctly and cost-effectively.