3 Simple Mistakes Homeowners Make With Their Own DIY Projects
Homeowners today are probably tackling more DIY projects around the home than ever before, as they can watch online instructional videos and even rent tools they need for such projects. However, an online video is not the same as going to school to be a contractor, and these videos may not cover all the mistakes you might make with a project. Note a few common and simple mistakes many homeowners make so you can avoid these when you're ready to tackle any type of repair job around the home.
Over-tightening
It's often surprising how often homeowners will over-tighten screws, bolts, flanges, and even pipes that they are connecting, often thinking that the tighter something is, the safer it will be. However, this can simply mean stripped threads on those bolts or other connectors, and stripped threads can mean connections that become loose or water leaks in pipes. When connecting anything, be that plumbing pipes or a cabinet door handle, tighten the screw or bolt or other connector only until you feel resistance and then no more. You'll reduce the risk of damaging a piece and of having to replace your hardware.
Mixing hardware
When buying a hardware piece for your DIY project, it's good to always match materials. Never use plastic bolts on metal pipes or vice versa or mix two different types of metals when replacing plumbing pipes. Plastic may not be strong enough to hold metal together; a metal connector on a plastic pipe might cause damage to the connected ends; two different metals can also lead to corrosion of plumbing pipes. If you're not sure of what material to get, remember that you can usually bring a pipe or bolt or other piece to the hardware store and ask for something that matches properly.
Using the wrong tape or adhesive
Tapes and adhesives are all meant to work with certain materials in particular; electrical tape has a type of rubber backing that helps to ground any current that might pass through it, whereas plumber's tape is watertight and won't come loose when exposed to moisture and humidity. An adhesive meant for a slick surface like tile backing might not work on wood, where it may simply peel away. When choosing any type of tape or adhesive at the hardware store, don't assume that duct tape or electrical tape or your standard construction adhesive will always suffice, but understand what materials they should be used with so you know they always work as they should.
For more information, contact local professionals like Peninsula Timber Pty Ltd.