I can see you in your knee deep in pipes, with wrenches in hand, trying to figure it out… the home piping maze. If you’ve ever attempted using a new system, you understand, it can be like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in the dark. The pipes sometimes seem to have a personality all their own, and not a pleasant one. Read more now on plumbing installation
For most people, plumbing is a term to conjure with when thinking of it, there’s thinking in terms of a leaky faucet or a clogged drain. However, only a few do brave (as is their right) to embark on the plumbing installation journey. It’s more like a roller coaster without a seatbelt, it’s not that easy of a walk in the park. And there are pitfalls lurking around every corner. From what you connect, another needs to be adjusted. It’s beautiful almost like Playing a game of whack a mole!
Installing plumbing is rewarding, even in all this chaos. Picture the first gunge of water flowing through those new pipes – fine drinking for any DIY enthusiast to hear. There is a happiness in making homes connected to water and warm. Now let’s not get all starry eyed yet. It is vital to remember some essentials before you start imagining your next big plumbing adventure.
Pipe types feel like materials of clothing: PVC is that comfy cotton tee, copper could be that posh silk scarf. Each has its place. Decision rocks, you want to choose wisely or it’s like showing up to a beach in a tuxedo.
Sizing also matters. It’s too small, and you’ll get a trunk full of a trickling stream, rather than Niagara Falls. You’ve gone too big, and, neither small, my friend, nor well. Goldilocks would say, get it just right. Grab your lucky socks, maybe your measuring tape, precision is your best pal here.
As for valves, joints and brackets, they need to be situated in the corners of your project. They are the unsung heroes, too silent, but so important. Think about it, trying to bake cake without a recipe. It might now come out of the oven, but it might be an ugly sight!
Last we want to forget about plumbing code. In other words, it is the rulebook that prevents chaotic waterworks. These rules make the known chaos keep things under control. Make sure that your local municipality has tweaked standard codes, or else stand ready for a waterfall in your living room, not the Zen experience you’ve come to expect.
Plus, as a bonus, never forget to discount for the importance of gravity. Bring up your high school physics classes. Of course, water flows downhill, but guiding it to go where it should? That’s the puzzle. A bit like training a cat, maybe it will comply, but only when it feels like it.
If you don’t feel confident about something, just ask the experts. No one can be a plumbing Picasso (or any other kind of Picasso) and not everyone is cut out to be one. The savviest handyperson is no exception. It might save you from looking like a drenched kitten, seeking a second opinion.
There are surprises all over the wild world of plumbing. However, if a sprinkle of courage and a dash of patience are involved, you can turn this task into an interesting trip. If all else fails, there’s still duct tape. Don’t use duct tape, or the leaks will be bigger than the Trevi Fountain.