One will always have the choice of installing shower plumbing or even a bathtub and the related required plumbing system, on the so-called DIY basis, and many folks fancy themselves as being able to do this, whilst others may rather opt for using an expert plumbing services company or contractor. Whichever route one opts for there are a number of errors that can occur within this process, although it is often times not forthcoming when using a professional plumbing services provider.
When looking at the aspect of shower plumbing, the novice or inexperienced individual may inadvertently make some of the most common mistakes listed below:
- Tube and pipe alignment – if the pipes and tubes are not aligned correctly within the wall this will have a direct result on the placement of the taps and possibly the shower head. The result of this may well be covered up with the tiling or plastering that follows, however height complications may make the entire showering experience somewhat unpleasant for some. The alignment may also subject the actually proper functioning of the plumbing in question due to the fittings or stop valves being maladjusted, and often times being the source of a leak within the pipes or fittings in question. This alignment is also affected when the individual does not utilize a level when installing the fittings, and which will serious impact upon the aesthetic finish of the shower itself.
- Although the shower plumbing may be installed within a private residence or home, this does not mean that one can do whatever they wish as in certain instances permission may have to be obtained from local authorities. This would depend upon the regions by laws that govern these sorts of issues, and prior to even thinking about this one would do well to establish whether permission according to building codes and legislation is in fact required.
- Properly sealing pipe joints with what is often referred to as plumber’s tape is essential to any bathroom, kitchen or shower plumbing project, this allows for a better seal on the joint in the pipes, and which can prevent leaks not to mention any threads being stripped by the overzealous workman. The correct term of this plumber’s tape is in fact metal strapping (or Teflon Tape), and does not contain any adhesive whatsoever but rather serves to fill the gaps in the thread of the pipes allowing for a properly sealed join as well as lubricating the two metal surfaces for a more effective join between the metals overall.
Of course there are a wide variety of additional elements that one should take into account when looking to install shower plumbing, or any plumbing throughout the house; however having the right tools and equipment is arguably the most important over and above that of the planning or council permission already mentioned. This too perhaps provides a sufficient motivation to rather enlist the aid of a trade professional within this specialist task.
Credit: Source by Andre Sc Van Wyk
