Interested in becoming a do-it-yourself plumber? You’ll want to create your own little toolbox of easily accessible tips and tricks if you want to do it well. Home projects are rising in popularity for many homeowners for their convenience and affordability. When visits by the plumber can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars for inspections alone, it literally pays to do some of the simpler jobs yourself! Of course, this doesn’t mean never call for professional help. Let’s take a gander at what you need to know in order to have a happy balance, from learning about heavy duty hose clamps to the benefits of stainless steel.
What Are Common Home Plumbing Problems?
Anything can go wrong when you least expect it. You’ll want to be prepared! Flooding and leaks are some of the most common issues facing American homeowners, costing the country billions of dollars in repairs, property damages and installations as a result. Additional issues include, but aren’t limited to, cracks, mold build-up, clogs, destroyed foundations and rusting. Becoming a do-it-yourself plumber involves knowing about heavy duty hose clamps, how to prevent leaks and being all-around proactive concerning your home.
What Is A Hose Clamp?
Let’s start off with the basics. A hose clamp, also known as a hose clip, is a device used to both attach and seal a hose onto a barb or nipple fitting. Hose clamps are normally limited to better moderate pressures, such as those found in both automotive and home applications. Overall, they need to create a tight and reliable seal between the hose and barb to prevent leaks, contamination and disarray. The hose clamp was originally invented back in the 1920’s by a former Royal Navy Commander named Robinson, typically used for securing hoses in automotive systems and household plumbing systems.
What Kinds Are There?
Now for the different kinds you can expect to find. A heavy duty hose clamp is exactly what you think it is — strong and reliable, perfect for some of the heavier parts of the home. Other hose clamps include worm gear clamps, spring clamps and even wire clamps. All these different sizes and brands are necessary to adapt to any and all situations, as no home is built 100% the same as another. Screw clamps, in particular, consist of a galvanized or stainless steel band where the screw thread pattern has been pressed.
What Happens If I Don’t Use Them Right?
Using a heavy duty hose clamp, stainless steel clamp or adjustable hose clamp incorrectly can expose you to a host of nasty problems. Without the proper quality and size hose clamp your seal could expose you to leaked gas, liquid and dangerous substances. Hose clamps are used as frequently, if not more so, than heavy duty zip ties. Duct tape? Toss it out! Heavy duty hose clamps are far more reliable for the job that needs to get done.
How Do I Get Started?
If you want to be a do-it-yourself plumber you need to do your homework. A sloppy or mediocre job can potentially expose you, your family and your pets to dangerous substances, getting them sick and causing quite a mess to clean up! Stuck hoses should never be removed by cutting or slicing, as that can damage the barb and cause a potential leak. Screw hose clamps are perfect for fixing damaged pipes in emergency situations, as well, which can buy you time until you can see a professional. Now that you’re caught up, fix those leaks and repair your home with confidence!