Have you considered becoming a do-it-yourself plumber? When you think about it, there are plenty of smart reasons to consider it! Your home is your castle, after all, and anything that threatens the security of your hard work needs to be dealt with as efficiently as possible. Do-it-yourself plumbing is one of the most popular homeowning projects in the United States and sees millions of people learning about the ins and outs of patching leaks, fixing cracks and keeping their house in fighting shape no matter what crops up.
What Are Common Plumbing Issues?
Can you think of frequent issues that always seem to crop up when you need them least? The most common plumbing issues in American households include, but aren’t limited to — clogs, cracks, leaks, mold, build-up, rust and energy loss. With winter making homeowners across the country scramble to keep their house as warm and cozy as possible, it stands to reason you’ll have a lot on your plate for the next few months. How do you even get started with all the different types of hose clamps?
What Are Hose Clamps?
These are going to be your most frequently used tools, so it’s time to study up! A hose clamp, also known as a hose clip, is a device used to both attach and seal a hose onto a fitting. These are known as barbs or nipples, used in a variety of different technologies to ensure smooth functionality. Screw clamps are normally used for hoses at least 1/2 in diameter and up, with hose clamps typically limited to moderate pressures. Think automotive and home applications!
What If I Use Hose Clamp Types Wrong?
Simply buying different home clamp types isn’t enough. You need to use them right or fear causing an even bigger mess than when you started! There are several hose clamp types to choose from, from worm gear clamps to spring clamps to wire clamps. Without the proper quality or size hose clamp, a hose seal has the very real risk of leaking gas, liquid or other substances into your home. Remember that screw clamps consist of either galvanized or stainless steel bands, while wire hose clamps generally use a heavy piece of wire bent into a U shape. Even better is that these are well-suited to emergency situations.
What About Emergency Situations?
One of the best functions of hose clamp types are how well they handle emergency situations. When you have a serious issue that can’t immediately be addressed by a professional, it’s easy to roll up your sleeves and tackle it with your variety of stainless hose clamps. Screw hose clamps are widely used for temporarily fixing damaged pipes — hose clamps are often used in lieu of weaker heavy duty zip ties or duct tape.
Becoming A Do-It-Yourself Plumber
Want to become a do-it-yourself plumber? You’re well on your way. Remember that stuck hoses should never be removed by cutting or slicing — this can leave a scratch on the barb that can lead to frustrating leaks. When expanding a hose clamp, turning the screwdriver counterclockwise will do the trick of opening it completely. When in doubt, have a variety of hose clamp types to tackle any situation that arises. Last, but not least, a serious issue should be handled by a professional so you don’t lose more money in the long run. Feeling up to the task? It’s never been a better time to get started!
