8 Outdated DIY Tricks That Can Put Your Home at Risk

When it comes to DIY home repairs and maintenance, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that a little bit of creativity and elbow grease can go a long way. However, the truth is that some of the most well-known and trusted DIY tips and tricks of the past are no longer effective or even safe to use. In fact, they can put your home at risk of serious damage, not to mention create a host of other problems that can be costly to fix.

Background & Context

The world of home construction and maintenance has come a long way in the past 100 years, with advances in technology, materials, and techniques leading to a wide range of new and innovative solutions. As a result, many of the DIY tips and tricks that were once considered reliable and effective are now outdated and even hazardous. This is particularly true when it comes to plumbing, roofing, and other critical systems that require specialized knowledge and expertise to repair and maintain.

While it's easy to get caught up in the idea that a little bit of creativity and elbow grease can go a long way, the truth is that DIY home repairs and maintenance can be a serious business. When you try to fix a problem on your own using outdated techniques or methods, you risk causing more harm than good, not to mention creating a host of other problems that can be costly to fix.

Key Details

One of the most well-known and trusted DIY tips of the past is the use of bread to soak up water in copper pipes while soldering. This technique, which involves pushing a piece of bread into the pipe to absorb the water, may have seemed like a good idea in the past, but it's now widely recognized as a recipe for disaster. Not only can the bread ignite when you heat the joint, but it can also leave behind a residue that can cause the pipe to corrode and fail.

Another outdated DIY trick is the use of roofing tar to cover over roof leaks. This may seem like a quick and easy fix, but it can actually void the warranty of the roof covering and trap moisture underneath the shingles, leading to a host of other problems down the line. In fact, roofer Daniel Cabrera, who has inspected and repaired over 100 roofs, says that covering over roof leaks with roofing tar is a "bad idea" that can make future repairs even harder.

In addition to these two examples, there are several other outdated DIY tricks that can put your home at risk. For example, using "S" traps, which are curved drain pipes that collect water to prevent sewer gases from escaping, is now illegal for most applications. This is because S-traps frequently empty due to suction in the pipes, exposing the home to foul-smelling and potentially hazardous sewer gases.

Furthermore, covering old shingles with new ones is also a bad idea. Not only does it hide the rotten deck, trap heat in the house, and make it age faster, but it also voids almost all the warranty on materials used. In fact, Cabrera says that the correct approach is to install a matched shingle replacement with an ice and water shield underneath.

What Experts Say

Experts in the home construction and maintenance trades agree that many of the outdated DIY tricks of the past can put your home at risk. In fact, they say that using bread to soak up water in copper pipes while soldering is a "recipe for disaster" that can leave behind a residue that can cause the pipe to corrode and fail.

Similarly, using roofing tar to cover over roof leaks is a "bad idea" that can void the warranty of the roof covering and trap moisture underneath the shingles, leading to a host of other problems down the line. In fact, Cabrera says that the correct approach is to install a matched shingle replacement with an ice and water shield underneath.

Key Takeaways

• Using bread to soak up water in copper pipes while soldering is a recipe for disaster that can leave behind a residue that can cause the pipe to corrode and fail.
• Covering over roof leaks with roofing tar is a bad idea that can void the warranty of the roof covering and trap moisture underneath the shingles, leading to a host of other problems down the line.
• Using "S" traps is now illegal for most applications, and can expose the home to foul-smelling and potentially hazardous sewer gases.
• Covering old shingles with new ones is a bad idea that can hide the rotten deck, trap heat in the house, and make it age faster, voiding almost all the warranty on materials used.

What This Means For You

If you're planning to tackle a DIY home repair or maintenance project, it's essential to do your research and make sure you're using the latest and most effective techniques and methods. Not only can outdated DIY tricks put your home at risk, but they can also lead to costly repairs down the line.

So, what can you do to avoid falling prey to outdated DIY tricks? First and foremost, make sure you're using the latest and most effective techniques and methods. This may involve investing in specialized tools and equipment, or seeking out the help of a professional.

Additionally, be sure to research and understand the specific requirements and regulations in your area. For example, using "S" traps may be illegal in your area, and using bread to soak up water in copper pipes while soldering can be hazardous.

Finally, don't be afraid to seek out the help of a professional if you're unsure about how to tackle a particular DIY project. Not only can a professional provide you with expert advice and guidance, but they can also help you avoid costly repairs down the line.

By being aware of the outdated DIY tricks that can put your home at risk, you can take steps to protect your investment and ensure that your home remains safe and secure for years to come.