Top Five Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Make
We know the amazing feeling of fixing something yourself without needing the help of an expert. We also know the terrible feeling of making a simple problem much worse. Over the years, we’ve helped many homeowners with their plumbing issues and we’ve seen it all.
These are the top five plumbing mistakes we see homeowners make and tips how to avoid making the same mistakes
1. Using a Chemical Product
We mentioned this in our other post on what not to do with a clogged drain, but it’s important to mention it again. Unfortunately, many homeowners will pour a chemical product down their drain hoping it’ll remove a clog.
These chemicals are extremely powerful but problematic for two main reasons. One, pouring down the drain doesn’t mean the product will actually reach the clog and, two, some of the chemicals can be very damaging to pipes.
Tip: Avoid pouring any chemical products down any of your drains.
2. Not Using the Correct Tools
You have a plumbing issue in your home so you watch a few YouTube videos and decide to give it a try. You realize you don’t have the exact tools the video mentions but figure you can make do with that you have on hand.
Using the incorrect tools on your home’s plumbing can cause major damage that will affect your entire home. If you accidentally break or damage your home this could cause a huge headache.
Tip: Always use the correct tools for each project and reduce the chance of creating further damage.
3. Flushing Trash Down the Toilet
We get many panicked calls from homeowners about a clogged or backing up toilet and need help right away. Most often it’s because something other than human waste and toilet paper was flushed!
Never Flush These Items;
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Baby Wipes
- Paper Towel
- Facial Tissue
- Diapers
Tip: Ignore what the packaging says on some of these products and don’t flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper.
4. Not Shutting Off Water
If you’re doing any sort of plumbing maintenance or work in your home, shut the water off! The inconvenience of having the water shut off for a period of time far outweighs the inconvenience of causing a leak or spill somewhere in your home.
We’ve had homeowners call us for help and say “I wasn’t sure if I really needed to shut of the water or not… and now I have flooding.”
Tip: When it doubt, shut it off.
5. Mismatching Pipes
You found a small leak in your kitchen sink so you do some research, head to the home improvement store and buy what you think you need. The replacement pipe looks close enough to you. You finish installing your new pipe and feel great. Until, you notice a couple weeks later that now you have an even larger leak.
Unfortunately, improper pipe fittings may initially work but then may cause even bigger problems later on.
Tip: Always use the correct pipe when doing any plumbing maintenance
One Hour Rooter is your trusted plumber in the metro Minneapolis area. Call us at 612-354-8984 if you need help with any plumbing projects.
Sources:
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-avoid-6-common-plumbing-mistakes.htm
https://www.theplumberguy.com/blog/common-homeowner-plumbing-mistakes/
https://www.thespruce.com/plumbing-mistakes-4172718
https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/the-10-most-common-plumbing-mistakes-diyers-make/
