Mistakes happen—especially when it comes to running a home. However, some mistakes can be more costly and frustrating than others; namely plumbing mistakes, which can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars in damages and repairs, on top of being incredibly annoying to handle. If you want to prevent the most common mistakes that homeowners make with their plumbing, consider the following mistakes to avoid at all costs.
Mistake #1: Using liquid drain cleaners
Liquid drain cleaners can seem like a miracle all-in-one product that clears out your pipes and keeps them squeaky cline. Unfortunately, most chemical drain cleaners contain highly corrosive ingredients that can break down your galvanized plumbing over time. This can cause corrosion, weak spots, and generally increase the chances that something may go seriously wrong with your plumbing. Instead of chemical products, opt for natural products (such as vinegar solutions) or tools like plumbing augers.
Mistake #2: Not turning off the water when doing minor repairs or when something goes wrong
If you’re planning on handling some common plumbing repairs or you’re dealing with a problem like an overflowing toilet or sink, there’s one mistake to avoid: forgetting to turn off the water! If you start working on a minor repair with the water still running, you could end up with gushing water, flooded rooms, and a mess that is a pain to clean up. Make sure you locate your home’s shutoff valve and turn the water off when doing repairs or handling minor problems.
Mistake #3: Trying to "DIY" your plumbing
Unless you’re a licensed plumbing professional, you shouldn’t be attempting to install your own plumbing or attempting to complete any DIY projects that involve plumbing. A professional will have years of experience and training behind them, and that skill and experience is what helps them make the most informed, safe and responsible decisions regarding your home’s plumbing. Trying to do it yourself can lead to corrosion, leaking water, and problems that will take a professional to resolve.
Mistake #4: Flushing too many things down the kitchen sink
The garbage disposal is not a catch-all disposal for anything and everything you may find in the kitchen. You should avoid putting anything things like coffee grounds, egg shells, produce stickers, paper towels, cotton balls, along with fat, oil and grease in the kitchen sink; and avoid putting anything but your human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Dealing with a kitchen sink clog or clogged plumbing is expensive and time-consuming, so make sure to be mindful of what you put down the drains.
Mistake #5: Not insulating pipes in the winter
Another mistake that we don’t have here in Florida but very common in are colder area is when it gets below freezing in the winter, you need to have your pipes properly insulated to protect against the freezing temperatures. Insulation will prevent the pipes from freezing in the first place and while it will cost money to have all your pipes properly insulated, the cost (and frustration) will be far less than the money required to repair pipes that have frozen and burst.
If you are a homeowner, don’t forget the above mistakes to avoid. If you ever feel like the plumbing issue is out of control, give us a call at (813) 516-4486 and we will take care of the problem for you.
