We are all guilty of making mistakes around our home. But one area we seem to err a lot in is plumbing. Sometimes, we feel confident enough to take on a fix that is best left to the experts, and other times, we ignore the minor plumbing issues that come back to haunt us later. And let’s not forget that most of us never get the recommended annual plumbing system checkup. Below, we will look at the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make and show you how to avoid them.
USING CHEMICAL DRAIN CLEANERS AS A FIRST CHOICE
If you’ve been using chemical drain cleaners to unclog every drain around your home, it’s time to look for another alternative. These products contain harsh chemicals that eat away your inner pipe walls, leading to leaks and costly replacements. Instead of a liquid drain cleaner, flush with boiling water or use baking soda and vinegar. Or even better, you can remove the U-shaped pipe underneath your sink and pour out the clog.
FLUSHING THE WRONG MATERIALS
There are items that should never go down the drain. Oils, fats, grease, eggshells, coffee grounds, medication, and food waste are just some of the wrong items most homeowners put in the kitchen sink. For toilets, the only thing you should flush down is toilet paper and human waste. That means paper towels, baby wipes, kitty litter cotton swabs, and hygiene products should be disposed of elsewhere.
SETTLING WITH TEMPORARY FIXES
When a plumbing fixture breaks, most homeowners’ instincts are to improvise and perform a quick fix. Yet, it’s one of the biggest plumbing mistakes. If you fail to invest in a permanent solution, you’ll end up paying a lot more down the line. Whether it’s a clog that never seems to go away or a leak that reoccurs, look for a plumber who will get to the root of the problem.
IGNORING A POTENTIAL PLUMBING ISSUE
Most of us acknowledge the signs of plumbing failure but fail to take meaningful action. Issues like slow leaks and a running toilet will not only drive up your water bill but can also snowball into a major catastrophe. If you don’t want a burst pipe, flooded toilet, or even mold growth in your home, take every plumbing problem seriously and contact a plumber.
NOT FOLLOWING LOCAL PLUMBING REGULATIONS
A professional plumber understands the local laws and knows the process that should be followed. However, most homeowners are unaware of the specifics of these regulations and fail to comply with them. This leads to major problems when you want to sell your home or update your home’s insurance. Whenever you have a plumbing project, always partner with a licensed Florida plumber to ensure you are compliant.
UNDERESTIMATING THE JOB
Some plumbing tasks are sensitive and require special skills and tools. If you undertake a job that is above your skill level, you could end up breaking some components, using the wrong spare parts, or getting the reassembly wrong. Always talk to a plumber before you begin a project. These specialists undergo years of training, field practice, and exams before earning a license and providing services.
CONSULT A LOCAL PLUMBER IN FLORIDA
Whenever you face a plumbing problem at home—whether a blocked drain, leaking pipe, or even a failed DIY repair, the best option is to consult a qualified plumber. At Veteran Air & Plumbing, our friendly and trustworthy plumbing experts offer guidance and also perform long-lasting fixes on your behalf. Our plumbing services in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, not only improve the functionality of your plumbing system but also protect the value of your home. Call us anytime to discuss your plumbing issues.
