Sometimes, a homeowner will feel inclined to deal with plumbing problems independently instead of calling a professional plumber. Sometimes it works, but often it’s the opposite. You may end up doing more damage instead of fixing the issue.
If you don’t have the knowledge or experience to tackle plumbing problems alone, it can lead to more troublesome issues for you to deal with later on. That said, here’s a list of homeowners’ most common mistakes that lead to more disasters.
- Leaving The Water On
As any good plumber would do, you must turn off the water before fixing or replacing a broken pipe. Homeowners, however, often forget to shut off the water from the main valve, which may lead to catastrophic damage.
When you attempt to repair a broken pipe and forget to shut off the water, it can cause water to shoot out while fixing it. It may even cause flooding and water damage, translating into even more problems for you.
- Using The Wrong Tools
Plumbers always use the right tools for each job, and all plumbing companies state this fact on their website’s home page to assure their clients. They are also skilled in using plumbing tools. For example, plumbers use a basin wrench to fix sink faucets and a plumber’s wrench to tighten or loosen large, stuck pipes.
When it comes to plumbing, it’s crucial to use the right tool for the job. Utilizing the wrong tools can complicate things and cause more damage or problems.
The problem with many homeowners, especially those DIY enthusiasts, is that they like to start on a project only to realize later that they need the right tools for the job. You should only begin doing plumbing repairs independently if you have all the appropriate tools first.
- Quick Fixes
Quick fixes usually happen when you’re in a rush. However, quick fixes are a terrible idea, especially regarding plumbing problems. Rushing out a plumbing repair isn’t good, regardless of how experienced or skilled the person is. It also causes you to forget even the most basic steps, such as turning off the water before starting plumbing work.
This usually happens because homeowners feel too confident about themselves, thinking that a burst pipe, for example, requires a quick and easy fix. It’d be best to never assume that an issue like this is something you can fix on your own. A burst pipe requires more advanced tools and skills so it can be fully repaired.
When you assume that a particular plumbing problem is easy, you’ll only waste your time and effort doing it yourself. You may even end up causing more damage when you try to take care of it on your own.
- Performing DIY Plumbing Repairs
Another common mistake homeowners make is fixing plumbing issues without adequate knowledge or tools. It’s essential to recognize that not all plumbing repairs can be done on your own, and that’s the right time to contact a professional plumber. Doing repairs on your own may cause more damage to the problem, leading to additional expenses for you.
Remember that plumbing systems are delicate and can be easily damaged by the wrong products, tools, or methods. It’s always advisable to let professionals handle it to avoid costly repairs.
- Throwing Down Anything Into The Kitchen Sink
Most individuals dislike washing dishes and opt to speed up the process by pushing leftover food and grease down the drain, relying on the garbage disposal to handle the rest. However, this is one of the biggest plumbing mistakes you could make.
Discarding leftover food in the kitchen sink can cause harm to your pipes and garbage disposal, leading to potential clogs and drainage issues. If you want to extend the lifespan of your plumbing system, it’s essential to dispose of any remaining food before washing the dishes.
- Ignoring Plumbing Issues
This is another common mistake that most homeowners make. Homeowners disregard signs of plumbing issues without realizing these can escalate into something bigger. Neglecting warning signs allows minor plumbing problems to escalate into large-scale disasters that demand and may lead to expensive repairs.
Final Thoughts
Owning a home is already expensive enough. If you add plumbing problems to that, things will become more costly. To minimize your expenses, be sure to have your plumbing system maintained regularly. Also, look for any signs of plumbing issues so they can be addressed early on. Addressing minor problems on time can save you time and money in the long run. Lastly, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber if you have any issues or questions about your plumbing system.
