Imagine waking up to a plumbing problem at home. It’s as stressful as it is inconvenient. While comprising some of the most unglamorous parts of a home, there’s no denying the importance of a good-functioning plumbing system. It’s an integral part of a home that functions well and smoothly, considering the number of appliances and plumbing-related fixtures.
Because of that, homeowners need to be on top of good plumbing care and maintenance to avoid repeated plumbing issues. There should be no skimping on this. Plumbing repairs can blow a hole in your budget, but these are easily preventable with proper care and maintenance. It entails learning what should and shouldn’t be done to keep the plumbing system in top-notch condition.
This article aims to help with a list of common plumbing mistakes, so you should know what to avoid doing.
Not Hiring An Expert Plumber
Topping this list is a mistake many homeowners still fall into the trap of making. In exchange for cost savings, many homeowners choose to DIY household repairs. It is fine if you’re confident about your actions. You have a bit of experience, and you also have the right tools for it.
However, if the case is negative, it’s better to call in your trusted, expert plumber. You’ll have to pay for their services, but that rate is often cheaper than the more costly expenses of major repairs in the long run. It can save you any potential long-term damage to your plumbing system brought about by wrongful and questionable repairs.
Go through the plumber’s credentials. Check their records and feedback, too. Once you get hold of a highly qualified one, keep their number and use that plumber as your go-to whenever a plumbing issue arises.
Watch this clip to be more convinced about the importance of hiring one.
Using A Liquid Drain Cleaner
Liquid drainers can be convenient as they’re cheap and seem quick to fix drain-related issues. It may be true, but drain cleaners are only a short-term solution. Being overly dependent on those products can set up your entire plumbing system for more significant problems in the long run. A drain cleaner doesn’t address the clog’s problem right to the root of it.
Here’s why. Most household cleaners are made of hazardous and strong chemicals like bleach, aluminum, and lye. When used frequently, these chemicals can cause a violent reaction creating heat and bubbles in the pipes. In effect, PVC pipes found in most modern homes can be damaged, given how corrosive a liquid drain cleaner is.
Overtightening Plumbing Connections
Tighter isn’t always better. Many still have this common misconception, with the notion that tight bolts and screws on the plumbing system strengthen its ability to avoid leaks and bursts. Excessive cranking on black or galvanized pipes, elbows, and coupling due to overtightening plumbing connections.
The same thing can happen when homeowners also make the mistake of tightening plastic fittings on the toilets or any of the tank and bowl components. Cracking may not occur immediately, but it’s bound to happen in a few weeks or months.
Not Having The Right Tools For The Job
This fourth common mistake is another one that relates to why it’s essential just to let expert plumbers do their job. Because they live on plumbing repairs, it’s expected that they have all the tools and equipment to get the job done right and as safely as possible.
Homeowners can’t expect to use the same tools for automotive repairs or garden works on their plumbing. Some can be used, but not all may be compatible. Unfortunately, if you use the latter, what could’ve been a small plumbing problem can immediately escalate into a much more significant concern.
For instance, a regular adjustable wrench to tighten a new sink fixture can slip off, scratching the sink. You can also accidentally overtighten the bolts and crack them in the process. Using a strap wrench would’ve been the better solution.
Never start any DIY repair without first buying the right tool for it. Better yet, whenever unsure, give the experts a call.
Wrapping Tape Backward
Teflon tape must be wrapped clockwise to work as it should. Many first-time DIYers, however, may not be aware of this and wrap the tape in any direction they please. It defeats the whole purpose of using threat tape since it can’t seal well when it’s not embedded in the threads.
Here’s a tip to start using Teflon tape correctly. Wrap it three times around the threads. The last wrap should face the left as you screw the pipe into the fitting. If the last wrap points to the right, stop and re-wrap.
The Bottomline
Undoubtedly, the plumbing system is one of the most important in any household. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most abused. From DIY repairs done by underqualified homeowners to unhealthy plumbing habits here and there, there are so many mistakes you could be making, harming your plumbing system’s condition. The errors above are only a few, but they’re some of the most prevalent. Now that you know what those are, you can be on your guard and avoid committing them. It’s not too late to take good care of your plumbing system so it can give you back years of exemplary service.
