Sad woman calling plumber after water leak
No matter how hard you try to maintain it, it’s likely your home’s pipes will need some occasional repairs at some point. This isn’t a portent of failure or a sign of bad housekeeping, it’s just the fact of homeownership.
Of course, it also helps to look after your pipes as best you can too by avoiding the most common plumbing mistakes. If you work to wrap your head around these common gaffes, you can nip any problems in the bud well before they escalate into an emergency.
What are these mistakes, exactly, and how can you make sure you don’t commit them in your home? That’s what we’re exploring in this article, so keep reading for the inside scoop.
Not Knowing Your Homes Plumbing Layout
If you don’t know your home’s plumbing layout, you could end up making the most common plumbing mistakes. To avoid these mistakes, you need to know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. This valve is usually located near the water heater or where the water line comes into the house.
You should also know the location of your home’s main sewer clean-out. This is the access point for your home’s sewer line and is usually located in the basement or crawl space. Knowing the location of these two valves will help you avoid costly plumbing mistakes.
Ignoring Slow Drains
One of the most common plumbing mistakes is ignoring slow drains. If you notice your drains are draining more slowly than usual, don’t ignore it! This is often an early sign of a clog forming.
You can avoid a major clog by taking action right away. Try running hot water down the drain to see if that clears it. Don’t wait until the clog is completely formed before taking action, as this can lead to much more extensive damage.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance on Your Pipes and Fixtures
One of the most common plumbing mistakes is neglecting regular maintenance on your pipes and fixtures. This can lead to a number of problems, including leaks, congested drains, and low water pressure.
By taking the time to perform regular maintenance, you can avoid these issues and keep your plumbing in top condition. In addition, it’s important to check your pipes for leaks on a regular basis. If you see any signs of a leak, such as water stains on your ceiling or walls, be sure to call a local plumber right away.
Overloading Your Garbage Disposal
This can cause the blades to become jammed, and can also lead to the unit leaking. To avoid this, make sure to only put small amounts of food waste into the disposal at a time.
You should also run plenty of water while the disposal is running to ensure that the food is properly pulverized. If your garbage disposal starts to smell, this is a sign that it is overloaded and you need to take action to correct the issue.
Knowing the Common Plumbing Mistakes
In conclusion, it is important to avoid common plumbing mistakes to save money and prevent future damage. Some tips to avoid mistakes include: ensuring the right size pipe is used for the job, not overtightening pipes and fixtures, and being careful when using chemical cleaners.
When in doubt, consult professional plumbers. Being proactive and taking these steps will avoid costly plumbing mistakes.
Found this information useful? Browse the rest of this blog for more home and garden tips.
Leave a Reply