Plumbing can be complicated, and it’s important to leave major repairs to the professionals. But knowing how to keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly can save you from costly mistakes in the future.
Plumbing involves many essential systems in your home, including water, waste, heating, air conditioning, and drainage. Let’s take a look at some of the most common plumbing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Incorrectly Installing Fixtures
Fixture installation might appear to be as simple as affixing an item to the wall, but this crucial aspect of home maintenance requires a nuanced approach that impacts safety, functionality, and efficiency. It also plays a significant role in elevating and accentuating the overall design of your living spaces. Incorrect fixture installation, on the other hand, can undermine these elements and contribute to costly repairs or even compromise your health and safety.
In the age of DIY tutorials and home improvement shows, it’s tempting to try your hand at fixture installations. But what looks simple onscreen often requires a level of skill and expertise that many homeowners don’t have. This leads to costly mistakes, from water leaks and structural damage to mold growth and clogged drains. It can also lead to higher replacement costs or void the manufacturer’s warranty, negating any savings you might have made by doing it yourself.
One of the most common mistakes when installing a new fixture is forgetting to turn off the water supply. This might seem like an insignificant oversight, but it can have a big impact on the longevity of your new fixture and even cause permanent damage to the surrounding components. Other mistakes include using the wrong tools or not applying Teflon tape, which can result in loose fittings that lead to expensive repair bills.
Another common mistake is not planning ahead for the work that needs to be done, or overestimating your DIY capabilities. This can lead to unfinished projects or over-extending the scope of your project. It’s important to always be realistic about your abilities and call in a professional when you’re working with complex or dangerous systems such as gas or electricity.
It’s important to use the right tools for the job when installing a plumbing fixture, and it’s even more critical to avoid over-tightening or stripping threaded connections. For example, if you’re replacing a sink faucet and use a wrench that is too large, you can easily strip the retaining bolts and crack the fixture. Investing in a strap wrench with a rubber strap can prevent this from happening and help you tighten your fixtures without damaging them.
Leaks
Leaks in the home can be disastrous, especially if they go unnoticed. Even small leaks can waste gallons of water and lead to costly repairs and water damage. Homeowners should regularly service or inspect their plumbing systems to avoid costly leaks.
When replacing or repairing plumbing fixtures, it is important to use the right tools for the job. The wrong tools can make the job more difficult and may lead to an incorrect repair or replacement. For example, using a wrench with a wrong size socket can loosen bolts or nuts and cause leaking. Also, not turning off the main water valve before starting work can result in a flooded house until a plumber arrives.
Homeowners often do not use proper sealing techniques when making plumbing repairs or installations. Failing to use Teflon tape or pipe glue can result in loose fittings that could create leaks and cause expensive water damage. In addition, improperly crimping or deforming pipes can lead to leaks or short circuits.
Another common plumbing mistake is not properly evaluating the scope of a project. Homeowners often underestimate how challenging or complicated a job is and try to power through it. This can lead to more costly repairs and even hazardous situations like septic tank backups or flooding. If a plumbing project is more complicated than expected, it’s best to call the professionals at Cummings Plumbing Heating & Cooling.
Homeowners should never attempt to DIY a plumbing project that is beyond their skill level. Replacing or repairing plumbing fixtures requires special tools and knowledge. Hiring a professional will ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently. Also, a professional will be able to determine whether there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Avoiding these costly plumbing mistakes can help homeowners save money and keep their homes safe and comfortable.
Clogged Drains
Nothing puts a damper on a delicious dinner like an overflowing kitchen sink or ruins a morning shower like standing ankle-deep in soapy water. Clogged drains are more than just a nuisance, however; they can also lead to backed-up sewer water and costly plumbing repairs.
The good news is that there are a number of easy ways to keep your drains clear and functioning properly. Prevent clogs by using drain strainers, regularly cleaning your drains with baking soda and vinegar, and never flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper down the drain.
Food scraps: Small pieces of food such as fruit peels, egg shells, and coffee grounds can build up in your drains and trap other debris. Soap residue: Over time, soap scum can build up in your drains and trap food particles. Grease, oil, and fat: These substances can solidify in your pipes and create tough clogs. You can prevent this by regularly removing cooking grease and oils into a can or jar for disposal in the trash.
Hair: Human and animal hair can fall into washroom and shower drains, where it can then mix with soap scum and grease residue to form sticky clogs. If left untreated, this can result in backed-up sewer drains that may release wastewater and raw sewage into your home.
Mineral deposits: If your home uses hard water, mineral deposits can build up in your pipes and reduce your drains’ flow. One way to combat this is by installing a home water softener.
Blockages from foreign objects: It’s not just food scraps and hair that can end up in your drains—kids can also make a big mess by flushing toys, clothing, and other items down the toilet. If you suspect that a child has made such a mistake, shut off your home’s water supply before calling a plumber to avoid an even bigger mess and a potentially costly repair bill.
If you’ve plugged up a drain with an object that’s too large to be removed by hand, try using a power auger. This device is connected to a motor with a foot-pedal switch, leaving your hands free to guide the cable down the drain. Position the drain auger over the clogged pipe and feed a few feet of cable down. Then turn the motor on and push the cable down, allowing it to break up and remove the object.
DIY Plumbing Projects
Many homeowners are tempted to tackle DIY plumbing projects because of the potential cost savings and sense of accomplishment. However, the reality is that attempting to take on plumbing projects without proper knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. These mistakes can range from clogged drains and leaky faucets to major pipe damage and flooding. Understanding the dangers of DIY plumbing projects can help property owners determine when a project is beyond their skill level and when it is time to call a professional plumber.
Incorrect repairs and installations can result in leaks, water damage, and even structural damage. These problems often require expensive repairs and can even affect your home’s value. DIY enthusiasts often overlook building codes and other regulations, resulting in non-compliance issues. Professional plumbers, i.e, the Bakersfield plumbers understand these regulations, ensuring that all work is done correctly and safely.
Plumbing projects can be very dangerous, especially when you don’t have the right tools. Improper handling of pipes can cause them to rupture or break, leading to extensive water damage and even mold growth. Professional plumbers have the tools and skills necessary to handle even the most complex plumbing issues.
It’s important to turn off the water supply before attempting any plumbing project. However, some DIYers make the mistake of forgetting to do this or turning off the water supply at the wrong point in the process. This can lead to a flood of water and expensive repairs that could have been avoided with the help of a professional plumber.
Many DIYers also attempt to repair a leaky faucet or clogged drain without properly shutting off the water supply. This can lead to costly water damage, including rotting wood and floors. A professional plumber will shut off the water supply quickly and thoroughly, minimizing the damage caused by a leaky faucet or clogged sink.
Most people don’t give much thought to their plumbing systems until they have a problem. However, regular maintenance can prevent many common plumbing problems and ensure that your system is working efficiently. By avoiding these common plumbing mistakes, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a well-functioning plumbing system for years to come.