What are you going to do next? Fixing a leaked faucet might not be as easy as it sounds. This is one of the many challenges homeowners experience on a daily basis. Sometimes these problems can be due to damage caused by our own negligence. The fault can be in the routine practices or sometimes during DIY repairs. The damage if not detected or rectified can turn into permanent damage.
If you are a homeowner and often fix minor issues on your own. Then you might be interested in knowing these potential mistakes. Let’s look at some of the most common plumbing mistakes and give you tips on how to avoid them, so you can keep your home in good shape.
Common Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid in Routine and During Repairs
Following are some of the common mistakes you make while doing house repairs or in routine maintenance.
Use of Chemical Drain Cleaners in Excess
Chemical drain cleaners can clear out clogged lines quickly, but using them frequently can damage your plumbing. Over time, these toxic chemicals can damage pipes, which can cause leaks and make the pipes weaker. Take a break from chemical-based solutions and try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear out clogs instead. If the problem keeps happening, you should call a plumber right away to avoid long-term damage.
Not Turning Off the Water During Maintenance
It is very dangerous to try to fix or replace plumbing equipment without first turning off the water. Water bursts, floods, and a lot of damage from water can happen if you forget to turn off the water. Find and turn off the main water valve before you start any plumbing job to avoid accidents and limit the damage that could happen.
Installing a DIY Water Heater
It is essential for providing hot water for a variety of household chores. However, plumbing issues frequently arise from do-it-yourself water heater installs. Water heaters that are installed incorrectly can cause leaks, inadequate heating, and even safety risks. For water heater installations, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber to guarantee correct installation and adherence to safety regulations.
Ventilation Taken for Granted
Ventilation is often overlooked, although it is essential for a healthy plumbing system. To avoid vacuum-like situations that might restrict water flow, vent pipes allow air to enter the plumbing system and are sometimes overlooked by homeowners.
Inadequate ventilation can contribute to slow drains, gurgling noises, and even sewage odors within your home. If you want your plumbing to work as it should, you need to make sure the vent pipes are clear and set up correctly.
Incorrect Tool Usage
DIY plumbing jobs are getting more and more common, but utilizing the wrong equipment might cause more problems than it solves. Pipes, fittings, and fixtures can be damaged by applying too much force or using the wrong kind of wrench, which can make the problem worse and lead to leaks. Learn about the right equipment and how to use it before attempting a do-it-yourself plumbing repair.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem in both new and old homes. It makes things like showers and rinsing more difficult. This trouble may start out slowly or get worse over time. Low water pressure can be caused by a number of things, such as a broken water main that affects many homes or a leaky pipe in your own home. Minerals and sediment that build up in pipes, tap aerators, and showerheads and stop water flow might be another cause.
If you have low water flow, check the aerators or shower heads for buildup first. Take off the faucet’s tap end and soak the aerator in vinegar overnight to get rid of the buildup. If you can’t do this, put vinegar in a bag and tie it around the tap. If the problem keeps happening, you might need the help of a plumber. To stop it from happening again, you might want to install a filtration system and check your lines often for early signs of leaks.
Not Putting a Drain Strainer:
Hair and food can get stuck in your lines, so it’s important to use drain strainers. This keeps your lines clear and stops them from getting clogged. Some people forget to put drain strainers in their sinks or only use them in certain ones. You should put drain strainers in all of your drains, even the ones in the shower or bathroom. Clean the drain strainers often to get rid of food and other things that get stuck in them. In the long run, this easy step will keep your lines from getting clogged.
Neglecting Hard Water Issue
Calcium and magnesium layers (carried by hard water) can stick to pipes and stop the flow of water. Hard water can also stain fixtures and dishes and change the color of window glass. The water flow in your home may also slow down because it can make pipes narrow and shower heads fill up with water. A water filter can help with this. Putting one in is better for your windows, pipes, fixtures, and dishes.
If you have hard water in your home, the shower glass, coffee maker, bathroom tap, and other things that touch the water will get stained. Get in touch with a plumber right away to get a water softener. They can put it in properly, which will get rid of your hard water issue and keep your home from getting worse.
Bottom Line
Plumbing issues are quite common in households. Knowing about these and avoiding mistakes that can result in these problems can definitely help you avoid the cost of repair later. These issues can occur on their own or can be a result of doing plumbing work on your own. In short, be extra conscious with your DIY (do it yourself) plumbing job. Also, remember that you should always talk to a professional if you need help or if the job looks too hard for you to do on your own.
