Common Mistakes that Ruin Your Plumbing

Homeowners often take plumbing issues into their own hands. This is fine for an experienced DIY homeowner. However, it can be dangerous and costly for those who are not familiar with plumbing issues. It is always wise to contact a professional for assistance. The following are common mistakes that should be avoided.

• Flushing Garbage in the Toilet – The toilet is only meant to be used for human waste and toilet paper. Plumbers receive numerous calls every year related to garbage or other items being flushed down the toilet. Sometimes it could be an accident, while other times it is done intentionally. Flushing garbage down the toilet can clog pipes which result in the toilet overflowing into your home.
• Grease Down the Drain – Bacon grease is often thrown down the sink with the use of a garbage disposal. While this may seem like a great idea after cooking breakfast on a Sunday morning, it is actually a bad idea. Bacon grease, and others similar to it, contains fat that clog drains whether you use a garbage disposal or not.
• Running Water During Repairs – All plumbing repairs should be conducted with the water valve off. This means that nothing in your home that uses water should be working during repairs. If you fail to turn the water off, your home can become flooded quickly causing extensive damage to your home, flooring and other areas.
• Soldering Pipes – A favorite project of some homeowners who take pride in their DIY projects is soldering pipes. While it is an easy enough job for those with experience and a steady hand, it can be dangerous for others since you can easily burn yourself and the area around you.
• Fixing it Yourself – Homeowners have a variety of reasons why they don’t want to call a plumber. It could be lack of money to pay a professional or simply that the homeowner has confidence in their own abilities. While replacing a washer on the faucet is a simple job, others are more complicated. If you find yourself watching an online video and trying to install, repair or replace a plumbing problem, it might be best to call a licensed plumber in your area.

Many homeowners don’t realize the danger in plumbing issues, especially when electricity and water are combined. For example, installing a water heater can become rather difficult if you haven’t done it before. It can also be highly dangerous to the homeowner. Always call a professional plumber when in doubt. You will feel more confident and secure knowing a professional plumber has fixed the issue safely.