Avoid These Common Plumbing Blunders to Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape

Maintaining a functioning plumbing system is essential for any home, yet it's often overlooked. Neglecting your plumbing can lead to some serious issues, so it's important to be aware of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to their plumbing. To ensure that your pipes and fixtures remain in good condition, here are some of the most common plumbing blunders you should avoid.

Using Unsuitable Cleaners

Many popular household cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode metal pipes and damage plastic ones. Bleach and ammonia are two of the worst offenders, but even drain cleaners with their powerful ingredients can cause problems if used too frequently. To keep your pipes safe from harm, opt for natural cleaning solutions such as baking soda and vinegar or use products specifically designed for use on plumbing fixtures.

Ignoring Low Water Pressure

If you notice a decrease in water pressure coming from your taps or shower head, don't ignore it! Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes or a malfunctioning water heater and if left unchecked could lead to corrosion or leaks. It's best to call a professional plumber who will be able to diagnose and repair the issue.

Flushing Non-Flushable Items

Toilets are not trash cans! Flushing items like paper towels, facial tissues, cotton swabs or feminine hygiene products down the toilet will almost certainly lead to clogged pipes and sewer backups. The only thing that should ever be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper - all other items should go into a trash bin.

Using Too Much Toilet Paper

Even though using only toilet paper is important, using too much of it at once can also cause problems. Excessive amounts of toilet paper can easily clog up your pipes, which will require professional help to fix. To prevent this from happening, try limiting yourself to one or two sheets per flush.

Not Replacing Old Pipes

If you live in an older home, then chances are you have old pipes that may need replacing. Over time, metal and plastic piping can become brittle due to age or corrode due to wear-and-tear. If you suspect that your home has old piping, have them inspected by an experienced plumber who will determine whether they need replacing.

DIY Repairs

When dealing with plumbing repairs, it’s best left up to professionals. Attempting DIY repairs on your own could end up causing more damage than good - not only would this cost more money but also take longer than necessary! It’s always better off hiring an experienced plumber who has the knowledge needed for diagnosing and repairing any issues quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Plumbing is an essential part of any home so don't take it lightly! Avoid making these common mistakes in order to keep your system running smoothly. If ever faced with a plumbing issue, make sure you call upon a licensed plumber who knows how best to handle any problem quickly and effectively!

Frequently Asked Question

The most common plumbing problems are clogged drains and toilets, leaky faucets and pipes, water heater issues, low water pressure, and a running toilet. Each of these issues requires a different solution that we will cover below.
Brownish stains on your ceiling can indicate a plumbing leak if there is a bathroom located above it. Also, stained or warped walls and floors could be a sign of a leaking pipe and accumulating water.
  • Delaying Plumbing Repairs. Maybe you have a leak in your bathroom sink
  • Throwing Food Waste in the Drain
  • Washing Hair Down the Drain
  • Allowing Dirt to Clog Your Pipes
  • Using Soap Bars With Fat
  • Tossing Objects in the Toilet
Early warning signs of the drain being clogged are hearing bubbling or gurgling sounds coming from one or more of your drains. Or your toilet water or faucets may bubble, and waste water may back up into your tub or shower drain when you flush.
The lifespan for the most common residential plumbing systems are: Brass: 40 to 70 years. Copper: 50 or more years. Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years.
  • Slow Drains. Healthy pipes should not run slow
  • Frequent Clogs. Another telling sign that you have a drain problem is that you frequently get a clog
  • Unpleasant Odors
  • Strange Noises
  • Flooding
  • Root Infiltration
  • Improper Plumbing Installation
Four of the most common signs of a broken sewer line include multiple slow drains, foul smells inside the house, mold or mildew in the basement, and an increased presence of pests. Plumbing-related issues aren't always easy to spot – especially ones that occur underground.
Signs of Water Leaks in Walls
  • Damp or discolored drywall.
  • Peeling paint or wallpaper on your wall.
  • A warped or stained wall.
  • A buckle, crack, or water stain on drywall ceiling or your floor.
  • Pools of water on the floor near walls or drips from the ceiling.
  • A musty smell.