Knowing the common plumbing mistakes that homeowners make can save you money and headaches down the road. Protect your plumbing and save money by avoiding these seven common plumbing mistakes in your home.
1. Pouring Grease down The Drain
Pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain after you’re done cooking may seem like a harmless act. However, grease is one of the leading causes of drain clogs. Even if you dump liquid grease down the drain and run hot water over it, the grease will eventually solidify in the sewer main. It’s advisable to dispose of grease in the trash bin.
2. Doing DIY When You Should Hire a Plumber
While there are plumbing repairs you can tackle yourself, it’s important to know your limitations and when to call a professional plumber in Pennsauken Township. If you don’t have the skills and tools necessary to handle a plumbing task, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
3. Overtightening the Connections
When performing DIY plumbing installations and repairs like installing pipes and fixing leaky faucets, you may end up overtightening the connections. This is actually one of the most common plumbing mistakes that DIYers make. Overtightening connections can damage fittings, valves, or pipes, resulting in leaks at the connection points.
4. Trying to Force a Stuck Shut off Valve
Shut off valves can become stuck if they have not been used for an extended period. If you can’t turn the knob with just your hand, do not try to force it open. Applying too much force may break off the knob and the valve stem.
5. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners to Clear Clogs
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix for drain clogs, but they tend to do more harm than good. The harsh chemicals contained in these drain cleaners can corrode pipes if they are used repeatedly over a long period of time. Besides, they can kill the natural bacteria present in your septic tank. It’s advisable to opt for bio-drain cleaners instead of chemical drain cleaners.
6. Improper Use of a Garbage Disposal
Improper use of a garbage disposal can cause damage to the unit and lead to clogs. You should avoid things like disposing of non-food items, grinding hard materials, and overloading the unit. It’s also advisable to run enough cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. If your garbage disposal is acting up, call a professional plumber in Pennsauken Township to make the necessary repairs.
7. Failing To Winterize Pipes before Winter
As the name implies, winterizing pipes involves taking a series of steps to prepare and protect plumbing pipes and fixtures from extreme cold temperatures. If you don’t winterize your pipes before winter, you may end up with burst pipes, leaks, and many other costly plumbing issues.
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of South Jersey for Professional Plumbing Service
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of South Jersey is your go-to plumbing company for all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Whether you’re in need of plumbing installation or plumbing repairs, you can rely on the knowledgeable and experienced plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of South Jersey to do an exceptional job.
