From common leaky faucet fixtures to major plumbing catastrophes, plumber services in Footscray have seen it all. However, did you realise that most plumbing issues are caused by the homeowner? And are negligent use and inadequate maintenance practices typically the cause of large-scale plumbing repairs?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss nine of the most typical blunders individuals make while doing their own plumbing.
1. Not Turning Off the Water
It is a common mistake to forget to turn off the water, even though it should be the first step in any plumbing project. Many “easy” do-it-yourself repairs can become costly mishaps when water leaks from a faulty connection or flows uncontrollably after a fixture is taken out.
When you have time to locate the correct valve, turning off the water is much simpler. However, if water is seeping into the walls or onto the floor, every second you spend searching for the shut-off valve could end up doing more harm to your plumbing.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that stopping the water at the source does not necessarily remove any existing water from the pipes. Make sure the kitchen or bathroom faucets are flowing in order to empty the pipes.
2. Ignoring Signs of Plumbing Failure
Neglect is undoubtedly the worst thing you can do to your plumbing system; failing to notice the warning indications of a pipe failure or other issues will only make them worse and increase the cost of future repairs. Indicators of potential plumbing issues that need to be addressed right away include recurrent blockages, indentations in the lawn, low water pressure, and wetness in the lawn.
Do not disregard or forget about these indicators if you see any! You may lessen the extent of future repairs and the harm to your plumbing by taking quick action. Major plumbing damages are frequently the consequence of careless handling; these damages are completely preventable with the proper attention and care.
3. Improper Use of Drains
Property owners frequently make mistakes regarding their waste pipes, garbage disposals, and drains. To put it simply, you contribute to buildup, blockage, and long-term damage to your drains by disposing of trash, grease, and numerous food products. According to plumbers in Caroline Springs, you should never attempt to put any of the following items in your garbage disposal:
- Animal skeletons
- Cutlery
- Polymers
- Oils Cooking grease Garbage fat
Ice cubes and flowing water can help dislodge food waste from garbage disposal; therefore, we advise cleaning it semi-regularly. Additionally, you should run your disposal frequently since if it is left unattended for an extended time, rust can form and collect.
4. Use Chemical Cleaner
Using chemical cleaning agents carelessly to clear clogged drains is another typical plumbing error. While these chemicals are an immediate fix for minor blockage and dirt accumulation, they can damage your pipes over time due to the chemical reactions that cause them to function. In some instances, these reactions can even be harmful upon contact.
Rather, we suggest less dangerous treatment options like straightforward vinegar, baking soda mixtures, or even a hot water flush. Use safer, equally effective alternatives to chemical cleaners in your plumbing systems instead of them, as they might be counterproductive.
5. Rely on DIY Solutions
In an attempt to save money, average property owners frequently take on large restoration projects on their own, even though seasoned do-it-yourselfers are likely to manage any little plumbing issue with efficiency and ease. While it is feasible to fix your plumbing without any prior knowledge, the results are unlikely to be great.
Getting into over your head with do-it-yourself plumbing projects and causing further damage is one of the worst things you can do to your plumbing system. For help with plumbing problems that you don’t feel confident handling yourself, call a plumbers in Footscray. Professional repairs are frequently completed far more quickly than do-it-yourself projects, and they also end up costing far less. By using incorrect instruments, large-scale DIY plumbing repairs can become more expensive.
7. Mismatched Pipes
Numerous materials are used for piping in modern plumbing. For those who aspire to do it themselves, determining the type of pipe to use might be complicated, as many different types are available, including copper, brass, plastic, and galvanised steel. Specialised connectors can link some of these pipes together, but this is rarely the best option and always carries a risk of leakage. Under no circumstances should others be combined with others.
Too frequently, people choose to “make it work” by assembling mismatched connections and caulking the spaces with silicone or tape. The majority of plumbers in Caroline Springs have at least one or two terrifying tales to share about discovering broken temporary connections behind drywall or twisted, leaky pipes beneath sinks. It’s normally preferable to replace existing pipes instead than attempting to connect them to a different type of pipe, unless you have no other choice.
8. Skipping Maintenance Checks
However, all plumbing errors can’t compensate for general carelessness; with regular and yearly pipe inspections, the most significant plumbing issues are entirely avoidable. To begin with, you can assess your water meter and water flow every month to assess your plumbing performance and identify any problems with your pipes and drains before you ever need to hire a professional.
That does not, however, imply that you should completely disregard the value of expert inspections. We advise having a professional inspect your plumbing systems at least once a year because their skilled eyes are significantly more likely to identify concerning signals much earlier than those of the typical individual.
Conclusion
Naturally, the aforementioned point brings us to one of the most common plumbing errors: failing to seek professional assistance when required. Yes, hiring a local plumbing specialist and having a professional assessment and restoration done will cost you money. However, it will be less expensive than trying hopeless DIY fixes or ignoring the issue.
Speak with an expert if you are over your head trying to fix DIY fixes or pipe damage. Putting off calling a professional until later or failing to receive the help you need when you need it are some of the worst blunders you can make when it comes to plumbing problems. Avoid these thoughtless plumbing errors by maintaining your pipes and drains and, if needed, calling a professional.
