Common Plumbing Mistakes Made By Homeowners

plumbing problemsWhen you own a home, routine maintenance and proper care of your home’s systems can go a long way in helping to minimize damage and expensive repair bills. This aspect is certainly true when it comes to your home’s plumbing system. For example, avoiding some of the most common plumbing mistakes can be a great way to protect your home from water damage as well as reduce the need to hire a licensed plumber. In other words, these mistakes are easy to avoid!

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Avoid These Common Plumbing Mistakes To Avoid Calling A Plumber Wescosville PA

In this article, we discuss some of the most frequent problems that homeowners cause to their home’s plumbing system. By knowing what to avoid, you can save yourself a lot of money while ensuring that you have a plumbing system that performs well.

Flushing Problematic Items Down A Toilet

toilet repairIf you have kids, you’ve probably learned the hard way that they can be tempted to toss just about anything into a toilet.

Small toys and uneaten snacks might seem easy (and maybe even fun) to flush away, but these items can lead to clogged pipes that can cause significant damage to your home’s plumbing. Teach kids to never dispose of anything other than human waste and toilet paper in the toilet.

Of course, it’s not just kids who try to flush items in a toilet. Make sure teens and adults all know that the toilet doesn’t take the place of a trash bin. Don’t toss food scraps, wrappers, or other debris in the toilets of your home.

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Frequent Or Improper Use Of Chemical Drain Cleaners

There are commercial drain cleaners that can be very effective in clearing clogged pipes or removing a buildup of residue. However, it’s essential to be careful about how you use these corrosive chemicals. The harsh chemicals that you rely on to break up a clog or to clean pipes for free-flowing drainage can take a toll on your home’s plumbing system. Frequent or overuse of chemical drain cleaners can result in these chemicals eventually eating away at both metal and PVC pipes.

A more environmentally friendly way to clean pipes or remove clogs is to use a pipe snake designed for plumbing. Some clogs or slow running drains can also be fixed by simply pouring ½ cup of vinegar into the drain, followed by ½ cup of baking soda; then pour a pan of boiling water into the drain. These methods are not only better for the environment, but they will also cause less wear and tear on pipes. For problematic or recurring clogs, be sure to call the professional plumbers at Robinson Plumbing.

Forgetting To Winterize Outside Water Spigots

frozen plumbing pipesMany people like the convenience of leaving a garden hose attached to an outside spigot so that it’s quick and easy to use. However, when the weather turns cold, it’s important to protect pipes from potential damage. In the winter, even if you live in an area that doesn’t experience freezing temperatures, it’s essential to disconnect the garden hose if there is ever a chance of temperatures dropping below the freezing point. If possible, shut off the water supply to outside spigots and allow the pipes to drain of water completely. When water freezes in the pipes, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst, which can lead to extensive water damage.

Forgetting To Turn The Water Off Before Starting Plumbing Repairs

If you’re doing any simple DIY plumbing repairs, make sure that you turn off the water before you begin. Replacing pipes or making repairs when the water is on can quickly lead to a huge mess as well as damage to floors, walls, and surrounding areas.

It is important to note that you should only leave plumbing repairs for the professionals. A plumber can correctly diagnose and repair your plumbing system. They also have the tools that are needed to ensure the safety of your home and plumbing system. Many DIY-ers tend to fail to diagnose and fix a plumbing problem correctly. Consequently, they end up causing more harm than good.

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Using Your Drains Incorrectly

cooking grease and clogged drainWhether it’s pouring dirty mop water in a tub or pouring grease and other debris down a kitchen sink, these actions can lead to clogged pipes and slow drains.

If you have to pour dirty water in a sink or tub drain, make sure that you use a filter to prevent debris from going down the drain. You should dispose of grease properly to prevent a build-up that could take a plumber several hours to remove.

Not Hiring An Experienced Professional Plumber

Many homeowners can save money by handling small plumbing repairs on their own. Simple DIY projects, such as changing out a showerhead or replacing your toilet seat, won’t necessarily require the services of a professional plumber. On the other hand, if your plumbing project requires accessing the main water supply or it involves cutting into floors or walls, it’s a good idea to call in a professional. It might cost a bit more to hire a plumber, but knowing that the job is done right and that your home isn’t in danger of water damage is worth the investment.

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Conclusion

When you avoid these simple plumbing mistakes, you can save both time and money.

For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing companies.

Our plumbing services range from sewer line repairs, water leak detection and repairs, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs that you may require, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family. Be sure to call Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free, in-home estimate. All of our plumbing services are competitively priced and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Some of the areas we service include Alburtis, East Texas, Macungie, Wescosville and these zip codes 18011, 18046, 18062, 18106 as well as all surrounding areas in ‎Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

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Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!