Our plumbing is an essential part of our home. It brings in water that we use for cleaning, cooking, and washing. On top of this, it also carries waste away from our homes. However, through the continuous use of our pipelines, it’s no surprise that we encounter certain problems.
As a homeowner, there are specific plumbing issues that you can easily fix, like leaky faucets and clogged drains. But, there are bigger problems that require the help of a plumbing company. Before we call these professionals, it’s important to note that preventing plumbing issues is better than fixing them.
With that in mind, we should be careful when we use our faucets, toilets, showers, and other fixtures. As homeowners, it is our responsibility to learn about the plumbing mistakes we should avoid. Read on to learn more.
Avoiding common plumbing mistakes is crucial for maintaining a well-functioning system. For additional tips and professional advice on proper plumbing practices, pop over to this web-site. This resource offers valuable insights that can help you avoid costly errors and ensure your plumbing remains in top shape.
Overtightening Connections and Pipes
Overtightening galvanized pipes, couplings, and elbows can cause cracks in your plumbing’s fittings. This might not seem like an immediate emergency, but in a few days or weeks, these cracks can break the fittings and cause floods. Another common occurrence is cranking the bolts of your toilets too hard. Doing these can damage the porcelain and mess up your toilet.
Pouring Grease in Your Drains
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is pouring grease down their drains. As the grease solidifies, it sticks to the pipes creating thick gunk that blocks your plumbing. When this happens, a hydro-jet is needed to remove the grease. To avoid this, put your grease and oil into a plastic bag and throw it in the trash.
Using Too Much Drain Cleaners
In most cases, homeowners use drain cleaners as the first option to unclog their drains. These chemicals work in most situations as they eat the blockages in your plumbing away. However, too much usage can corrode your pipes. You should consider using a drain snake rather than a drain cleaner to prevent corrosion in your plumbing.
Flushing Stuff Down The Toilet
This is another typical problem that many people face with their plumbing. Things like wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products are found clogging up their sewer lines. These materials initially flush down the drain but get stuck somewhere along your pipelines. To avoid this problem, make sure that the only thing you flush down the drain is human waste.
Also, be mindful of what your children are doing in the bathroom. Things like toys and toothbrushes are often found as the main culprits of clogging.
Using Plumbing Tape Improperly
PTFE tape, more commonly known as “Teflon tape,” is used to wrap plumbing fixtures and threads. The primary purpose of this tape is to prevent air, water, and gas from leaking through the threaded connections. So, applying requires some knowledge when it comes to plumbing.
The most common mistake that DIY homeowners make is wrapping the tape backward. This causes the tape to unwind itself while they tighten the fixtures. One thing you can do here is to contact a local plumber. They know how to apply and use these tools effectively and properly.
Forcing a Stuck Valve
Sinks and toilet valves get stuck when they are not used very often. And when you can’t turn the knob, don’t force it. This will not only break off the knob but also cost a lot of money as this also affects the valve system.
A good tip for this is to get an adjustable wrench to loosen the system nut just a bit so that you can turn the knob. Once you’re done, you can tighten it again. However, it’s not advisable to do this if you don’t have enough plumbing knowledge; better let the professionals handle it.
Call the Professionals
Preventing a plumbing problem is crucial because it can save you a lot of money and troubles in the long run. However, when the need arises, it is better to leave it in the hands of experienced professionals. Not only do they have the knowledge to solve these problems, but they also have the experience in dealing with different kinds of situations. So, when you encounter a plumbing problem, call a local plumber for help.
For help with all your plumbing issues, reach out to Inner City Plumbing.
