Homeowners often like to take care of plumbing issues on their own. Turning to the Internet, tools and equipment, they try to fix an issue as if it was a car engine. However, understanding how the piping system works is a little different.

A smart homeowner knows there’s a time for DIY and there’s a time for an expert. Ganging up on plumbing issues can cause thousands of dollars in damage if ignored

It doesn’t matter whether you are fixing a leak or replacing a water valve – there are common mistakes you should avoid because of their long-term effects on the home plumbing system. Here are 5 mistakes homeowners make that can cost you big bucks in the long run.

 

1.Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Everyone knows about these magical drain cleaners- just a few cups of this into the drain can open the pipes and send all the debris and wastewater into the sewer. 

But little do they know, these very chemical cleaners can have long-lasting or even permanent effects on galvanized plumbing. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners can have a lasting effect on galvanized plumbing. People who use this product regularly could cause their pipes to become corroded and leaky. 

Instead, you can easily get rid of your stubborn clogs by this easy way-

• Plumbing Auger: This is a manually powered machine similar to a drain snake that cleans drain clogs without the use of any chemicals.
• Natural ingredients: Just sprinkle some baking soda in the drain and pour in some vinegar. Let it stay for a few hours and flush it down with hot water.
• Or, just take the easiest way out, and call a plumber. 

2. Connecting Copper with Galvanized pipes

When galvanized and copper pipes are connected, corrosion speeds up. 

Homeowners performing their own plumbing work may be unaware of this problem and would repair old galvanized pipes using more modern copper pipes.

This would be okay if a special piece, dielectric union, is used. Dielectric unions are used to join pipes of different metals by providing a barrier against galvanic corrosion.

3. Flushing the wrong stuff 

Toilet problems are the worst for homeowners, and they’re often the result of someone flushing something that is not human waste or toilet paper. 

Remember, whatever the packaging says, never flush these items:

• feminine hygiene products, 
• baby wipes, paper towels, 
• facial tissue, or 
• diapers. 

The only paper that should be flushed is toilet paper. Bathroom tissue is designed to degrade quickly after it’s been flushed.

4. Not Turning Off Your Water

If you’re doing any sort of plumbing maintenance or work in your home, remember to shut the water off. 

The inconvenience of having the water shut off for a period of time far outweighs the inconvenience of causing a leak or spill somewhere in your home.

Get to know your home’s plumbing before beginning your next plumbing project and identify where your local shutoff valve and water main are located.

5. Performing Unpermitted Work  

Making major changes to your home’s plumbing system without acquiring the proper permits may carry the cost of devaluing your home. 

Homes with unpermitted work may take longer to sell or may sell minus the cost for repairs to fix the previous work.

Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to contact a contractor in order to pull the permits. Regardless, you should be absolutely sure that you have the permits to perform any major work around the house like the installation of a bathroom or repiping. 

While permits can be an expensive start to any project, a permit will protect you from fines down the road while ensuring that your plumbing project is done right.

 

End Words

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell whether certain plumbing work is beyond your skill level. When this happens, it’s better in the long run to have issues handled by a professional. 

At Plumbing 911, we can help you diagnose any problem with your plumbing as well as identify potential issues that could lead to trouble later. Servicing over 150 cities in 7 Northeast Ohio Counties, Plumbing 911 has the plumbing support you need right now! If your house needs any services just give us a call.