The plumbing system is an extremely important yet the most overlooked part of your home. It rarely receives any attention until there is a serious problem. Homeowners usually neglect plumbing issues such as leaks, clogs, noises, and other problems until the problem becomes so big as to require emergency repairs. To keep your plumbing system working efficiently, you should avoid these plumbing mistakes:
Common plumbing mistakes to avoid
Leaky faucets
A leaky faucet is the most common plumbing mistake that plumbers get to see daily. Even a single leaky faucet can increase your water bill by up to 10 percent. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. This is almost the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers! So, fix your leaky faucet immediately to prevent your money from going down the drain.
Slow running drains
Slow drains are another common plumbing problem. Everything that goes down the drain, such as hair, soap, or other debris, may build up over time and clog the pipes. This can slow the flow of water. When the pipes become completely clogged, the water will not flow properly and create greater pressure within the pipes. It can cause leaks, and water may start seeping into walls and floors. So, a problem that may seem trivial to you initially may prove very expensive.
DIY repairs
Many people consider plumbing repairs an easy job-something they can do by themselves. However, while trying to repair the plumbing fixtures on your own, you might end up doing more harm than good. Plumbers have the right knowledge, tools, and skills to inspect, diagnose, and repair the plumbing system. Sometimes, DIY repairs prove more expensive than what a plumber would have charged for it.
Flushing things down the toilet
One of the most common plumbing mistake is to flush things down, without considering the consequences. Many products are labeled as flushable, but it doesn’t mean you should do it. Other than toilet paper, most other so-called flushable items should not be flushed. Things such as flushable wipes do not break apart easily and can catch debris and clog the sewer line. These things are much heavier compared to toilet paper, which makes it difficult for them to move through the pipes. So, it is best to keep these things out of your toilet.
Running toilet
According to the EPA, toilet flushes account for nearly 30 percent of the average water consumption per day. That’s when it’s working correctly. A running toilet can waste gallons of water each year and can quickly skyrocket your water bills. Thankfully, a running toilet is often a result of a small problem that can be easily fixed. You may just have to do something as simple as straightening the flapper or replacing the flapper valve to repair the problem.
Ignoring small plumbing issues
As we said, most homeowners ignore plumbing issues until they turn into something serious. You may notice a leaky fixture or a slow-draining kitchen sink and choose to ignore it until the leak gets out of control or the garbage begins to backflow into the fixture. So, it is important not to let things get out of control and get the issues repaired as soon as you notice them.
Plumbing repairs should best be left to the professionals. Always hire a licensed plumbing contractor to carry out installation, repair, and maintenance of your plumbing system. Get in touch with us to schedule a visit by an experienced plumber.
