Four Major Plumbing Mistakes That Many Homeowners Make

If you’re like most homeowners, you want to be able to perform minor household repairs and maintenance tasks for the sake of convenience as well as to save a little money, but it’s important to be aware of common mistakes in order to achieve these goals.

Let’s take a look at  four of the common pitfalls homeowners encounter concerning DIY plumbing projects.

Using Too Much Drain Cleaner

Homeowners are often too quick to reach for over-the-counter drain cleaner products, but too much exposure to the caustic chemicals these products contain can cause erosion on the insides of your pipes. Purchasing a small plumber’s snake from your local home improvement retailer is a better option, and you can also try a natural drain cleaning solution such as a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Not Having the Right Tools for the Job

Not having the proper tools for the specific job at hand frequently results in unexpected complications that only make the situation worse. Always research the tools you’ll need before moving forward with specific projects.

Forgetting to Turn the Water Off

It seems like such a simple step- and maybe that’s why so many people overlook turning off the water before they begin a plumbing project. For smaller tasks such as unclogging a bathroom sink, you can get by with turning the water to that specific fixture off, but play it safe with bigger projects such as multiple leaky pipes by turning off your home’s main water valve.

Getting in Over Their Heads

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when they decide to tackle a plumbing problem is overestimating the scope of their expertise and ending up in over their heads. This scenario usually ends up with the homeowner calling in a professional to undo the damage they’ve done, and the final price tag is frequently much higher than it would have been had  they called in a qualified plumber in the first place. Always review the project before you start and make certain it’s within your capabilities. Be honest with yourself, and if you have doubts about whether you’re up to the job, consider erring on the side of caution and scheduling a visit from an experienced plumber.

We’ve been helping Pittsburgh area homeowners with their plumbing problems since 1984, so please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about your plumbing.

Give us a call. You won’t be disappointed!

When in doubt, give us a call at Terry’s Plumbing! As your reputable plumber in Pittsburgh, we can help you with your plumbing-related issues. Call today at 412-364-9114.