Many homeowners often have issues with their plumbing system. The cause of the problem varies, but it often starts with human error. For example, pouring used cooking oil down the sink can clog up your kitchen or sewage pipes. 

There are many things we do that can wreck our home’s plumbing which costs a significant amount of money to repair. Thus, homeowners should take heed of the common mistakes that damage their plumbing system and avoid doing them.

Over-tightening Pipe Joints

Avoid over-tightening pipe connections when installing plumbing fixtures. You don’t have to exert too much force to connect these joints. If you over-tighten them, it’s possible to break the internal seal, and you might need a professional to repair it.

You can use your hands to tighten pipe connections. A wrench is also good to use but take caution to avoid overtightening. Always check for leaks and adjust the pipe joint more if you see any water leaking. 

Using the Wrong Drain Cleaner

A liquid drain cleaner is a go-to solution for homeowners when opening a clogged drain. You can buy it at the supermarket and pour it down the drain to clear the blockage. However, avoid liquid drain cleaners that are too acidic because they can erode the stained steel or porcelain of the sink. 

Use a liquid drain cleaner suitable for the type of drain you’re cleaning. For your kitchen drain, you can use a cleaning solution that wipes away fat and grease. For the bathroom drain, use a cleaner that removes hair and soap scum. Make sure the cleaning solution flows down the drain by clearing the blockage using an auger or plunger. 

Pouring Grease Onto the Drain

Never pour grease down your kitchen drain because it can solidify and clog your drain pipes. Blockage in your drain pipes is sure to get you a headache because it’s hard to clear up, and sometimes you might need a professional plumber to get the job done. 

The plumber will have to hydro-jet to clear the grease build-up in the drain pipes. Hiring a professional plumbing contractor for this job can cost around $150 to $300. So, be sure to avoid pouring used cooking oil down the sink. Instead, put used cooking oil into a container and dispose of it properly. 

Flushing Wipes Down the Toilet

Wipes shouldn’t be on your toilet bowl, even if it’s advertised as ‘flushable’. These wipes can cause partial blockage in your drain pipes, and they can cause total blockage as they go down the sewer line. 

It can clog up your plumbing system and can cause water to rise up your drain. It can also affect other plumbing fixtures like bathtubs. When this thing occurs, you need to call a professional plumber to solve the problem. You might have to pay around $200 to $500 to get this job done. 

Using a Garbage Disposal the Wrong Way

Any homeowner considers the garbage disposal as one of the best appliances in the house. This device can chop up or grind the waste into small pieces and discard it down the drain. However, there’s a proper way to use your garbage disposal and prevent it from clogging up or breaking down. 

Never overload your garbage disposal, and see to it that all the waste is fully ground. Avoid grinding uncooked fat trimmings, liquid fat, pasta, rice, bones, and potato peels. And make sure that you use the device with running water to push the debris down the drain. 

Not Using Thread Sealant Tapes

A thread sealant tape must be used when changing faucets, shower heads, or connecting metal pipes. You should wind the tape around the joint properly to make it easier to disassemble in the future. Failing to use a thread sealant tape can cause oxidation or rust around the joint. 

Wrapping the tape in the wrong direction can also cause leaks. So, make sure that you wind the tape clockwise. 

Failing to Prepare the Pipes for the Winter

It’s indeed a problem if your plumbing system freezes during the winter. This can cause the pipes to crack and burst open as the ice exerts pressure inside the pipes. Thus, preparing your plumbing system for the winter is crucial to avoid this unfortunate thing from happening. 

Shut the main water valve off, especially if you’re away from home during the winter. You should also use an air compressor to blow excess air from the pipes. Insulating your pipes is also a smart way to protect them from the freezing temperature. 

Takeaway

Learning from your mistakes is good, but it’s better to learn from the mistakes of others. Human error often causes damage to your home plumbing system. There are common blunders that lead your plumbing system to malfunction or break down. Avoid making these mistakes if you don’t want to pay a high-cost for repairs.