The 3 Most Dangerous Household Plumbing Mistakes

No one wants to call a plumber if they don’t have to, especially for minor issues such as a clogged drain. However, there is a reason plumbers charge a lot. They have spent years learning the trade.

A homeowner with a little bit of plumbing know-how can easily make a serious mistake that can cause huge problems down the road. Here are three of the most dangerous household plumbing mistakes.

Using too Much Drain Cleaner

Drain cleaners can be a good option to get rid of a clog in your sink or shower, but overuse can be a real problem. Drain cleaners contain harsh, corrosive chemicals that can damage your pipes if you use them very often.

If you are finding yourself needing to use a drain cleaner more than once or twice a year, it’s probably best to call in a plumber and have him look at the problem.

Also, if one drain cleaning application doesn’t clear your drain, you should call a plumber. If your pipes corrode because of too much drain cleaner, you could wind up having to have them replaced, which is a very expensive proposition.

Connecting Pipes Incorrectly

One of the most common mistakes plumbers encounter is homeowners who have tried to replace pipes and have done a poor job of connecting them. This can happen for a couple of reasons. Not using the right tools, either because you don’t have them or don’t know which tools to use, is a common reason for pipes to wind up connected incorrectly.

Without the right wrench, for example, it’s easy to get the connection tight enough, which can lead to leaks. Another common error is connecting different pipes together without the know-how and correct equipment.

For example, copper and galvanized steel pipes must be joined with a special fitting called a dielectric union, which is not something most homeowners have lying around.

Doing Un-permitted Work

Plumbers know what work requires permits, and they risk their license if they don’t get them. Homeowners are under no such requirement, however, and they often skip permits to save money.

While you might save a few dollars, you don’t get the inspection that ensures the job was done properly, and you could also run into trouble down the road if you sell your house.

An inspector will flag un-permitted work, which may scare off a potential home buyer.

Don’t get mixed up in a serious plumbing issue in your Easton home. Call Schuler Service at (610) 434-7103 today, and have the professionals clean up that mess.