10 Common Plumbing Mistakes That Will Cost You Thousands

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One of those things you don’t really think about until it stops working is plumbing. Plumbing problems can be a real pain, and whether it’s a clogged pipe, a flooded basement or a bathroom disaster, they can really drain your wallet. We may feel sure that we can take care of basic plumbing repairs ourselves, but plumbing is a bit of a hidden minefield. Even a tiny error can result in expensive damage, if not taken care of properly.

In this article, we’re exploring the most common plumbing mistakes people make and how avoiding these slip ups can save you money.

Using the Wrong Type of Pipe

It’s more important to choose the right pipe material. Different pipes do different things, and choosing the wrong pipe can lead to a lot of expensive problems later. For instance, galvanized pipes tend to corrode after some time and also may show leaks, and PVC pipes might crack under high pressure. You can also get joint leaks by mixing different pipe materials, as they expand and contract differently. Before grabbing the first pipe you see, take a moment to make sure its the pipe you need for the job.

Overtightening Connections

Most first time diyers over-tight pipes. A stronger connection might feel like a better one, but overtightening can crush the pipe threads or crack the tubing and can leave you with a leak. The best thing to do is to go slow and hand tighten until you feel resistance and stop. This small step will prevent you from having to replace the whole pipe or fitting with cracks caused by excessive force.

Failure to Turn Off the Water Supply

It’s simple, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to turn off the water supply before they start a repair. It’s a little oversight that can quickly become a big flood — one that causes significant water damage and cleanup costs. Always remember to turn off the water valve, even if the repair seems so small, before you start any work of plumbing.

Ignoring Leaks

Leaking Faucet — Image Credit: Nithin PA/ Pexels

A dripping faucet or just a little leak may seem harmless, but those drips will be costing you in more ways than one—-both in precious water and the damage that can result. Small leaks can erode surfaces, stain walls and weaken structural supports. Before you know it, a minor leak can become a costly repair job. Don’t wait to fix a leak, because if you do, you could turn what would have been a simple repair into a full blown water damage disaster.

Using Too Much Drain Cleaner

You may have been tempted to pour a lot of drain cleaner down a slow drain and hope for the best, but too much of a good thing can hurt. Harsh chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes overtime, if you’re using them regularly. In most cases, a plunger or drain snake is a more effective—and friendlier to pipes—way to clear a clog.

Flushing Things That Don’t Belong in the Toilet

Tossing a wet wipe, tissue or cotton ball into the toilet might seem convenient, but it’s a recipe for clogs and expensive repairs. Even ‘flushable’ wipes don’t break down in the same way toilet paper does, and can end up clogging pipes and sewer lines. The rule here is simple: don’t flush it if it’s not toilet paper. If you have a little trash bin next to the toilet, it will save you from a big mess later.

Installing the Water Heater Wrongly

The installation of a water heater should be simple, but a small mistake can cause serious problems. An improperly installed water heater can lead to leaks, poor temperature control and even dangerous pressure build up. If you’re not sure about dealing with a water heater, it’s always a good idea to call a pro to avoid expensive repairs—or worse, a safety hazard.

Drain Pipes: Skipping the Slope

Gravity helps drain pipes to allow waste to flow smooth but they need a certain level of slope to operate effectively. If drain pipes aren’t laid flat enough, water and waste will be slow to drain, and in time will become clogged. It’s too steep, and the water may rush away too quickly, leaving solid waste behind. DIY jobs often overlook this delicate balance, so if you’re running new drain pipes, remember to give them a slight slope to keep things moving.

Not Installing Shut Off Valves

When a pipe bursts or a faucet needs repair, shut-off valves are a lifesaver, but we forget to use them. Without them, you could find yourself having to shut off the water to the entire house for a single fixture repair. A simple addition that can save you tons of time and hassle in the long run is installing shut off valves on every fixture.

Using Incorrect Sealants

Innovative Solutions for Tackling Unpleasant Odors in Your Home — Image Credit: Upfront Plumbing Drains/Flickr

Plumbing can be a nightmare with the wrong sealant. For example, plumbers’ tape is great on threaded pipes but useless on certain pipe joints where you need a particular pipe glue. If the wrong sealant is used, you will get leaks and the wrong sealant can degrade certain types of pipe materials over time. Double check your product before you seal anything to make sure you’re using the right product for your pipes and joints.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.