12 Plumbing Mistakes Pros Would Never Make in Their Own Homes
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One of the less glamorous subjects is under the sink, yet it is also one of the most essential. Done right, it keeps your home working. Done wrong? Floods, high water bills, or permanent damage to your home might come into the picture.
Did you know that the average American household spends around $600 annually on plumbing repairs? Many of these costs stem from avoidable mistakes made during DIY fixes or improper installations.
Richard Tretheway, a plumbing and HVAC expert from This Old House, emphasizes, ” The smallest mistakes in plumbing can snowball into a costly disaster. It’s not just functionality—it’s about preserving resources and ensuring safety.”
Professional plumbers know this all too well, which is why they steer clear of these 12 common blunders in their own homes.
Teflon (Plumber’s Tape) on Threaded Joints
Skipping this step? When you do that, you’re practically inviting leaks into your system. Teflon tape may be your best (and favorite) friend at your tool shed; professionals swear by wrapping Teflon tape around threads 3–5 times to serve as a waterproof seal that will not come undone.
Teflon tape fills those gaps and creates a tight, leak-proof connection. That’s why seasoned plumbers treat it like duct tape: it’s always in their toolkit.
Did you know that those tiny drips and leaks we sometimes ignore can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually by a single U.S. household? And that’s enough to fill an entire backyard pool.
Overlooking Dripping Faucets
“It’s just a little drip. It’ll stop soon.” Famous last words. According to the EPA, a seemingly harmless drip can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually.
It’s enough water to fill 60 bathtubs. Do yourself and your wallet a favor and fix that drip sooner rather than later.
Not Securing Fixtures Right
Loose fixtures might only sound like a huge problem once they fail. Unsteady sinks, toilets, and showerheads can cause leaks and structural damage that can be more expensive to repair.
Turning Off the Water Before Repairs
If the idea of a surprise indoor waterfall excites you, by all means, skip this step. Not that it matters for everyone else, but here’s a tip: always, always, always turn off the water before starting any plumbing repair.
This is Plumbing 101, and the first thing professionals will do because even a tiny mistake can potentially lead to significant flooding, causing damages whose repair cost can never be measured.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounts for 29% of homeowner insurance claims in the U.S., with repair costs averaging $11,000. And most of these disasters? Completely preventable with one simple move: cutting off the water.
Using Too Much Drain Cleaner
While chemical drain cleaners can appear like an easy and fast remedy for clogged pipes, they can be more suitable than good. The harsh chemicals in these products will erode your plumbing over time, shortening the life of your pipes and requiring costly repairs.
Plumbers much prefer and recommend safer, eco-safe alternatives such as using a mixture of baking soda and boiling water, which are methods that do not corrode or harm the environment.
Jeff L., a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience, says, “Drain cleaners should always be a last resort. If you’re using them more than once every few months, you’re masking the problem instead of fixing it.”
Flushing Non-Biodegradables
That means if it’s not toilet paper, it doesn’t belong in the toilet. Baby wipes, cotton pads, and other “unmentionables” don’t break down like toilet paper. They can clog your pipes and cause expensive sewer backups. Your local plumber has seen it all and would never make this gross mistake at home.
Put a small trash bin in your bathroom for items that are not flushable. It’s an easy fix for a messy problem. And remember, just because a wipe is labeled “flushable” doesn’t mean it won’t cause a plumbing disaster.
According to a recent report from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, non-flushable items result in over $1 billion in damages to U.S. wastewater systems annually.
Ignoring Slow Drains
What if your drain is just a little slow? A little hair or gunk is clogging things up. You can ignore it all you want, but ignore it too long, and you’ll have a severe blockage.
Professionals know how to tackle your slow-draining sink, tub, or shower as soon as possible to help maintain the smooth water flow.
Not Being Aware of Where To Shut Off Valves Is Located
Seconds matter when water sprays like a geyser in your kitchen. When you need to shut off the water with a problem sink/tub/shower or shut off the water for the whole house, pros know exactly where the shutoff valve for that fixture is and where the main water shutoff valve is in their home.
Take it from licensed plumber Greg Newman, who advises, “Every second counts in an emergency. Knowing where these valves are and how to use them saves time, money, and often prevents hazards.” Sage advice, Greg.
Tightening or Loosening Fittings Too Tight or Too Loose
Finding the perfect balance in plumbing is a very delicate art. Too loose, and you’ll see leaks; and too tight, and you’ll see cracked pipes. A professional plumber knows how to get to that sweet spot, a secure yet stress-free seal.
For DIY enthusiasts, the golden rule is simple: “snug but not forced.” Tighten bearings and fitting snugly, but don’t tighten too much. Hand tight is often enough for most connections, and only a slight turn from a wrench may be required.
Consider plumbing according to the Goldilocks principle—not tight or loose, but just right. Your pipes, fittings, and peace of mind depend on this balance
Leaving Leaks Unchecked Regularly
It turns out that plumbing is one of those “out of sight, out of mind” problems—until it isn’t. Most pros regularly check under sinks, around fixtures, and near pipes for leaks.
Early detection of leaks cuts down on mountains of water damage and helps your system run efficiently.
Using The Wrong Tools for the Job
Was the wrench too big for the pipe? Guess what? That’s a cracked pipe waiting to happen. The right fit matters. They decide what tools to pull for every job, as too much damage can come from the wrong fit.
If you are into DIY, spend your money on quality, appropriately sized tools, which will be your pipes’ friends, believe me. According to plumbing expert Larry Snow from Snow Plumbing Services, “The right tool saves both time and tears—trust me, I’ve seen tears.”
Neglecting Issues Regarding Water Pressure
It isn’t just annoying; it’s a potential red flag. If your water pressure suddenly slows, it could mean there’s a leak somewhere or mineral buildup in your pipes.
Like pros, don’t shrug off a change in water pressure; investigate. The fix is easy if you find it early.
Disclaimer: The list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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