5 Common Plumbing Maintenance Errors to Avoid for Homeowners

Are you tired of getting up at 3 am to go to the bathroom? Do you go to flush your toilet and nothing happens? Or worse, your toilet is slowly trickling water onto the floor?

If so, you’ve made a common plumbing maintenance error.

Believe it or not, even the best plumbing maintenance can go awry. We’ve all forgotten to turn off the water to a certain fixture. Or we’ve absentmindedly left our house in the middle of winter with the heat on.

Instead of berating yourself, read on. We’ll explain how to avoid common plumbing maintenance errors.

1. Failing to Shut off the Water

One of the most common plumbing maintenance errors that homeowners make is failing to shut off the water. In the event of a major leak, you’ll want to be able to shut off the water to your home to cut down on damage.

But, many people don’t know where their water shutoff valve is, or how to use it. If you’re not sure where yours is, take the time to find it and familiarize yourself with it.

2. Not Checking for Leaks

Even a small leak can waste a lot of water and cause your water bill to spike. Check all your fixtures and pipes for leaks. Make sure to repair any leaks you find right away to avoid high plumbing maintenance costs and water damage.

3. Not Maintaining Your Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposal is a handy kitchen appliance. But, it needs to be properly maintained to prevent clogs and other problems. Never put hard-to-grind items, like celery, in your garbage disposal.

Additionally, you should always run cold water while the disposal is in use, and avoid putting grease or oil down the drain. If your garbage disposal starts to smell bad, you can clean it with a mixture of vinegar and water.

4. Too Much Drain Cleaners

Another plumbing maintenance routine people make is using too much drain cleaner. More is not always better. They are only meant for occasional use when you have a clog.

If you use too much drain cleaner, it can run off into other areas of your plumbing and cause damage. Use the recommended amount and give the drain cleaner time to work before flushing with water.

5. Trying to Fix a Plumbing Problem Yourself

Unless you’re an experienced plumber, it’s best to leave plumbing repairs to the professionals. Repairing plumbing damage by yourself can often make it worse. If you are not sure how to fix a plumbing problem, it is always best to contact a professional plumber.

There are many services located here and there. Check to see if the company has any online reviews or testimonials from past clients. This can give you a good idea of the level of service you can expect to receive.

Plumbing Maintenance Errors You Need to Look Out For

If you’re a homeowner, be sure to avoid these common plumbing maintenance errors! Failure to do so could result in serious damage to your home and property. Be sure to call a professional if you’re unsure of how to properly maintain your plumbing system.

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