If you’re like most people, your plumbing system is something you rely on but don’t usually think about. It’s easy to take for granted that the water will run when you turn the faucet and that the toilet will flush when you pull the lever. The problem, though, is that your plumbing system can fail if you are not careful, and some of the things people do to their plumbing systems make the issue even worse.
To avoid the need for repairs, make sure you are not making any of these common plumbing mistakes.
Over-Tightening Faucet Handles
Some people tighten their faucet handles as hard as they can because they don't want any water to drip after they leave. While this may seem like the correct thing to do, over-tightening can end up causing the issue you’re trying to prevent. Tightening your faucet too much can wear out the washer, which then makes your faucet leak.
Flushing Trash Other Than Toilet Paper
Some people flush paper towels, facial tissues, diapers, floss, and numerous other items down their toilet that should not be there. What you might not know is that toilet paper is designed to break down into tiny pieces in water; these other items are not. Make sure you only put toilet paper in your toilet unless you want to face clogs, sewage backup problems, and other plumbing issues in the near future.
Wrapping Plumber’s Tape Incorrectly
This is a common DIY plumbing error. If you use plumber’s tape to seal pipe joints, make sure you apply the tape in the right direction. You must ensure that the tape wraps around the joint in the same direction as the threads if you don’t want any leaks to occur when you finish connecting the plumbing components. Most pipe threads go around the pipe joint clockwise, but you should look at the threads to make sure that you are putting the tape on in the right direction.
Overtightening Plumbing Connections
Along with misusing plumber's tape, this is another DIY mistake that plumbers see fairly often. While it's essential to tighten fittings so that leaks won't occur, you can create even more problems when you try to tighten them with all of your might. For instance, you might strip the pipe threads or crack the fitting. You might also create a problem for yourself later if the connections ever need to be taken apart for a repair. If the connection is to tight to be undone, a plumber will have to cut through your pipe.
Relying on Liquid Drain Cleaners
Even though liquid drain cleaners may seem like a fast, easy remedy for a clog, they generally are not able to provide a lasting solution, and they can have adverse effects on your pipes and your health. The caustic chemicals in these formulas can cause certain types of pipes to weaken, which can lead to leaks.
Also, aside from producing unhealthy fumes, liquid drain cleaners that contain highly concentrated sulfuric acid can burn your skin. According to research published on the website for the U.S National Library of Medicine, approximately 3,000 people suffer injuries related to the use of drain cleaners annually. Rather than using liquid drain cleaners, you can clear clogs more safely and effectively by drain-snaking or hydrojetting.
Bottom Line
Avoiding those common mistakes will save you some major headaches and expensive plumbing repairs in the long run. If you run into problems and don't know what steps to take, reach out to our experts at Rudd Plumbing. We can inspect your plumbing system and make any needed repairs to get it as good as new. You can always give a call at Rudd Plumbing or contact us online.