The Most Common Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Make

If you own a home or business, you will eventually come up against a plumbing concern of one kind or another. You might even think it’s a good idea to tackle one or two of these problems on your own. DIY projects are great, but be careful not to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to your home or office’s plumbing system, which can lead to even more serious problems. Know what you’re up against, and familiarize yourself with the most common plumbing mistakes that homeowners make. If you have a serious plumbing concern, a chronic plumbing problem, or a leak, do yourself a favor and call in the professional services of an experienced plumber in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

Turn the Water Off

If you’re going to be working on your plumbing for any reason at all, it’s in your best interest to turn your home or office’s water off at the water main. Not to do so can lead to serious structural damage – along with mold and mildew that’s associated with health concerns. If you’re attempting to repair your own plumbing problem, turn your water off at the water main, but keep in mind that if the repairs go long, you might have to keep your water turned off for an extended period of time. It’s highly likely that you’ll quickly recognize just how much your household enjoys having running water.

You Probably Don’t Have the Right Tools

The thing about DIY plumbing projects, including both repairs and bathroom or kitchen updates, is that you’re going to need some highly specific tools – that you’re also going to have to know how to use – in order to get the job done correctly the first time. A shoddy, incomplete, or inexperienced plumbing job can lead to serious problems down the road. Further, once you open the can of worms that many plumbing projects become, you’ll likely come up against obstacles that include not having the proper tools when you need them.

If you have a plumbing problem that requires the professional tools of the plumbing trade, you are well advised to allow a professional plumber to wield those tools. Plumbing tools are highly specific and they require highly specific skills to use them safely and to best effect. If your situation is more serious than a recently clogged drain or toilet, you’re better off calling in a professional plumber and getting the work done correctly the first time

DIY King or Queen

So you’re the king or queen of the DIY project – that’s commendable. If your DIY project, however, involves plumbing, think very carefully before you proceed. If it’s a straightforward issue, such as changing your showerhead, plunging a simple clog, or outfitting your drains with new traps, have at it – you’ll be glad you did. If the issue with your plumbing is more serious, on the other hand, flying solo is likely not in the best interest of your home or office.

Think of it this way, you probably wouldn’t take on a DIY legal project or perform any DIY medical procedures, and you it’s a good rule of thumb to let this attitude overlap with your thoughts on plumbing. Plumbing is a highly complicated, specific, and technical endeavor, so embrace do-it-yourself projects that put your efforts to better use, and call in a highly trained Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, plumbing professional when you need one.

Have Two Plungers and Know How to Use Them

There are some plumbing tasks that you should feel comfortable taking on , and these include clearing minor drain or toilet clogs. If your toilet or drain has recently become slow or clogged, you should feel confident about pulling out the appropriate plunger and going to work. In fact, you should have one plunger dedicated to use on your drains and another that’s dedicated to use on your toilets. A traditional red rubber cup plunger works well for drains, while the lager black rubber toilet plungers are well suited to creating the necessary suction to flush toilet blockages down. If your drain or toilet isn’t performing quite the way you’d like, pulling out your plunger should be your first line of defense.

An Experienced Plumber in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, Is Standing By to Help

At Neighborhood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, our dedicated plumbing professionals are here to help. For more than 70 years, we’ve proudly served residents in the area, and we’re available for you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Please contact or call us at 800-570-4328 for more information or to schedule an appointment today.

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