Clogged drains, leaky pipes, broken faucets, and blocked toilets are among the most common plumbing problems that every homeowner dreads. If not immediately and properly taken care of by a professional Austin plumber, these problems can worsen – and when that happens, they will only lead to more costly repairs.
Most of these plumbing problems, however, are usually the result of simple mistakes of homeowners–carelessness, inexperience, or attempts to make repairs without the proper knowledge. An article from Angie’s List shares the 6 most common plumbing mistakes that individuals, specifically homeowners, make. One is the wrong use of drain cleaner for clogged pipes and drains, often as a result of not reading labels properly before using. The article explains:
“While commercial drain cleaners are great at clearing away clogs and getting rid of built-up residue, using too much or using these products too often can damage your drains. Drain cleaners typically include harsh chemicals to break up solid waste and scour pipes clean; overuse can start to eat away the walls of both metal and PVC pipes […]
Homeowners also need to be careful where they use drain cleaners […] While most commercial drain cleaning products are safe to use on bathroom and kitchen sinks as well as tubs and showers, toilets can be damaged if you use the wrong type of cleaner.”
Such a mistake is minor and basic, as is the case with most of the mistakes listed in the Angie’s List article, including not turning off the water before making repairs, or forgetting to disconnect an outside hose before the water freezes in the winter. It is important that homeowners know about the proper care and maintenance of their plumbing systems to make them last for a long time to come. For instance, one should remember not to dump all waste and food particles in the garbage disposal, learn how to thaw frozen pipes, and should avoid using mismatched or incompatible connectors to join pipes.
Furthermore, doing your own repairs is not wrong, per se; however, it is better to hire reputable plumbers in Austin, TX such as those from Pure Plumbing Service who possess the technical know-how and skills needed to efficiently conduct all the repairs. There is a lower risk for error, too–and you can be guaranteed that your home’s plumbing system will be in good hands.
(Article Excerpt and Image from 6 common plumbing mistakes and how to avoid them, Angie’s List, January 24, 2013)
