Most homeowners follow a very predictable pattern when they discover a plumbing issue in their home. The first reaction is instant panic. Everyone has heard awful stories about water damage, toxic black mold infestations, and the cost to repair or remediate both of these worrisome issues. The next phase is to grab a few tools and see if a simple repair is possible to save time and money. But also to prevent costly water damage. And while saving money is a great idea, there are a few common mistakes that can end up costing you more money than you think you will save. Avoid these three common homeowner mistakes to avoid adding to the complications and cost of a plumbing problem.
Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle
Being honest with yourself about your skill level when it comes to household repairs is essential. If you are willing to venture beyond your ability, there could be a very costly penalty to pay. Trying to remove a clog with baking soda and vinegar is certainly within every homeowner’s ability. However, when you need to remove a fixture, replace a pipe or fitting, or install a new fixture, you could be in over your head. In addition, if you have an issue that requires some troubleshooting, the task is always better left to a professional to avoid a misdiagnosis and compounding of the problem.
The First Step Should Always Be The Same
Many homeowners will get very focused on the task at hand when making a plumbing repair or checking out an issue like a leaking faucet or dripping water line. It is easy to determine what needs to be done and then start the repair without turning off the water. The first step of any plumbing repair should always be to turn off the water to avoid a messy and potentially costly mistake. Also, remember that even with the water turned off, there can be a lot of water inside the water lines that traverse your home. Open the lowest faucets in the house to allow as much water as possible to drain out and prevent a flood when you begin your repair. Opening two or more will allow for the water to drain more quickly.
Have The Right Tool For The Job
Something as simple as plunging a clogged drain is not that simple if you don’t have the right tool for the job. A flat plunger is meant for use unclogging a sink or tub. The flanged plunger is designed to seal over the drain inside a toilet to allow for added pressure. However, without the right one for the job, even plunging away a clog can be a challenge and very messy.
When you are working on more complex plumbing issues, not having the right tool can also result in added damage to your home’s plumbing system. For example, not having a pipe wrench can result in an inability to tighten fittings completely or even tug too hard on a pipe and create further leaks or damage to the piping, fixtures, or fittings. If you don’t have the right tools, it is often far more cost-effective to call in a licensed plumber than to purchase the tools yourself. And you will know that the repair is made correctly and carries a complete warranty.
If you discover any plumbing issue on your home that you are not ready to tackle, call (301) 278-8786. The licensed experts at A Better Plumber are here 24/7 to handle any emergency. Our team provides a free no-obligation price quote, and a full warranty backs our work.
