Plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home, yet it’s often taken for granted—until something goes wrong. Many Oklahoma City homeowners unintentionally make plumbing mistakes that can lead to costly repairs or even damage to their property. The good news? These mistakes are preventable with the right knowledge and care.
Here are 7 common plumbing mistakes homeowners make and how you can avoid them.
1. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Too Often
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix for clogs, but they can cause long-term damage to your pipes. The harsh chemicals eat away at the material, especially in older plumbing systems, leading to leaks and other issues.
How to Avoid This:
Use a plunger or a drain snake for minor clogs. For persistent clogs, call a professional plumber to address the root cause.
2. Flushing the Wrong Items Down the Toilet
Toilets are designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Flushing items like wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or dental floss can cause major blockages.
How to Avoid This:
Only flush toilet paper and waste. Provide a trash bin in bathrooms for non-flushable items.
3. Ignoring Small Leaks
A small drip may not seem like a big deal, but it can add up to wasted water and a higher utility bill. Worse, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, like worn-out pipes or faulty connections.
How to Avoid This:
Regularly inspect faucets, pipes, and fixtures for leaks. Address small leaks immediately to prevent them from growing into bigger problems.
4. DIY Plumbing Without the Right Knowledge
Many homeowners attempt to fix plumbing issues themselves to save money. However, improper repairs can lead to more damage, higher repair costs, and even safety hazards.
How to Avoid This:
Know your limits when it comes to DIY. For complex or unfamiliar plumbing tasks, call a licensed plumber.
5. Overloading the Garbage Disposal
Your garbage disposal isn’t designed to handle everything. Items like grease, bones, fibrous vegetables (e.g., celery), coffee grounds, and eggshells can damage the blades or clog your drains.
How to Avoid This:
Use your garbage disposal only for small, soft food scraps. Scrape larger debris into the trash before rinsing dishes.
6. Setting the Water Heater Temperature Too High
Many homeowners set their water heater temperature too high, thinking it will improve water performance. However, this increases the risk of scalding and raises energy bills.
How to Avoid This:
Set your water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C) for safety and energy efficiency. Schedule regular maintenance to ensure the water heater is functioning properly.
7. Skipping Routine Plumbing Maintenance
Out of sight, out of mind—this is how many people treat their plumbing system. Without regular maintenance, small issues can snowball into costly repairs.
How to Avoid This:
Schedule annual plumbing inspections with a professional. Flush your water heater annually, check for leaks, and replace worn-out parts.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common plumbing mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. By taking preventative measures and knowing when to call a professional, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.
If you’re facing any plumbing issues or need expert advice, Butler Plumbing Inc. in Oklahoma City is here to help. With decades of experience, our licensed and insured team provides top-notch service to keep your plumbing in excellent condition.
Call us today at (405) 635-8942 or visit https://butlerplumbinginc.com/contact-us to schedule an inspection or repair. Don’t let small mistakes turn into big problems—get expert help now!
