Common Plumbing Mistakes

You’re not the first homeowner who’s thought of pulling up their sleeves and getting some plumbing repairs done. If you have the right tools and a little plumbing knowledge, you can may be able to fix the problem without the help of a Maple Grove plumber. However, your home’s plumbing is easily the most complex system in your home. It’s relatively easy to make mistakes both while making repairs and in day to day use. In the article below, we share how you can avoid these common plumbing mistakes.

Plumbing Mistakes

Such mistakes, simple as they may seem, may end up costing you dearly down the road. We’ve been serving homeowners since 1883. So, our McQuillan Bros team has seen just how costly these mistakes can be to homeowners. You may be forced to repipe entire sections of your plumbing, or worse, you may be looking at extensive water and structural damage.

To keep your plumbing working effectively, avoid these common plumbing mistakes:

Using a Chemical Drain Cleaner

Clogged drains are usually a matter of when not if. As a homeowner, you will undoubtedly run into a clogged drain or two. The best thing to do is to break out your trusty plunger or, if you have it, a drain snake. However, more and more people have been using chemical drain cleaners to clear clogs from their drains. These drain cleaners are usually very strong acids that are designed to eat away at the clog and allow it to be washed away.

In reality, the acid eats through the clog as gravity pulls it down, creating a hole that’s usually just big enough for water to pass. It’s not a permanent fix, though, and you’ll probably have to use it again in a few days when the small hole clogs up again. The strong acid also eats away at the piping, and constant use of corrosive chemical drain cleaners can corrode the pipes and cause leaks, forcing you to regularly seek plumbing maintenance in Maple Grove, MN.

If you cannot or do not want to use a plunger or a drain snake, you can soak the drain in baking soda and vinegar then flush the solution away after several hours. In the event all your efforts don’t pan out, contact McQuillan Bros for the best drain cleaning in Minnesota.

Forgetting to Turn Off the Water

Our friends at Tureks Plumbing, a Fox Valley plumbing company, says plenty of homeowners forget to turn off the water before starting a plumbing repair or improvement project. This is usually accompanied by gushing pipes and, in many cases, a small household flood. That’s the last thing any homeowner needs.

To avoid this, make sure you turn off the water at the local shutoff valve. If you’re having some trouble finding it, you can also shut off the water at the water main. Every plumbing company in Maple Grove, MN, should make sure the water is turned off for even routine repairs like fixing a faulty faucet. You wouldn’t start tinkering with the garbage disposal before making sure it’s switched off, would you?

Connecting Galvanized and Copper Pipes

Remember when we said you would need proper tools and a little know-how to successfully undertake plumbing repairs? Well, here’s where that knowledge comes in. When copper and galvanized pipes get in contact, it leads to corrosion. Plenty of older homes have galvanized pipes, which after years of use, are very likely to corrode and rust.

While repairing these steel galvanized pipes, plenty of homeowners tend to use modern copper pipes, making the problem even worse. This is a mistake our professional plumbers would never make.

If you want to connect a galvanized and a copper pipe, make sure you use a piece called a dielectric union. This is a special joint that uses a rubber washer and a plastic sleeve to prevent the copper and galvanized piping from touching one another and corroding. Ideally, the best long term fix would be to replace the galvanized pipes with modern pipes.

Over Tightening Plumbing Connections

It’s understandable to want everything to be nice and snug after you’ve made your repairs, but many homeowners go overboard. Over tightening black or galvanized pipes, tees, elbows, or couplings can crack the fitting. Weaker due to the cracks and under immense pressure from the tightened nuts and bolts, the fitting may break days or weeks later, leading to leaks and flooding.

Plastic fittings in the toilet, as well as supply tubes connecting faucets, need only a little pressure to be sealed. Any more than that, and they may break and start leaking. Additionally, over-tightening the toilet’s bolts may crack the porcelain and damage your toilet, forcing you to seek toilet repair services in Maple Grove, MN. To avoid this, make sure you are gentle while tightening any nuts, bolts, and fittings.

Undertaking Repairs Without any Training

Plumbing is a complex system of fixtures that span the entirety of your home. While some plumbing repairs can be done by the homeowners, some problems require a trained, experienced hand. Even the most minor mistake can cost you a lot in the long run. So, only take matters into your hands if you are confident in your abilities. Consult with a Maple Grove, MN plumber.

Ultimately, these common plumbing mistakes can be avoided. If you aren’t confident in your skills, you should seek professional plumbing services in Minnesota. They will get the job done on time. You can count on us to save you time and money in extensive repairs down the road.

Are you in need of plumbing services in Maple Grove, MN? Contact McQuillan Bros today for a free plumbing estimate! Don’t forget to check out our coupons and special offers to save big! Right now, save $75 on plumbing repairs with McQuillan Bros!