Plumbers are the unsung heroes of many household water disasters, quietly repairing leaks, clogs, and strange noises behind the walls. While they are quick to show up to offer their expertise, there are many secrets that they will not reveal, at least for free. Plumbers have a wealth of knowledge that homeowners would benefit from if they only knew it, from simple tasks that they could do themselves to costly mistakes that they see every day. These secrets can save you time, money, and trouble, if you only know them.
Plumbers are skilled professionals who work hard to help you fix water problems in your home, but there are some tasks that can be completed without the assistance of a licensed plumber or avoided entirely with a few household adjustments.
1. Most Clogs are Preventable
Plumbers are frequently called out to clear clogs, but the majority of clogs are preventable if you know what to avoid. Grease is a major offender. People pour grease down the drain, believing that it will simply wash away, but once cold, it hardens and coats the sides of the pipes, causing blockages.
Flushable wipes are another common culprit. Even though these are labeled as “flushable,” they do not break down like toilet paper and can back up in the pipes. Hair forms tangles in the drains and can become even harder when combined with soap scum. Even small food scraps like coffee, pasta, egg shells, and rice can swell and stick in the pipes and cause blockages.
Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Never pour grease or small food scraps straight into the drain. Skip the flushable wipes and use drain screens to catch hair, food, and debris.
2. Common Tools That Will Fix Simple Issues
Plumbers know that many simple plumbing problems can be fixed with tools that many people already own. A simple plunger can be used to fix sink or toilet blockages within minutes, but many people don’t use them correctly or give up too soon.
A drain snake or auger, which costs much less than a service call, will quickly clear most clogs caused by food, hair, or other debris. While there is a slight learning curve to using these tools, clearing simple clogs is well within the capability of most homeowners.
3. Most Leaks Give Warning Signs Before They Become a Disaster
If you know what signs to look for, you can easily spot leaks before they cause immense damage. Homeowners often overlook obvious warning signs like water stains on the ceiling or walls, bubbling paint, mold or mildew smells, and floors that feel slightly warped or soft. These subtle signs mean that water is escaping from the pipes and going to places where it shouldn’t. Catching them early means preventing thousands of dollars worth of damage to insulation, walls, ceilings, and flooring.
4. Over-the-Counter Drain Cleaners Can Make Things Worse
Chemical cleaners designed for clearing clogs can do more harm to your pipes than good. While they might clean a clog temporarily, the harsh chemicals can eat away at older pipes and weaken joints, leading to leaks or bigger blockages. If the clogs are not cleared, the chemicals sit in the pipes, making it more dangerous for plumbers to work on them later.
Plumbers prefer safer methods like plungers, drain snakes, or natural mixtures such as baking soda and vinegar for cleaning out clogs.
5. Practice Regular Maintenance to Avoid Major Problems
Regular maintenance, such as flushing your hot water heater once a year, cleaning drain traps, installing drain screens, and inspecting key areas for leaks, can help you avoid major plumbing issues and save thousands of dollars. While these may not seem necessary or useful, it is advisable to establish systems or a schedule to keep your plumbing maintenance on track. It is also beneficial to understand and know how to use tools that may be required for problem solving.
6. Water Pressure Matters
Most homeowners do not understand how high water pressure can damage a home’s plumbing system. Strong water pressure can feel great in the shower, but it put constant strain on pipes, faucets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Over time, this stress can cause leaks, burst pipes, and worn-out valves and seals.
Plumbers recommend using a simple water pressure gauge to check the pressure level and to install a pressure-reducing valve if necessary. The ideal water pressure range for most homes is between 40 and 60 PSI. Anything above 80 PSI is too high and can lead to damage.
7. “Phantom” Flushes and Running Water Wastes Tons of Money
One of the biggest sources of wasted water and higher utility bills is a running or leaky toilet. This issue is likely caused by a worn-out flapper or faulty fill valve. These “phantom” flushes or continuously running toilets may appear minor, but they waste thousands of gallons of water each month.
Homeowners can easily check for this issue by putting a few drops of food coloring into the water tank of the toilet. If any color seeps into the toilet without flushing, there is an undetected leak. Fixing this issue will save a surprising amount of money.
8. Cheap Plumbing Fixtures Will Cost More Money in the Long Run
Homeowners frequently choose low-quality fixtures because they are less expensive. While they may appear to be a bargain at the time, these fixtures will cost more money in the long run because they wear out more quickly, necessitating frequent repairs and replacement. Budget faucets, showerheads, and toilets are made from cheap materials that corrode, clog, and leak more easily.
Plumbers recommend higher-quality products that are built to last longer, even if the initial cost is more.
9. Know the Location of the Shutoff Valves in Your Home
One of the most valuable pieces of knowledge about your home is knowing where the shutoff valves are. These valves control the water flowing into your home, and turning them off can be the difference between a minor issue and a plumbing disaster. Whether you have a burst pipe, a leaky faucet, or an overflowing toilet, turning off the water valve will prevent flooding and extensive damage. Take the time to locate these valves before a water disaster strikes your home.
10. Most Homeowners Wait Too Long
Waiting can cause small plumbing problems to snowball into a catastrophe. A slow drain, a dripping faucet, or a small leak may seem like minor inconveniences. But if they are left unaddressed, they can cause significant damage or need major repairs.
Plumbers advise acting quickly, as soon as you notice something, before a problem gets more difficult to fix. You can either address the problem yourself or call a plumber to fix it. Either way, this proactive attention will save you hundreds of dollars and your home from extensive water damage.
