Tag: mistakes

Three Plumbing Mistakes Homeowners Can Avoid This Year

Two plumbers shaking hands in a kitchen, highlighting professionalism for Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Avoid These Plumbing Mishaps in 2023 

YouTube. Social media. Google. What do all of these services have in common? They claim to offer fast and easy DIY plumbing fixes. However, there’s a reason why plumbers go through years of training. There’s no such thing as an “easy” plumbing fix. What’s more, issues that may initially seem small could quickly turn into significant problems. 

2022 is over. To start the new year right, homeowners should avoid these plumbing mistakes: 

Using Liquid Drain Cleaners to Remove Clogs 

Hand pouring liquid drain cleaner into a sink, marked with a red 'X' to indicate avoidance, highlighting the risks of using chemical drain cleaners in plumbing.The New York Times emphasizes the importance of abstaining from over-the-counter drain cleaners. Here’s what homeowners need to know: 

  • Drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals that can break down pipes over time. Even drain cleaners that claim to be safe on the label can’t be trusted. 
  • Drain cleaners threaten human health. Drain cleaners can cause respiratory ailments if inhaled, especially when mixed with other chemicals. Drain cleaners can also cause nasty burns if they contact with the skin. 
  • Some drain cleaners don’t remove clogs. Instead, they congeal around the obstruction and make the problem even worse. At that point, only a professional can address the problem. 

Plumbers don’t rely on drain cleaners when it comes to serious clogs. Instead, they rely on drain snakes and other tools to get the job done. They can also rely on their years of experience to quickly identify and address problems. 

Forgetting to Schedule a Water Heater Maintenance Visit 

Person performing maintenance on a water heater, inspecting components and ensuring proper functionality, emphasizing the importance of yearly plumbing maintenance.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of yearly plumbing maintenance visits. A professional examining the plumbing system once a year offers an extra layer of protection against certain problems. When a plumber comes to examine the plumbing system, they can: 

  • Evaluate the water heater for any problems 
  • Remove any clogs or obstructions 
  • Clean the drain 
  • Address any mold or mildew 
  • Remove any corrosion 

A plumber can also explain what measures can prevent certain problems. For instance, they may advise getting a drain mesh screen. This small purchase can prevent food residue and debris from going down the drain and causing problems. They may also suggest replacing outdated appliances. 

Attempting Do-It-Yourself Repairs 

As noted, there’s no such thing as an easy plumbing fix. No matter how small, every issue could benefit from a professional’s opinion. By attempting DIY repairs, a homeowner risks: 

  • Causing further damage. Without proper training, a homeowner may not know how to operate certain tools or recognize certain hazards. They risk damaging their home’s foundation or causing serious complications. 
  • Spending more money than expected. When a plumber comes to a job site, they have all the tools necessary to render certain repairs. When homeowners attempt to fix a problem, they might have to spend hundreds of dollars on one tool. 
  • Wasting time. An experienced plumber can “get in and get out” when they have a task. A homeowner who watched a two-minute clip online could spend hours on an issue, only to learn they don’t have the right skill set. 

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service 

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service is a proud Better Business Bureau (BBB) member. They offer discounted rates and same-day plumbing service. They stand by their motto: “You approve the job before we do the work!” Call today for more information on teaming up with a plumber.

3 Plumbing Mistakes for Homeowners to Avoid

Plumbing mistakes to avoid in 2022 with tools like bolts and a pressure gauge, showcasing Bud's Plumbing & Repair Service.

Make a Resolution to Avoid These Common Plumbing Mistakes

Maintaining household plumbing shouldn’t have to be mysterious or something left to chance because owning a home makes a huge investment in the family’s future. Plumbing that is well maintained will be durable and provide years of lasting impact, whereas plumbing that isn’t maintained well can become a horrible nightmare.

Mistake #1: Using Liquid Drain CleanersPerson using a drain snake to clear a shower drain, emphasizing effective plumbing maintenance and alternatives to liquid drain cleaners.

Liquid drain cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can eat through plumbing without getting rid of the clog. Hydrochloric acid is one of the main ingredients in most household drain cleaners and can eat through the finish on the interior of the pipes, which can lead to leaks or even bursts later on. 

Clogs are caused by hair, grease, debris, and soap scum building up on the inside of the pipe and reducing water flow until water no longer can drain beyond that obstruction. Drain cleaning by a professional is both cost-effective and time-efficient because the job generally doesn’t take long and provides peace of mind knowing it was done right the first time. 

Mistake #2: Not Keeping Up With Maintenance

Water heaters are often the most neglected aspect of a home besides maybe the kitchen drain. As long as hot water runs freely, no one looks at the water heater. This is a huge mistake because rust can eat away at the tank or the valves, resulting in tank leaks, pipe leaks, or high-pressure issues that may force the unit to dislodge from its housing. 

Water heater maintenance includes annual drains of the tank to remove any sediment that has built up over the previous year and inspecting the tank and piping for leaks or rust. If pipes aren’t insulated properly, a professional will take the time to insulate properly during annual maintenance and check the temperature settings on the unit to ensure it is the correct temperature to meet the family’s needs. 

Professional plumber smiling while holding a wrench, working under a kitchen sink with plumbing tools and a toolbox, emphasizing plumbing maintenance and repair services.Mistake #3: Not Hiring a Professional Plumber

Hiring a professional in an area that they excel at is always a great idea because they intimately know the system they are working on and have years of experience behind their prowess. This allows the job to be completed the first time properly in less time than if inexperienced hands take on the project and with a lot less frustration than trying to DIY a major plumbing job. Drain maintenance or repair and plumbing installations are projects that plumbing companies specialize in and complete daily. 

Plumbing trucks are outfitted with every tool needed and every part necessary. Plumbers can get special pricing on bulk orders of plumbing supplies which they can then pass the savings on to customers. When a plumbing company completes a job, parts are warrantied, and the labor is guaranteed, or the company will come out again and fix it. Hiring a professional gives less stress to the family, and who couldn’t use less stress?

About Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service

Bud’s Plumbing & Repair Service, located in Evansville, IN, offers customers upfront pricing and gets approval for the job upfront before starting any job after providing accurate diagnosis to all plumbing problems. After receiving quotes from other area plumbing companies, customers who need honest second opinions are welcome to call for free estimates!  Call now for plumbing service.