Plumbing is one of those things that can get much worse when things go wrong. And while everyone thinks they can fix minor plumbing issues—and sometimes you can—those small fix-ups can turn into major issues later on if you’re not a pro plumber. Whether you’re dealing with a leaky faucet, clogged drain, or an emergency plumbing situation, there are just some things you shouldn’t do.
So, what are these don’ts? We’re about to cover them now. Let’s talk about the things that your plumber wishes you wouldn’t do.
Almost everyone who’s not a plumber is guilty of doing this. Life gets busy, and when most people see a leak, they put it on the end of their to-do list. But while that leak may seem harmless, it can do some serious damage over time. Any emergency plumber in Athens, GA will tell you that if you see any drips, dampness, or water stains, it needs to be looked at. Ignoring leaks can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage—so be sure to get it fixed ahead of time.
No one really flinches with horror when someone says “chemical drain cleaner,” but they should. A lot of people use chemical drain cleaners, and rightfully so. They’ve been advertised as an easy solution to unclog your pipes. But a plumber in Athens, GA, will say otherwise. A professional Athens plumber knows that chemical drain cleaners can damage your pipes over time, especially if they’re made of PVC or are old.
You know the bathroom signs that say, “Do not flush wipes down the toilet?” They’re there for a reason. It’s the lazy way out to flush wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet. But any plumber will tell you that this is a rookie mistake. Over time, these items accumulate in your pipes and cause serious blockages. If you have repeated clogs, this could be why.
Everyone gets an ego boost watching a YouTube tutorial, thinking they can fix their leaky pipe themselves. In some cases, you could probably go with the DIY approach. However, most plumbers will tell you that they end up fixing DIY repairs. If you don’t really know what you’re doing nor have the proper tools, it may make the situation worse. This doesn’t mean you can give it a go yourself, but just remember the risks.
Hear a little drip coming from your shower? Or see a little water stain in the corner of your ceiling? Well, if you kept up with regular maintenance, this may not have happened. Most people don’t think about the importance of regular plumbing checkups, but a quick checkup can help you avoid emergency plumbing calls. If you can’t remember the last time a plumber came to check your pipes, then you need a visit from your plumber in Athens, GA.
Everyone knows this is a big no-no. But we understand it’s tempting to just pour it down the kitchen sink. The thing is that grease solidifies inside your pipes and leads to serious blockages. These blockages stop the flow of water, and that’s when you end up having to call a plumber. Here’s a tip: Pouring your grease into a bowl or on some aluminum foil and throwing the hardened solids into the trash can avoid all of this.
Do you know where your main water shut-off valve is? It’s a question many people don’t know the answer to. If there’s a plumbing emergency, like a burst pipe, you need to turn your water off as soon as possible. What happens, though, is many homeowners panic and forget to shut off the water, which causes further flooding and damage. Stopping the water flow can make a huge difference in damages while you’re waiting for an emergency plumber in Athens, GA.
Low water pressure happens, and when it does, most people don’t think much of it. Low water pressure can actually be a sign of something serious. Most of the time, it means there’s a clogged pipe or an issue with your water heater. At this point, there isn’t much you can do aside from calling a plumber.
A working garbage disposal is super handy and does the job. But when we overload it, hard objects like bones and other food scraps can block or damage the motor. You should try to avoid putting an abundance of food scraps into the disposal, and make sure to throw coffee grounds and bones in the trash. If you notice your disposal isn’t working well, a pro plumber can fix it for you.
Maybe you tried a DIY repair or have old plumbing fixtures that need replacing. Either way, fiddling around with your plumbing and using the wrong fixtures causes leaks and other issues. It might look easy to repair, and you might think you can handle it yourself, but we recommend leaving it to the pros. Don’t make it worse—call an Athens plumber.
When your plumbing is working well, you don’t even think about it. But when you experience a plumbing emergency in Athens, GA, then you start to look at your plumbing more seriously. Luckily, you can avoid making these common mistakes and have your Athens plumber make sure your system is running smoothly.
Having an Athens plumber who offers regular checkups can help you avoid mistakes that will cost you time and money. Contact us for top-notch plumbing solutions delivered with care.
