There a few things you can do or not do to avoid costly plumbing repair jobs. There are several common mistakes that homeowners make, which often result in plumbers having to be called in to fix the problem. Here are some of the top mistakes made by DIY aficionados.
Over tightening plumbing fixtures
The annoying sound of a dripping tap in the bathroom or kitchen area is a common story we hear, no amount of turning it tighter and tighter is going to stop the water from coming out. Pushing or pulling on tap handles will only cause them to break, and then you will have a real problem on your hands as the water cascades out. Over tightening plumbing fixtures and appliances strip the threads that help screw the parts together, leaving you with a repair job that could have been avoided. If you are not an expert in home handyman repairs, call in a plumber to do the work properly for you.
Bath and Shower fixtures are not shelves
Tempting though it might be to buy a hanging shower rack to save some space and keep all the shower and bath products off the floor and out of the way, this can be a disaster waiting to happen. Plumbers have been called out to stop water gushing out of the shower head because it had been broken off due to the weight of toiletries hanging from the shower unit. The shower head will snap off at the threaded joint, so it is not a simple repair job.
Treating the sink like a garbage chute
Kitchen and laundry sinks can become blocked or damaged due to many forms of waste. Paint, grouting material and joint compound used for repairing walls get poured into household sinks, and while the liquid part may go through, the solids will harden up and blockages could occur. If fixatives are blocking the sink pipes then it could involve pipe replacement, which is not going to be a cheap option. A build-up of fat, hair and food waste is often an easy repair, but if you have tried a drain clearing compound or plunger and the water still will not drain, it is time to call in the professionals.
Flushing the wrong objects down the toilet
Overflowing toilet bowls are not a pretty sight or the most appealing fragrance to have through your home. The over flowing water that can cause damage to floors and walls. Plumbers have the best stories of what they have found when it comes to unblocking these pipes, but the usual culprits are toys and household items. If you live with small children, then invest in seat locks until they reach the age where trying to flush toys, a few toilet rolls, clothing or the front door keys down the toilet is not a fun game anymore!
If you find yourself in need of a helping hand, call Plumbspec today on 0417 555 325
