Tag: mistakes

Three Plumbing Mistakes to Avoid in the New Year

Plumbing Misconceptions That Homeowners Should Know About 

There are endless DIY plumbing fixes online. There are so many that some people think: “Why hire a plumber? I can make repairs myself.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Many misconceptions about plumbing systems come with these videos, some of which can lead to costly mistakes. 

Here, one can learn what they should avoid when evaluating, using, or seeking repairs for their plumbing system. They should think twice about the following: 

Using Drain Cleaners to Get Rid of Clogs 

clogsOn their labels, drain cleaners promise the world. They claim to rid plumbing systems of rust, corrosion, hair, and food residue. Many homeowners swear by these products. They say: “I’ve been using over-the-counter drain cleaners for years, and I’ve ever had any problems.” 

The issue is that these products only serve as a band-aid for major problems. Drain cleaners don’t stop food residue from getting down the drain. It doesn’t prevent problems from happening again, either. If anything, drain cleaners can literally “eat away” at a drain pipe, making it more prone to leaks, being frozen, and other concerns. 

When a professional assesses a clog, they’ll likely employ a drain snake or another specialized tool to remove the obstruction. They can also advise homeowners on other plumbing services that could benefit their situation. 

Failing to Schedule Water Heater Maintenance Visits maintenance

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that all homeowners should annually consult with a plumbing specialist. These visits give a plumber the opportunity to: 

  • Inspect one’s plumbing system
  • Recommend appliance replacement as necessary 
  • Explain what measures could avoid future problems 
  • Patch any leaks 
  • Address any mold or mildew growth 
  • Insulate pipes against the winter cold 

While homeowners can employ many methods to keep their water heaters healthy, some things are best left in the hands of trained professionals. Annually working with a plumbing expert could mean the difference between a smoothly-run plumbing system and the inconvenience of unexpected problems. 

Undertaking DIY Repairs 

Right now, YouTube has dozens of videos online, all claiming one thing: easy plumbing solutions that don’t need a professional training. Yet, as noted, some things are best left to the experts. For instance, most people don’t have the expertise to handle water heater repairs. They don’t have the insight to recognize certain problems, either. 

By undertaking DIY repairs, a layman risks: 

  • Causing additional damage
  • Making repairs that don’t comply with county regulations 
  • Spending more time than necessary on a seemingly minor issue 
  • Incorrectly using specialized tools 
  • Wasting money on purchasing equipment they’ll use once 

Amateur plumbers also risk endangering their health by undertaking certain repairs. Some of these risks include: 

  • Breathing in mold and mildew spores 
  • Causing a carbon monoxide leak 
  • Injuring their hands, fingers, and arms 
  • Suffering traumatic brain injuries from falls 
  • Getting stuck in-between crawl spaces 

If homeowners question their ability to take on complicated repairs, they should consult a plumbing repair company. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company 

Greg Kranz, the founder of Apple Valley Plumbing Company, knows firsthand what it’s like to deal with an unexpected plumbing problem. That’s why his family-owned and operated business offers around-the-clock plumbing help to those living in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Today, customers can take advantage of discounted services and same-day plumbing services. For more information on what plumbing mistakes homeowners can avoid in the new year, they can call today to learn more.

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Avoid These Plumbing Mistakes in 2022

These Easily Avoidable Plumbing Mistakes Get Homeowners Every Year

While some plumbing issues are unavoidable, the vast majority of the most common ones are easy to avoid. Unfortunately, many competing forces out there tell homeowners the wrong things, which can get them into trouble. Small mistakes turn to big ones, and big mistakes cost big money to fix. Luckily, to start the year off right, expert plumbers have compiled a list of three common plumbing mistakes for homeowners to avoid. Read on to find out what they are!

drain cleaners

Solving Clogs With Liquid Drain Cleaners

No one wants to deal with a clogged drain. Not only is it sometimes an unpleasant experience, but it can also be messy. Plus, drain clogs tend to come at the absolute worst times, like when guests are at the house or when everyone is rushing out of the house in the morning to start the day. This is what the makers and sellers of liquid drain cleaners count on. These drain cleaners are essentially “hands-off” products. Pour them down the drain and wait. That’s it. 

They don’t tell people about these drain cleaners because they can damage the home’s plumbing. Those same chemicals that are so good at eating through clogs can start to eat through the pipes — especially when used regularly. Plus, these chemicals are anything but good for the environment. And that’s just where they end up much of the time: in the water table. These are two major reasons why it’s best to take care of a drain clog with a plumber’s snake or hydro-jetting, which is the best way to clean pipes. 

Putting Off Water Heater Maintenanceplumber

Most people still have tank-style water heaters these days. These work by keeping water heated throughout the day, whether anyone’s using it or not. This means the water heater is constantly working. Even when no one’s home. And when something is working all the time, it must get the care it needs. 

Water heater maintenance is best done by a professional plumber once or twice a year. This is the best way to get the most out of the unit. The plumber will flush out the tank, removing sediment built up. They’ll also check the anode rod, an essential component that needs occasional replacement. The plumber will also perform a range of other checks to ensure everything is functioning as it should, which will help the homeowners prevent water heater issues all year!

Going the DIY Route for Big Plumbing Jobs

The last plumbing mistake to avoid is the hardest one for some people to get past. Those DIY warriors out there want to do everything themselves. Even major plumbing installations or replacements. But while these things may look easy at a glance, they’re big jobs that require expertise. The average homeowner can handle minor plumbing issues. But bigger jobs, like installations and major repairs, are best left up to those with training and experience. 

About Apple Valley Plumbing

Apple Valley Plumbing was established in 2013 and has proudly served Apple Valley, MN ever since. They are known for their expert workmanship and superb customer service. They provide upfront pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call them today for drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, and plumbing repair.

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