Plumbing is one of the most essential systems in your home, yet it’s often the most overlooked—until something goes wrong. As seasoned plumbing professionals, we’ve seen firsthand how DIY repair attempts can backfire, leading to costly damage, health hazards, and wasted time. Below, we highlight the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make and exactly how to avoid them, so you can keep your home’s plumbing system in top shape.
Using the Wrong Tools for Plumbing Repairs
Many homeowners reach for whatever wrench is closest without understanding the importance of using the right plumbing tools. This mistake can strip threads, crack pipes, or break delicate components.
Avoid This Mistake:
Invest in a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, basin wrench, and plumber’s tape. If you’re unsure what to use, consult a professional rather than improvising.
Overtightening Plumbing Connections
It may seem logical that tighter means better, but in plumbing, overtightening is one of the most damaging DIY habits. Excessive force on fittings can crack washers, break bolts, and weaken joints, leading to leaks or flooding.
Avoid This Mistake:
Tighten fittings just until snug, and never force them beyond resistance. Use thread seal tape on threaded connections to ensure a watertight seal without overtightening.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners
When faced with a clog, many homeowners instinctively reach for chemical drain cleaners. These products can be harsh on pipes, particularly in older systems, causing corrosion and pipe failure over time.
Avoid This Mistake:
Opt for a plunger, drain snake, or enzyme-based cleaner. For recurring clogs, schedule a professional inspection to determine the underlying issue.
Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Toilets are designed to handle only human waste and toilet paper. Flushing items like wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and cotton balls can lead to major clogs and sewer backups.
Avoid This Mistake:
Place a wastebasket in the bathroom and educate your family about what can and can’t be flushed. Even “flushable” wipes aren’t safe for all plumbing systems.
Neglecting to Shut Off the Water Supply
During DIY repairs, homeowners often forget to shut off the water supply. This can lead to gushing leaks, water damage, and unsafe conditions when pipes are opened or fixtures are removed.
Avoid This Mistake:
Always shut off the main water valve or the local shut-off before attempting any repair. Know where your shut-off valves are located and ensure they’re accessible.
Improper Pipe Slope and Venting
If you’re installing or relocating drains, improper slope or poor venting can lead to slow drainage, foul odors, and backflow issues. Plumbing requires precision to ensure gravity works in your favor.
Avoid This Mistake:
Drain pipes should slope 1/4 inch per foot toward the sewer line. Proper venting ensures air can flow, preventing suction and sewer gas buildup. Always consult code or a licensed plumber.
Not Knowing Your Home’s Plumbing Layout
Many DIYers start cutting or drilling into walls and floors without knowing where pipes run, resulting in accidental pipe punctures, which can flood your home within minutes.
Avoid This Mistake:
Use a stud finder with live wire detection and pipe location features. Or consult your home’s plumbing blueprints if available. When in doubt, call a professional plumber.
DIY Water Heater Repairs
Water heaters involve gas lines, high voltage, and pressurized hot water, making them dangerous for untrained homeowners. Mishandling repairs can lead to explosions, leaks, or even carbon monoxide poisoning.
Avoid This Mistake:
Perform only minor maintenance like flushing sediment or checking the pilot light. Leave thermostat, valve, and gas line repairs to certified plumbers.
Ignoring Small Leaks
Small drips from faucets or under sinks may seem harmless but can cause mold growth, wood rot, and skyrocketing water bills over time. Every drop counts.
Avoid This Mistake:
Inspect your home regularly for signs of leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances. Fix small leaks immediately or contact a plumbing professional.
Incorrect Use of Teflon Tape
Also known as plumber’s tape, Teflon tape is essential for sealing threaded joints. Many homeowners either skip it or wrap it in the wrong direction, which leads to leaks.
Avoid This Mistake:
Wrap Teflon tape clockwise (3–5 wraps) around male threads only. Don’t use tape on compression fittings or plastic threads unless instructed.
Forgetting to Winterize Outdoor Faucets
In cold climates, failing to winterize outdoor faucets can cause frozen pipes that burst inside walls, leading to expensive water damage.
Avoid This Mistake:
Before winter, shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots, drain the remaining water, and cover faucets with insulated covers. Use frost-free hose bibs where possible.
Relying on YouTube Without Verifying Source
Online tutorials may seem helpful, but many lack code compliance, safety protocols, or proper techniques, especially when it comes to major plumbing systems.
Avoid This Mistake:
Only follow tutorials from certified professionals or plumbing companies with verified credentials. When in doubt, consult a local licensed plumber.
Not Obtaining Required Permits
Many homeowners aren’t aware that certain plumbing projects—like replacing water heaters, rerouting pipes, or installing new drainage—require permits and inspections.
Avoid This Mistake:
Check with your local building department before beginning any major plumbing work. Skipping permits can lead to fines, denied insurance claims, and unsafe installations.
Trust the Experts for Safe and Lasting Repairs
At our company, we specialize in correcting DIY plumbing mistakes and preventing them altogether. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, we’re here to protect your home’s plumbing system and save you from costly disasters.
Whether you’ve made one of the above mistakes or want to avoid them, contact our professional plumbing team today. We’ll assess your system, provide lasting solutions, and ensure everything is up to code.