April 27/2025
5 Plumbing Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making
Most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our plumbing—until something goes wrong. Then it’s all hands on deck trying to stop leaks, unclog drains, or call a plumber for an emergency plumbing repair service. But what if you could avoid a lot of these issues just by changing a few habits? Believe it or not, many common plumbing problems come from simple mistakes homeowners don’t even realize they’re making. Here are five plumbing mistakes you might be guilty of—and how to fix them before they cause bigger trouble.
- Using Your Toilet Like a Trash Can
It’s tempting to flush things like wipes, paper towels, feminine products, or even dental floss down the toilet. After all, it’s out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, flushing anything besides toilet paper can cause serious clogs in your pipes and even damage your septic system if you have one. Even products labeled "flushable" don’t break down the same way toilet paper does. Over time, they can create stubborn blockages that require a professional plumbing repair service to clear.
The Fix: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Keep a small trash can in the bathroom for everything else.
- Pouring Grease Down the Sink
After cooking, it’s easy to pour leftover grease down the drain without a second thought. But as grease cools, it solidifies—and that sticky, thick residue can coat your pipes and cause major blockages. This mistake is one of the leading causes of kitchen drain clogs that end with an urgent call to a plumber.
The Fix: Pour grease into a can or jar and throw it away once it hardens. Never send it down the sink, even with hot water.
A slow drip under the sink or a constantly running toilet might not seem like a big deal. However, even small leaks waste a surprising amount of water and can cause significant damage over time. Water pooling under sinks can lead to mold growth, warped cabinetry, and expensive repairs that could have been avoided with early intervention.
The Fix: Don’t ignore small leaks. If you notice a drip, loose fitting, or unusual water bill spike, call a trusted plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing to check it out before it turns into a major issue.
- Overtightening Plumbing Connections
It seems logical; the tighter you screw something on, the less likely it will leak, right? Actually, overtightening plumbing fixtures like faucet handles, pipe connections, or toilet bolts can crack fittings and strip threads, leading to even bigger leaks down the road.
The Fix: Tighten connections just enough to create a good seal. If you’re unsure, it’s better to consult a plumbing repair service than risk breaking something and creating a bigger problem.
- DIY Plumbing Without the Right Knowledge
We love a good DIY project as much as anyone, but plumbing isn’t always the best place to wing it. What looks like a simple job—like replacing a faucet or unclogging a drain—can quickly escalate if you don’t have the right tools or know-how. Mistakes can lead to leaks, water damage, or even code violations that cost more to fix later.
The Fix: Know your limits. If a project seems complicated, or if you’re unsure how to shut off your water supply or properly install a fixture, it’s time to bring in a professional plumber.
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Your home’s plumbing system is one of its most important (and expensive) components. Treating it with a little care can save you a lot of headaches, money, and emergency calls for plumbing repair service. By avoiding these common mistakes—and knowing when to call a professional from Mr. Rooter Plumbing—you’ll help keep your pipes flowing smoothly for years. And if you ever find yourself in over your head, don’t worry—your local plumber is just a phone call away.
