Avoid These Common Plumbing Mistakes in 2022
The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to assess areas in life where we can improve. One way that homeowners can improve in 2022 is by taking better care of their plumbing systems. Here are three common plumbing mistakes that homeowners should avoid in 2022 to prevent plumbing emergencies.
Put Down the Liquid Drain Cleaner
A common mistake homeowners make is bypassing drain cleaning in favor of liquid drain cleaners. While the promise of a quick and easy fix for clogged drains may be appealing, the reality of liquid drain cleaner is a lot grimmer. Liquid drain cleaner comes with many side effects from inhaling, consuming, or even touching harsh chemicals.
Liquid drain cleaner uses a cocktail of chemicals to burn through blockages in the drain. When the drain cleaner fails to remove the blockage, the liquid and fumes will have nowhere to go but up. This is a dangerous recipe for respiratory problems and even light-headedness from exposure to the fumes.
Homeowners should resolve to keep up with their drain maintenance schedule this year to avoid blockages in the plumbing. If a clogged drain does occur, it is a good idea to have a trusted local plumber on standby. Clogged drains can be a hazard if they cause a backflow of water or waste into the home.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters are one of the most used pieces of plumbing hardware in most homes as they are used every day for a variety of tasks. Cooking, cleaning, and bathing all rely on a supply of hot water in the home. Homeowners who neglect to schedule water heater maintenance may come to regret that mistake when their water heater breaks down.
During water heater maintenance, the plumber will evaluate the valves in the system. Most water heaters use valves to regulate water flow, and the valves are notorious for wearing out from constant use over time. Replacing worn-out parts is an easy way to improve the water heater's longevity and prevent a total system malfunction.
Another important step to water heater maintenance is removing sediment from the water tank. During the appointment, the plumber will empty the water from the tank and remove built-up sediment. The sediment comes from natural minerals in the water that separates during heating. Too much sediment can lead to a myriad of problems for the water tank, including leaks, stress on the system, and completely ruin the water heater.
DIY Do's and Don'ts 
Plumbing repair is a job that plumbers train for extensively and must obtain proper certification to work. Working plumbing can be dangerous. There is the risk of property damage, personal injury, and voiding the plumbing hardware's plumbing maintenance.
Plumbing installation is a complicated process that could involve other home systems, including electrical wiring. A simple mistake during the installation process could wreck valuable pieces of hardware. Not only that, but improper installation from DIY projects often leads to higher utility bills as the system fails to work efficiently. Skip the DIYs and trust a local plumber with difficult repairs and installation for the best results.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a local plumbing company serving Northfield, MN, and the surrounding communities with outstanding plumbing services. Homeowners can depend on the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to always be on time for plumbing service!
