3 Mistakes Homeowners Should Shun in the New Year
People in this country tend to take indoor plumbing for granted and can often try to find the quickest solution when problems crop up. This can lead to further problems whether the fast fix works or not. Below, this article will discuss choices that homeowners should avoid because they may do more harm than good.
Mistake #1: Employing Chemical Drain Cleaners
Liquid drain cleaners may seem like a good idea for getting rid of a clog, but they can lead to other issues later. The chemicals can clear the clog or clogs, but the chemicals don’t stop breaking things down when the clog is gone. The chemicals can strip pipes of protective lining and cause corrosion of the pipe material. This leads to pitting, which can cause things to snag more easily on the pipes, creating an environment more prone to clogs. It can also weaken the pipes, which can lead to leaks and breakage, causing collateral damage as well.
Mistake #2: Neglecting Water Heater Maintenance
The water heater is like the quiet heart of the home’s plumbing system. It is usually hidden in a closet or corner of the house, rarely to be seen or checked on. People tend not to notice it until something goes wrong, which may mean it is too late and the entire water heater needs to be replaced. Water heaters need maintenance just like any other appliance that is used daily. Many things need to be cleaned and checked to ensure that the heater works efficiently and will last a long time. Professional plumbing services for a water heater include the following list.
- Anode rod replacement
- Checking and tightening pipe connections
- Checking and cleaning heating element or burner
- Checking fuel lines (if applicable)
- Flushing the hot water tank
- Replacing the PRV (pressure release valve)
Mistake #3: Attempting DIY Plumbing Repair
DIY projects certainly have their place, but when it comes to large projects involving plumbing repair. In these cases, people often try DIY to save money, but if they make a mistake, it can cost more money and waste much more time. Hiring a plumber is the best course of action, which will be easy to see in the reasons given below.
- Training: To be called a plumber or a plumbing technician, a person must undergo extensive training and testing. There is no trial and error because the plumbing professional knows what they are doing.
- Experience: The task a homeowner wants to be done has probably been completed several times over the years by an experienced plumbing technician. They have already learned, so the homeowner doesn’t have to make mistakes to learn how to do the job correctly.
- Insurance: Plumbing companies have insurance that covers property damage and injury if something happens while they are on the job. DIYers must pay out of their own pocket.
- Efficiency: It takes much less time for a professional to do the work than a DIYer who uses their free time to complete the project.
- Peace of Mind: The homeowner can rest assured that their plumbing is being done properly the first time and that the plumber’s insurance and experience cover them.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Northfield, MN, they pay the customer if they are late $5 per minute up to $300. They are serious about their name as the “Punctual Plumber.” Call today for more about their straightforward pricing and 2-year guarantee on plumbing service.
