• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Interior Idea

Discover the best source for inspiring interior design ideas!

  • Latest Posts
  • Posts by Category
    • Featured Homes
    • Rooms
      • Bathroom
      • Bedroom
      • Dining Room
      • Kitchen
      • Living Room
      • Office
      • Staircases
    • Colors
      • Black
      • Blue
      • Green
      • Grey
      • Orange
      • Purple
      • Red
      • White
      • Yellow
    • Children
    • Decor
    • Furniture
    • Holidays
    • Outside
    • Renovation
  • Contact Us
  • DMCA Policy

11 Common Plumbing Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid for Homeowners

September 14, 2022 By Admin

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Did you know there the average American family of four goes through approximately 400 gallons of water daily? 

While this statistic is quite mind-boggling, what may be more shocking to you are the common plumbing maintenance mistakes made by homeowners unaware of the damage they can cause. The most guaranteed way to avoid plumbing issues at your home is to be proactive with your plumbing maintenance.  

If you are wondering what common plumbing maintenance mistakes to avoid, this short and simple guide is for you.  

Bathroom sink with plant

1. Not Turning Off the Water While You’re Away 

It might seem like a good idea to leave the faucet running while you’re not home so the pipes won’t freeze or burst, but this causes more damage than good.  

Running water through the pipes creates pressure changes in the system, which wears down your pipes. This can lead to plumbing maintenance costs down the road. 

2. Not Replacing Your Water Heater 

The lifespan of a water heater is about 8-10 years, which means it will need to be replaced before then. If you notice that your water is not heating properly or if it takes longer than usual to warm up, then it might be time to replace your water heater. This is a common plumbing issue many homeowners face. 

Kitchen faucet with running water

3. Not Staying on Top of Minor Plumbing Issues 

If you have an ongoing problem with your pipes or drains that doesn’t get resolved quickly, then it may be time for professional help. 

If you wait too long, then the issue could become more serious and costlier than if you had gotten help earlier. For example, if there is a leaky faucet in your kitchen sink and you don’t fix it right away, then that tiny drip can turn into a big problem, causing major damage under your sink cabinet. 

4. Not Changing Filters Regularly 

One of the easiest ways for homeowners to keep their plumbing systems running smoothly is by changing filters on time. Filters help keep debris out of your water heater or dishwasher so that neither one becomes damaged from buildup.  

If you haven’t changed your filters in months or years, then you should get them changed as soon as possible. They could cost you more than just money. 

5. Not Flushing Out Sediment From Water Heater 

Water heaters hold a lot of sediment and debris in their tanks. This can clog up the pipes, which can lead to water heater failure.  

To prevent this from happening, it is important to flush out the sediment at least once every two years by running cold water through the pipe of your water heater for several minutes. 

Grey monochrome bathroom

6. Not Changing Faucet Aerators Annually 

Aerators are part of faucets that help regulate the flow rate and pressure. Over time, these devices become clogged with minerals in your water supply, which causes them to reduce flow rate significantly or even stop working altogether.  

The best way to avoid this problem is by replacing aerators every year or two rather than waiting until they become clogged with mineral deposits.  

7. Not Replacing Hot Water Heater Elements As Needed 

Replacing the heating element in a water heater is one of the most common maintenance tasks, but many homeowners forget to do this until the device stops working. This is a mistake.  

Water heaters last for many years, but they’re not indestructible. If you don’t replace your water heater elements regularly, you may find yourself without hot water in the middle of winter. 

Kitchen interior with sink and different supplies

8. Not Cleaning Up Debris 

You might think “out of sight, out of mind” applies here. After all, why bother cleaning up debris that could clog your drains if it doesn’t look bad?  

Unfortunately, this is a big mistake for plumbing maintenance. Failing to clean up debris regularly can cause clogs and backups that will cause serious damage to your home’s pipes and make you hire a plumbing service to repair them.  

You should clean up debris from your drains regularly, whether or not it looks bad. 

9. Not Flushing Your Toilet Regularly 

You can easily clog toilets when you flush something down them that shouldn’t have been flushed. This includes paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and even baby wipes.  

Even if these items don’t clog your toilet immediately, they can lead to other problems down the road, such as slow drainage or mold growth inside your pipes. Make sure you always flush these things down the toilet and never leave them sitting on top of the rim where they might fall into the bowl itself. 

Modern clean bathroom

10. Not Checking for Leaks Regularly 

Leaking pipes can cause a lot of damage if they aren’t detected early enough. Leaks can also waste a lot of water, which can end up being costly over time, especially if you live in an area where water is scarce. 

The best way to check for leaks is by using a leak detection solution, which is at most hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and make sure you don’t get any of it on your skin or clothes, as it could stain them. 

11. Not Flushing Out Your Drains Once a Month 

Routine drain cleaning will help keep your drains clear of debris and prevent clogs from forming. This helps prevent sewage backups into your home or basement during heavy rainstorms or snowmelt when drains get overwhelmed by excess water flowing through them.  

You should do this every month at least once, but more often if you have pets or small children who sometimes drop toys in the toilet bowl. 

Bright modern bathroom

Plumbing Maintenance Mistakes: Keep Your Plumbing in Tip Top Shape 

Plumbing is a system that can be tricky to maintain, but it’s important to keep up with. Avoiding these common plumbing maintenance mistakes will go a long way in ensuring that your plumbing system lasts for longer and performs better overall. 

Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on real estate, construction, home, and more.  

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Filed Under: Bathroom, Kitchen, Renovation

Previous Post: « Gorgeous Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables to Make Your Home Feel More Natural
Next Post: 4 Signs of Sewer Blockage You Should Never Ignore »

Primary Sidebar

Window air conditioner unit

How to Know the Cost of New HVAC System in Canoga Park?

Modern scandinavian home interior of living room with design retro furniture, tropical plant, window, decoration and elegant personal accessoreis in stylish home decor.

Decorate Your Home like a Professional with These Tips and Tricks

Modern retro concept of home interior with design grey sofa, cof

How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your Home Renovation

Open modern bathroom

Essential Storage Ideas For Your Australian Bathroom

Bench with decor in home interior

Why Should You Invest in Quality Farmhouse Decor?

Fancy outdoor landscaping with wooden benches

Liquid Limestone is Advantageous for its Durability, Versatility, and Affordability

Red and white apartment interior

1 Paint Choices To Make Your Space Look And Feel Luxurious

Laptop on desk for real estate business

Steps To Start Your Own Real Estate Business

Modern architecture

Architectural Visualization 101: Key Concepts

Minimalist elegant living room combined with a kitchen area

Organizing Your Life to Become Healthier and Happier

Stay Up to Date – No Spam Ever, We Promise!

Footer

Follow Along

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

About InteriorIdea.net

We’re more than meets the eye. Every day we provide motivation, inspiration and interior design ideas with the goal of inspiring the world.

Awards & Accolades

Interior Idea is honored to be featured in “Design Strategy” for the Renaissance Brand by Marriott international. This book was distributed in-house and to interior designers throughout the world.

Get in Touch

Are you passionate about interior design? We’d love your suggestions, feedback and ideas. Feel free to contact us here.

Copyright © 2023 · INTERIORIDEA.NET | Privacy Policy · Terms and Conditions · Sitemap