Plumbing Mistakes That Lead To Severe Water Damage

Your home’s plumbing is one of the critical systems. When it’s not functioning correctly, it leads to stressful issues. One of the most significant problems that occur is water damage. The issue can happen quickly and be very expensive to repair.

Other times, it’s a gradual process that slowly destroys your home, including the foundation. There are a few different ways that plumbing mistakes can lead to water damage in your home. They include:

Not Attending To Plumbing Issues On Time

Plumbing problems include leaks, clogs, and backups. If you don’t attend to these issues quickly, they will only worsen. Water will cause more damage to your home the longer the issue is unaddressed. It seeps into walls, floors, and ceilings, causing extensive damage.

Dont ignore that faucet drip or the slow drain. Have a plumbing professional like Mackin & Sons Plumbing address the problem. The same goes when you can’t pinpoint the issue but notice mold growth, water stains or pools on the floor and ceiling, and high water bills.

Not Replacing Old Pipes

Pipes don’t last forever; if yours are getting old, they require a replacement. Depending on the type of pipes you have in your home, they may only last 30 to 50 years. If you don’t replace them when they start to fail, it leads to catastrophic consequences. Old pipes can burst, causing severe water damage to your home. Clogging is another serious issue.

Not Scheduling Regular Inspections

You don’t have to wait until a plumbing issue arises to call a professional. Schedule regular inspections to ensure your home’s plumbing is in good working condition. Doing so will avoid significant problems in the future. Schedule an inspection atleast once a year or every two years. Do so more frequently after a severe winter, as cold weather damages pipes.

Not Cleaning Drain Pipes and Traps

Drain pipes and traps become clogged with hair, grease, and soap scum. Clogs can cause water to back into your home, leading to extensive damage. The issue can also cause sewer gases to enter your home, which is a health hazard. To avoid these problems, clean your drain pipes and traps regularly.

Pour hot soapy water down all drains weekly to keep them clear. Also, avoid pouring grease down the drain as it will solidify and cause a clog. Have a wastebasket next to the sink to collect food scraps and other waste.

Using the Wrong Plumbing Fixtures

There are different types of plumbing fixtures for different applications. If you use the wrong fixtures, it leads to damage. For instance, if you use a fixture that is not rated for the amount of water pressure in your home, it can break and cause flooding.

As you will realize, even simple mistakes such as overtightening connections or wrapping thread tape wrongly can cause extensive damage. Consult a professional before purchasing any new fixtures. They will ensure you get the right ones and correct installations.

What To Do If You Experience Water Damage

If you experience water damage in your home, act quickly. The sooner you address the issue, the minor the damage your home will sustain. First, shut off the water to prevent further damage. 

Call a water damage restoration company to assess the situation. They will extract the water and dry your home to prevent mold growth. Most importantly, address the issue and take measures to prevent future damage.