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Save your time and money by doing your research when you have a plumbing issue in your home. It might seem like a good idea to try to fix your slow drain or leaky pipe yourself, maybe with the help of a YouTube guide, but there are costly mistakes that can occur if you try to solve a plumbing issue without the help of a qualified plumber. Keep reading to see the top three most common issues homeowners face when attempting to perform their own repairs, and residents of Arlington, TX can call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth to speak to a highly-trained plumbing specialist that can help you quickly and efficiently solve your issues before they become a bigger problem.

1.  You Can Turn a Leak into a Fountain When You Neglect to Shut Off the Water Before Attempting Repairs

Maybe a leak wasn’t even the issue, but now that you’ve gotten under your sink you’re being covered in water and might not be able to stop it. Before attempting any type of plumbing repair, you need to make sure that all of your water is disconnected, regardless of which part of the house you are working in. Continuous water pressure can cause unpredictable drips when any part of the system is disconnected, so be sure to reach out to a plumbing service to make sure you turn the water off correctly at the source and get the job done without causing any extra damage to old pipes or hoses that could crack.

Another common cause behind a burst pipe that could have easily been avoided by asking the advice of a professional is leaving outdoor hoses connected in the winter. When the water stuck in the hose and leading into the pipe freezes, it begins to expand, causing pipes to swell and potentially burst, especially in the case of older systems. You can help prevent pipes from getting cold enough to freeze by installing insulation on outdoor spigots as well as the pipes under your house. Call a plumber who can help you learn about cold-weather solutions for your home— even Arlington, TX is cold through the nights. The overnight temperature is lower than in many other parts of the state.

2.  Using Drain Cleaner Might Make the Sink Drain Eventually, But Can Also Damage the Pipes

It’s probably the most common issue of indoor plumbing throughout time— something’s stuck in the drain. In the kitchen, it can be a myriad of things, from the obvious food waste to silverware to garbage. If you have an in-sink-orator, you might be able to crush the garbage and flush it away, but these appliances still run the risk of facing an obstacle they can’t shred. An easy fix for a simple clog, or even a build-up of debris clogging a pipe, is to use a drain cleaner.

Drain cleaner is typically composed of a solution of water with bleach and lye. For maximum efficiency, some companies sell a product that mixes other combinations of dangerous chemicals as you use it— the chemical reaction of this is corrosive enough to tear apart any ball of hair or gunky residue causing your sink to not drain. It’s also enough to cause damage to pipes, by stripping away layers of metal and plastic. In the case of older systems with existing weak spots, this can burn holes right through the line causing a (hopefully small) leak to spring up. Pipes don’t necessarily need to be old to have this happen, either. If you use drain cleaner repeatedly, it can cause extensive damage like holes and cracks to happen.

Another common issue that can be caused by using drain cleaner is by using it in the wrong manner. While it’s generally safe for most pipes and drain systems, drain cleaner should not be used in toilets or appliances. It is best to contact a plumbing service if you are unable to dislodge a toilet clog with a plunger because fragile porcelain can become damaged with improper use of chemicals and tools. A plumber has access to professional quality pipe snakes that can remove any blockage, even deep in the pipe system.

Not only can drain cleaner cause extensive damage to your plumbing and appliances, but it’s also an extremely dangerous substance that can cause severe burns if splashed on your skin, and damage your body if the fumes are inhaled. Be sure to always wear protective gloves and open windows in your area, as well as turn on your ventilation system. Your safest option will be to call a plumbing service, who can dislodge the clog without using caustic chemicals and can offer you solutions to keep your systems clog-free, such as a better drain trap.

3.  Call a Professional Plumber Who Can Help You Fix the Problem the Right Way

The best bet when it comes to repairing and maintaining your home is to reach out to a qualified plumber. With the right tools and education, a plumber can help you safely remove blockages, fix a slow drain, and repair any existing leaks and damaged pipes. Make sure to also schedule routine maintenance with a plumber for all of your plumbing needs, as well as your water filtration system and sump pumps.

In Arlington, TX, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth to reach a qualified plumber who can help you with all of your repair needs as well as keep your system well maintained with routine check-ups. Our certified plumbers are able to come out at your convenience to your home or business and investigate any leaky pipe or faucet and quickly get your plumbing system back on track. Not only are we committed to fair pricing on services, but we’re also able to pass our vendor discounts on to you when buying parts for repairs or replacing appliances. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to schedule a consultation and figure out exactly how to get your plumbing system back in order.