- Avoid plumbing disasters and expensive repairs! Discover the 10 most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make and how to prevent them the smart way.
Introduction
Owning a home means handling everything from landscaping to laundry—but few areas cause as much hidden trouble as your plumbing. One wrong move can lead to leaks, clogs, water damage, or sky-high utility bills.
At A+ Plumbing, we’ve seen it all across Siouxland—from Sioux City to North Sioux City and South Sioux City—where everything from cold winters to hard water can make your plumbing system extra vulnerable. Most issues we respond to? They started as a simple mistake.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 of the most common and costly plumbing mistakes homeowners make, how to recognize them, and most importantly—how to avoid them.
1. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Too Often
Why It’s a Problem
Commercial chemical drain cleaners can corrode your pipes, especially if used repeatedly. While they may offer a temporary fix, they degrade pipe interiors and shorten their lifespan.
What to Do Instead
Use enzyme-based cleaners or a drain snake. For recurring clogs, call a professional to inspect the line—you may have a deeper issue like tree root intrusion or pipe misalignment.
2. Ignoring Small Leaks
Why It’s a Problem
A dripping faucet or running toilet may seem like a minor annoyance, but those drops add up fast—both in water usage and potential hidden damage.
What to Do Instead
Fix minor leaks quickly. A worn-out washer or faulty flapper can often be replaced for just a few dollars. Leaks under sinks or inside walls? Call a plumber before mold or wood rot sets in.
3. Flushing the Wrong Things
Why It’s a Problem
“Flushable” wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine products don’t break down like toilet paper. Over time, they clog sewer lines and can cause major backups.
What to Do Instead
Stick to toilet paper only. Place a wastebasket nearby to dispose of anything else. Educate kids and guests on what not to flush—your pipes will thank you.
4. Over-Tightening Pipe Connections
Why It’s a Problem
Whether it’s under the sink or connecting a new fixture, over-tightening fittings can strip threads or crack seals, leading to leaks or weakened joints.
What to Do Instead
Use firm but moderate pressure. If you’re unsure how tight is too tight, ask a plumber or consult a DIY video from a trusted source.
5. Not Winterizing Outdoor Faucets
Why It’s a Problem
In the Siouxland region, freezing temperatures in fall and winter are a serious threat. Outdoor faucets and hose bibs left unprotected can freeze and burst, flooding basements or walls.
What to Do Instead
In the fall, disconnect hoses, drain outdoor faucets, and install insulated covers. If you don’t already have frost-free hose bibs, consider upgrading.
6. Skipping Routine Water Heater Maintenance
Why It’s a Problem
Water heaters collect sediment, especially in areas with hard water like Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. This buildup reduces efficiency and causes overheating, shortening your unit’s life.
What to Do Instead
Flush your water heater once a year. Check the anode rod every 2–3 years. And if it’s over 10 years old and struggling, it might be time to upgrade.
7. Mismatching Pipe Materials
Why It’s a Problem
Connecting copper to galvanized pipes, or using improper materials, can cause corrosion, leaks, and even structural pipe failure due to incompatible metals.
What to Do Instead
Use the correct fittings, such as dielectric unions, when joining dissimilar metals. Better yet, consult a licensed plumber to ensure long-term compatibility.
8. Ignoring Slow Drains
Why It’s a Problem
A slow drain is often the first sign of a growing clog, venting issue, or even sewer line problem. Waiting too long can lead to a full backup—and a costly emergency.
What to Do Instead
Try a manual drain snake or natural solution first (like baking soda and vinegar). If that doesn’t help, have a plumber inspect the line with a camera to see what’s really going on.
9. DIY Plumbing Without Permits or Know-How
Why It’s a Problem
Unpermitted or improperly done DIY plumbing can violate code, void your homeowner’s insurance, and cost thousands to fix later if something goes wrong.
What to Do Instead
Know your limits. Replacing a faucet? Fine. Reconfiguring a shower drain? Probably not. Call a licensed plumber in the Sioux City area when the job gets technical.
10. Not Knowing Where the Main Water Shut-Off Is
Why It’s a Problem
In an emergency—like a burst pipe or appliance flood—seconds matter. If you don’t know how to shut off your water, you could face thousands in avoidable damage.
What to Do Instead
Locate your main water shut-off valve and label it clearly. Make sure all adults (and older kids) in the home know how to operate it.
Bonus Tip: No Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a Home
Skipping a plumbing inspection before purchasing a house is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make. What looks fine cosmetically could hide decades-old galvanized pipes, leaky sewer lines, or illegal DIY modifications.
What to Do Instead:
If you’re buying in Siouxland, request a camera inspection of the main sewer line and a full plumbing check—especially in older homes.
How to Prevent These Mistakes
Here are a few smart strategies to avoid plumbing problems in your home:
- Schedule annual inspections for water heaters, drains, and fixtures.
- Create a seasonal checklist: winterize faucets, flush heaters, test shut-off valves.
- Invest in preventive tools: mesh drain covers, water pressure gauges, leak sensors.
- Stay informed: Follow blogs like The Clog Blog from A+ Plumbing for seasonal advice and professional tips.
Why It Pays to Be Proactive
Waiting until disaster strikes will always be more expensive. At A+ Plumbing, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Siouxland avoid major headaches by fixing small problems early.
Our local knowledge—combined with licensed, insured, and experienced service—means we catch what others miss. We’re here for everything from faucet upgrades to whole-home repiping and emergency calls.
Conclusion
Your home’s plumbing doesn’t have to be a mystery—or a money pit. By avoiding these 10 common plumbing mistakes, you’ll protect your investment, lower your bills, and gain peace of mind.
Remember: if you’re in the Sioux City metro or Tri-State area, A+ Plumbing is your go-to for trusted, affordable, and transparent service. Give us a call before a drip becomes a disaster!