What are the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners should avoid?

Many costly plumbing problems start with simple mistakes—like pouring grease down the drain or using the wrong materials during DIY repairs. Avoiding a few common errors can protect your home and save you from an urgent call to a Boston plumber.

TL;DR

• Avoid putting grease, oils, or food scraps down sinks—these cause severe clogs.
• Never treat sinks or toilets like trash cans, even if you have a garbage disposal.
• Overusing chemical drain cleaners can damage pipes and worsen blockages.
• Mixing plumbing metals leads to corrosion and leaks—always match materials.
• Prevent frozen pipes by insulating and disconnecting outdoor hoses each winter.

Putting grease down the sink: Grease and cooking oils solidify inside pipes, creating stubborn clogs that require professional drain cleaning. Even hot water and soap won’t prevent buildup over time.

Using your sink as a trash can: A garbage disposal is not designed to handle everything. Food chunks, fibrous scraps, and bathroom debris (like hair or nail clippings) quickly form clogs deep in the plumbing system.

Using the toilet as a trash can: Toilets are engineered for human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing wipes, cotton swabs, dental floss, and other trash can lead to backups or damaged pipes.

Using too much drain cleaner: Chemical drain cleaners can corrode both metal and plastic pipes. Frequent use may worsen clogs by pushing them deeper or damaging pipe walls, resulting in an expensive visit from a Boston plumber.

Mixing metals: DIY pipe replacement may seem simple, but mixing incompatible metals—like copper and galvanized steel—can trigger rapid corrosion and leaks. Always match materials or call a professional.

Lack of insulation: In cold climates, uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst. Insulating pipes and preventing frozen pipes should be a winter priority.

Leaving hoses attached: Outdoor hoses left connected in winter can freeze and back up into the faucet, causing broken fixtures or burst pipes.

Pouring chemicals in a septic system: Harsh chemicals can destroy the good bacteria needed for proper septic system care, leading to odors, backups, and costly repairs.

Messing with plumbing vents: Plumbing vents regulate pressure in your drainage system—they are not shortcuts for wiring or home projects. Damaging them can cause slow drains, sewer gas odors, or system failure.

Accidentally cutting hidden plumbing: When remodeling or opening walls, always locate plumbing lines before cutting. A damaged pipe can cause extensive water damage and time-consuming repairs.