That quote hit home for me the day a tiny drip turned into a full-blown kitchen disaster. At first, I ignored it. Thought it was nothing. A week later, there was mold, warped flooring, and one very expensive bill.
If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just a small leak,” or “I’ll fix that later,” you’re not alone. But here’s the thing — those little problems become big fast. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing how to fix things.
Whether you’re handy with tools or still figuring out which way to turn a wrench, these real-world lessons can save you time, money, and stress. Based on personal experience and what I’ve learned from talking to a plumber grande prairie, here are the top plumbing mistakes to avoid.
Overtightening Connections Can Lead to Leaks
I used to think tighter was better. When I replaced a faucet, I cranked the connections as hard as I could. The next morning, there was a puddle under the sink. Turns out, overtightening can crack fittings or strip threads, especially with plastic or brass.
Here’s what works:
- Tighten by hand first
- Then give it a gentle quarter-turn with a wrench
- If it feels too tight, stop
In cold climates like Grande Prairie, pipes expand and contract. Overtight connections are more likely to crack during winter. Plumbers here see it often — a well-meaning fix becomes a frozen pipe mess.
Using the Wrong Tools Can Ruin the Job
I once used regular pliers to tighten a showerhead. It slipped, scratched the chrome, and damaged the threads. That small job turned into a replacement I didn’t need.
Basic tools every homeowner should have:
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench for tight spots under sinks
- Plumber’s tape for sealing threaded connections
- A flange-style plunger for toilets
When I finally got the right tools, I realized how much easier — and cleaner — plumbing repairs can be. A plumber grande prairie often deals with repairs gone wrong just because someone used whatever was in the garage.
Ignoring Small Leaks Can Cause Big Damage
We had a leak under the kitchen sink — just a drip every few seconds. I figured I’d fix it over the weekend. That weekend turned into a month. Mold took hold, the wood swelled, and it smelled like a swamp.
The thing is, leaks never fix themselves. Left alone, they damage cabinets, walls, and floors. Especially in places like Grande Prairie, where moisture can quickly lead to mold issues.
Now I check under sinks every few weeks. If I see a drip or even moisture, I deal with it immediately. It’s a five-minute fix that can save thousands later.
Pouring Grease Down the Drain Will Clog Your Pipes
Back in the day, I’d pour leftover bacon grease right into the sink. I thought hot water would keep it moving. I was wrong.
Grease cools and hardens inside your pipes. It clings to the sides and traps everything else — food scraps, soap, even hair. Eventually, it creates a nasty, solid clog.
Now, I do this instead:
- Let the grease cool in a jar or can
- Toss it in the trash
- Wipe down greasy pans before washing
Plumbers in Grande Prairie get constant calls about clogged kitchen drains. More often than not, grease is the culprit. Trust me — once you deal with one of those backups, you’ll never pour grease down the sink again.
Forgetting to Turn Off the Water Can Be a Disaster
One day, I went to replace a toilet flapper. I figured it would take five minutes, so I didn’t bother shutting off the water. Big mistake. The tank started overflowing mid-fix. Water everywhere. Towels weren’t enough.
Now, no matter how small the job, I turn off the water first.
Here’s how:
- Find the shut-off valve under the sink, behind the toilet, or near your main line
- Turn it clockwise until it stops
- Test by turning on the faucet or flushing — no water should come through
In emergencies, knowing where your main water shut-off is can prevent major damage. If you don’t know where it is, take five minutes and find it now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if you overtighten plumbing connections?
A: Overtightening can crack fittings or strip threads. It may lead to leaks or even complete pipe failure.
Q: Is pouring grease down the drain really that bad?
A: Yes. Grease hardens and builds up in pipes. It causes clogs and expensive drain repairs.
Q: How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
A: Look for damp spots, mold, or a sudden increase in your water bill. These are common signs of hidden leaks.
Q: What tools should I use for basic plumbing repairs?
A: You’ll need an adjustable wrench, basin wrench, plumber’s tape, and a proper plunger. These cover most home repairs.
Q: Do I need to turn off the water before doing plumbing work?
A: Always. Even small jobs can go wrong quickly. Turn off the local valve or main line before starting.
Conclusion
Plumbing problems usually start with small mistakes—I’ve made more than I’d like to admit. Whether it’s overtightening a joint or forgetting to shut off the water, the fix often ends up bigger than the original issue.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are avoidable. A little patience, the right tools, and knowing when to call in help makes all the difference.
If you're in Grande Prairie and need a hand, Gray Electric & Plumbing Services has your back. We handle both plumbing and electrical work, so you get reliable service from one trusted team.
Reach out today—and if you’ve got a funny (or frustrating) plumbing story, I’d love to hear it!
