45 Plumbing Mistakes That Will Make You Cringe (And Laugh)

Even the bravest homeowners can be scared by plumbing problems. Do it yourself enthusiasts need not worry, though! We’re about to start a journey through the dangerous waters of fixing plumbing in homes. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even reach for the phone to call a professional plumber as you read these 45 mistakes people make when they try to fix their plumbing themselves.

People who try to fix plumbing problems with only a wrench and a YouTube video are brave (or maybe stupid), so let’s take a moment to admire their strength. Whether you’ve done a lot of DIY projects before or this is your first time, this list is sure to help you learn something new and maybe even make you laugh.

A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found that 35% of people who try to fix their plumbing problems themselves end up calling a professional. This number shows how important it is to know about common mistakes before you try to fix something yourself.

Here are the 45 mistakes people make when they try to fix their own plumbing:

1. Forgetting to turn off the water
There is nothing more “amateur hour” than an unexpected waterfall inside. Before you do any plumbing work, you should always find the main water valve and turn it off.

2. Making connections too tight
In plumbing, strength isn’t everything. Pipes, fittings, and even porcelain fixtures can break if they are overtightened. Don’t forget that snug is enough!

3. Putting in the wrong kind of pipe
Oh my! PVC, copper, and PEX! Every kind of pipe is used for a different thing. Leaks, contamination, and code violations can happen when you mix and match.

4. Not following local plumbing rules
If it works, that doesn’t mean it’s okay. Learn the plumbing rules in your area to avoid fines and possible safety risks.

5. Using plumber’s tape in the wrong way
Teflon tape doesn’t fix everything. If you use it on the wrong connections or in the wrong direction, it might make leaks happen instead of stopping them.

6. Failing to correct the slope of drain pipes
When you’re plumbing, gravity is on your side. If the slope is wrong, it can cause clogs, backups, and bad smells.

7. Using drain cleaners too much
Chemicals used to clean drains can hurt pipes and the environment. Don’t use them too often, if at all.

8. Pipe sizes that don’t match
In plumbing, size does matter. If you use the wrong pipe size, you might have problems with pressure and water flow.

9. Forgetting to let off steam
Having the right venting keeps sewer gases out of your home and makes sure drains work right. Do not skip this important step!

10. Using too much plumber’s putty
It does not take much to make a difference. Too much putty can block drains and make it harder to fix things in the future.

11. Joining metals that are not the same
Copper and galvanized steel can rust and leak if they are mixed together. To avoid this problem, use dielectric unions.

12. Ignoring problems that are already there
Don’t forget about that small leak, have you? Something bad might be going on behind the scenes. Deal with problems right away to keep them from getting worse.

13. Putting on the wrong gear
A wrench is not a hammer and a hammer is not a wrench. Buy the right plumbing tools to keep pipes and fixtures from getting broken.

14. Not cleaning the joints ahead of soldering
Links that aren’t clean aren’t strong. Before you solder copper pipes, you should always clean and flux them.

15. Not checking for leaks
Do not think that your work is perfect. Make sure there are no leaks before you declare victory.

16. Putting too much force on someone
It takes skill, not brute strength, to do plumbing. Fixtures and pipes can be broken by too much force.

17. Ignoring the instructions from the manufacturer
There’s a reason for those little booklets. For the best results, read and follow the directions given by the manufacturer.

18. Not taking off the old plumber’s tape
New connections can’t always work with old tape. Take it off every time before putting on new tape.

19. Putting on the wrong kind of sealant
Different sealants are needed for different connections. Leaks and damage can happen if you use the wrong type.

20. Not installing proper supports for pipes
Pipes that aren’t supported can sag, which can cause leaks and bad drainage. Use the right supports and hangers.

21. Tightening toilet bolts too much
It’s not funny when toilet bases are cracked. Just snug up the toilet bolts to avoid damage that will cost a lot to fix.

22. Putting gas lines in the wrong materials
You shouldn’t try to fix your gas line yourself. For problems with gas, you should always call a professional.

23. Not taking water pressure into account
If the water pressure is too high, it can hurt pipes and fixtures. If you need to, put in a pressure regulator.

24. Not taking pipe insulation into account
When pipes freeze, they can break and do a lot of damage. In cold places, insulate pipes to keep them from freezing.

25. The wrong kind of auger was used
For each drain, a different auger is needed. If you use the wrong kind, it might not work or damage your pipes.

26. Forgetting to clean up broken metal
Scrap metal from cutting pipes can clog them up and damage them. After cutting, you should always clean really well.

27. Not ensuring fixtures are level
Toilets, sinks, and tubs that aren’t level can leak and drain poorly. Take the time to level it right.

28. Putting pliers on chrome fixtures
Chrome that is scratched doesn’t look good. In order to protect finishes, use a cloth or pliers with rubber jaws.

29. Not paying attention to the P-trap
Sewer gases can’t get into your home because of the P-trap. Remove it only to put it back in the right way.

30. Tightening shower heads too much
It is annoying when the shower head leaks, but it is even worse when the pipe behind the wall cracks. Tighten only by hand.

31. Not using drain snakes correctly
When drain snakes are used too roughly, they can damage pipes. Be gentle and go slowly.

32. Not checking for studs before drilling
It’s easy to make your day worse by drilling into a pipe that’s hidden in a wall. Before you drill, you should always look for studs and pipes.

33. Not flushing the system after repairs
Having air in the lines can be bad. After fixing something, flush the system well.

34. Putting in the wrong kind of caulk
Not every caulk is the same. For places that will get wet, use silicone caulk.

35. Not taking care of your water heater
Regular maintenance can help your water heater last longer and keep you from having to buy a new one, which can be expensive.

36. Not putting outdoor fixtures away for the winter
Pipes outside that are frozen can be a real pain. In cold places, you should always winterize properly.

37. Using plumbing fixtures as support
Sinks and towel racks are not the same thing. Do not put too much weight on plumbing fixtures.

38. Not cleaning the aerators
If aerators get clogged, the water pressure can drop. For the best flow, clean them often.

39. Putting too much force on valves that are stuck
If you push on a stuck valve, it might break. Instead, use penetrating oil and wait.

40. Not checking for leaks in places that are hard to see
When it comes to plumbing, “out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t work. Check crawl spaces and behind walls for leaks often.

41. Ignoring strange sounds
Pipes that bang, whistle, or gurgle are trying to tell you something. Please do not ignore these signs.

42. Using drain covers in the wrong way
Proper drain covers keep pipes from getting clogged and protect them. Make sure they are put in the right way.

43. Not replacing old fixtures that need it
Old fixtures may not work well and may leak. You might want to update to save water and avoid problems.

44. Not properly getting rid of materials
Getting rid of old pipes and fixtures in the wrong way can hurt the environment. Throw away things in a responsible way.

45. Trying to fix things that are beyond your level of skill
Knowing when to call a professional is sometimes the best thing you can do yourself. Do not be afraid to give up!

When we’re done with our plumbing adventure, remember that fixing things yourself can be fun and safe at the same time. Always put safety first, and if you’re not sure about a repair, don’t be afraid to call a pro. Your home and your mind will be grateful.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a DIY expert or a beginner at plumbing; the most important thing is to keep learning and be humble. Even the most skilled plumbers had to start somewhere. As you think, grab your wrench and may the plumbing gods always be with you.