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Plumbing Mistakes That Cost You Money and How to Avoid Them

  • Writer: Staff Desk
    Staff Desk
  • Oct 14
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 18

Person wearing a plaid shirt uses a wrench on pipes under a kitchen sink. Tools and a toolbox are visible, suggesting a plumbing repair.

Plumbing may not be the most fun element of owning a home, but it is one of the most vital.  Things may get expensive quickly when they go wrong.  It doesn't take much for a simple remedy to turn into a costly nightmare. Small leaks that waste water quietly can evolve into bigger problems like burst pipes or wrong installations. That's why it's a good idea to hire professionals like Good Maintenance to make sure everything runs properly.



Infographic on plumbing mistakes: ignoring leaks, overtightening, using chemical cleaners, and skipping maintenance, with icons and advice.

Mistake 1. Not paying attention to little leaks

A small wet spot under the sink or a gradual drip from a faucet are easy to miss.  But even small leakage might lead to big issues over time. They waste water, make mould develop, and can hurt walls or floors.  A lot of households don't know how terrible the problem is until they get the water bill or see damage that is easy to see.


Mistake 2: Doing it yourself without knowing how

At first glance, plumbing seems easy, but when you do it yourself, it's not. YouTube videos may make any repair appear easy, but even little mistakes might cause major problems down the road. Leaking and pressure difficulties might happen when fittings are too loose, seals are wrong, or pipes don't fit together properly.


It's also important to understand that some plumbing work in Australia needs to be certified.  If you don't have the right qualifications, putting in fixtures or changing piping could make your insurance void or break building codes. Before you start, you should learn about plumbing permits in Australia. This will help you know what you can do and what you need a licensed professional to do.


Mistake 3: Using the wrong stuff

Not all pipes and fittings are the same. Corrosion and leaks might happen if you use the wrong materials, such as when you link copper and galvanised steel. You might save a few dollars at the hardware store by buying cheap fittings, but they don't last very long. You might have to pay more for good materials up front, but they'll save you time, money, and trouble later on.


Mistake 4: Bad installation

Bad installation is one of the main reasons why plumbing fails. If you don't secure the pipes properly, make sure the drains are sloped correctly, or do a bad job sealing, you could have problems later on. This is when experience is very important.


Before any installation, it helps to research essential tips for successful plumbing installation to understand what good workmanship looks like, but it’s still best to leave the hands-on work to licensed experts.


Mistake 5: Not doing maintenance

Not seeing something means you don't think about it. That's how most people see their plumbing. But checking and maintaining things often helps stop small problems from becoming huge ones. Annual checks, especially before winter, are a simple way to protect your home and your wallet.


The Bottom Line

Most plumbing mistakes are caused by either not caring or not knowing what to do, as small problems can lead to bigger problems if you do it yourself and without any experience at all.


Calling in the pros allows homeowners to relax, knowing their plumbing systems are safe, efficient, and built to last.  


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