At Trident Plumbing, we’ve seen it all — the good, the bad, and the really creative DIY plumbing attempts. We get it. When something leaks, clogs, or rattles, it’s tempting to grab whatever’s in the garage and MacGyver a solution. But after years of repairing these “quick fixes,” we can tell you… sometimes a little bit of DIY leads to a whole lot of “uh-oh.”
Here are 5 of the most common “fixes” we see — and why they usually end up making things worse (plus what you can do instead!).
1. Pouring Drain Cleaner Down Every Clog
Our confession:
Every time we smell that strong chemical stench from a sink or tub, we know trouble’s brewing.
Why it makes things worse:
Store-bought drain cleaners don’t really “fix” the clog — they just burn a tiny hole through it. Meanwhile, those harsh chemicals eat away at your pipes, especially older metal or plastic plumbing. Over time, you can end up with bigger clogs and serious pipe damage.
What to do instead:
Start simple: try a plunger or a small manual drain snake. If that doesn’t work, give us a call. We have the right equipment to safely clear the blockage without turning your pipes into Swiss cheese.
2. Overtightening Pipe Connections
Our confession:
Some of the worst leaks we fix started with someone thinking, “I’ll just crank it a little tighter.”
Why it makes things worse:
It seems logical — tighter should be better, right? But overtightening fittings can crack PVC, warp metal threads, and create microscopic leaks that slowly do a lot of damage over time.
What to do instead:
Pipe fittings need to be snug — not superhero strong. Tighten just until it’s secure and leak-free. (And if you’re unsure, it’s always better to ask for help than to Hulk-smash your plumbing!)
3. Using Duct Tape to “Fix” a Leak
Our confession:
We love duct tape. Really. It’s got a million awesome uses. But it’s not meant to be a plumbing tool. (And this goes for ANY water sealing tapes, paints, or sprays!)
Why it makes things worse:
Duct tape isn’t waterproof long-term. Even worse, it hides active leaks. Any of the other water sealing tapes, paints, or sprays (you know the ones I’m talking about) may stop the leak for a while but they don’t fix the actual problem. And instead of a simple repair, we need to remove ALL of the pipes with tape or sealant on them!
What to do instead:
If you absolutely have to do something while you wait for a plumber, a plumbing-specific repair clamp is better for short-term emergencies. But the real solution? Shut off the water and call us to properly repair or replace the problem area.
4. Ignoring a “Small” Drip
Our confession:
It breaks our hearts to start diagnosing a small leak only to find that it’s been leaking for a long time behind the walls.
Why it makes things worse:
A little drip might not seem urgent, but water is sneaky. Drips cause hidden damage: rotting wood, ruined drywall, mold growth, and even foundation issues. Plus, they drive up your water bill while you’re ignoring them!
What to do instead:
If you hear it, see it, or even suspect a drip — take it seriously. It’s almost always easier (and cheaper) to fix it early before it becomes a bigger, costlier mess.
5. DIY Water Heater Repairs
Our confession:
We get nervous when we hear stories starting with, “I watched a YouTube video about repairing this water heater, and it looked easy…”
Why it makes things worse:
Water heaters are hardworking machines — and they’re also full of very hot water, electricity, or natural gas. One wrong move can lead to scalding, electrical shocks, gas leaks, or a burst tank (and thousands of dollars in damage).
What to do instead:
If your water heater isn’t working properly, call a licensed professional (like us!). We’ll diagnose the issue safely and recommend the best fix. Plus, we can help with regular maintenance that keeps your water heater running strong and safe for years to come.
Final Thoughts: Quick Fixes = Big Problems
We totally understand the temptation to handle plumbing problems yourself — and in some cases, a little DIY know-how can go a long way! But when it comes to your home’s plumbing, sometimes the “quick fix” just buys you a bigger headache down the road.
If you ever have a plumbing concern — big, small, or weird — just ask! That’s what we’re here for. We’ll get you the real fix (without judgment!) and help protect your home and your peace of mind.
