10 DIY Plumbing Mistakes in Bergen County (and How We Fix Them)

Trying to save money with a DIY plumbing fix? You're not alone. While we’re all for being handy around the house, some common plumbing mistakes can cost you much more in the long run. Here are the top 10 mistakes we see homeowners make, and how our licensed Bergen County plumbers fix them the right way.

1. Over-Tightening Pipe Fittings

The DIY mistake: Cranking pipe connections too tight, thinking it prevents leaks.

 Why it’s a problem: Over-tightening can crack fittings or strip threads, leading to leaks or even full blowouts.

 How we fix it: Our team uses proper torque and high-quality thread sealants to ensure a snug, leak-free connection without any damage. If you're in towns like Westwood, Park Ridge, or Hillsdale, we've fixed this more times than we can count.

2. Using the Wrong Type of Pipe

The DIY mistake: Mixing incompatible materials (like copper and galvanized steel) or using PVC where it shouldn’t be.

 Why it’s a problem: It can cause corrosion, leaks, or code violations.

 How we fix it: We identify the correct material for the application and use proper transition fittings to keep everything safe and up to New Jersey plumbing code standards.

3. Relying Too Heavily on Drain Cleaners

The DIY mistake: Pouring chemical drain cleaners down the sink regularly.

 Why it’s a problem: These chemicals can eat away at your pipes over time and they rarely fix the root issue.

 How we fix it: We use mechanical drain cleaning tools or hydro-jetting to safely and effectively clear blockages for good. Many Bergen County homeowners call us after the store-bought cleaners fail to solve recurring clogs.

4. Forgetting to Shut Off the Water

The DIY mistake: Starting a repair without turning off the water supply.

 Why it’s a problem: Even a small plumbing job can turn into a mess if water is still running, leading to damage, delays, and frustration.

 How we fix it: Our techs always locate and shut off the correct valves before beginning any work. We also go a step further by tagging important shut-off valves for your convenience and so our team (or any future technician) knows exactly where to look next time.

5. Replacing a Toilet Without Leveling or Sealing It Properly

The DIY mistake: Swapping out a toilet without properly seating the wax ring or leveling the base.

 Why it’s a problem: Can lead to leaks, rocking toilets, or water damage to the subfloor.

 How we fix it: We secure the flange, set the toilet with a new wax ring, and level it precisely to ensure long-term reliability. We’ve handled this fix countless times in Oradell, Woodcliff Lake, and River Vale homes.

6. Poor Soldering on Copper Pipes

The DIY mistake: Inconsistent or weak solder joints on copper piping.

 Why it’s a problem: Bad soldering can lead to slow leaks that go unnoticed for months.

 How we fix it: Our licensed Bergen County plumbers clean, flux, and properly heat every joint to ensure strong, watertight connections.

7. Using Mismatched Trap Assemblies

The DIY mistake: Improvising sink drain traps using a mix of parts from big box stores.

 Why it’s a problem: Poor seals and awkward angles often lead to slow leaks and foul odors.

 How we fix it: We custom-fit traps using the correct diameter, materials, and angles to ensure a clean, airtight seal, especially important in older homes throughout Bergen County.

8. Covering Up Leaks With Tape or Epoxy

The DIY mistake: Using tape or epoxy to “patch” leaks instead of fixing the source.

 Why it’s a problem: These are short-term band aids that often make things worse later.

 How we fix it: We replace the faulty section, not just cover it up, ensuring lasting repairs and peace of mind.

9. Ignoring Slope on Drain Pipes

The DIY mistake: Installing horizontal drain lines without the correct downward slope.

 Why it’s a problem: Wastewater doesn’t drain properly, leading to clogs and backups.

 How we fix it: We ensure all new drains have the proper pitch (typically 1/4" per foot) to keep everything flowing smoothly.

10. Misdiagnosing the Problem Entirely

The DIY mistake: Thinking a slow drain is just hair buildup when it’s actually a damaged main line.

 Why it’s a problem: You waste time and money on the wrong fix while the real issue worsens.

 How we fix it: We perform thorough diagnostics, including camera inspections, so we treat the true cause, not just the symptoms.

Leave It to the Pros

DIY can be satisfying and cost-effective. But when it comes to plumbing, what seems simple can quickly spiral into a costly, damaging mistake. If you're dealing with any plumbing issues, or if you've hit a dead end with your own repair, we're just a call or text away, serving Bergen County homes in Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, River Vale, and beyond.