Knowing the main factors that affect common plumbing problems can help homeowners avoid them. The old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" may apply to some household appliances and structures, but not to plumbing. Homes with older plumbing systems—and by "older," I mean anything over 20 years—need regular inspection and maintenance to catch problems before they develop into big, costly, time-consuming headaches. Even "modern" plumbing, which can be a term of art for anything made in the last 40 years, is susceptible to major problems because of the types of materials that are used and the design of the systems. And the majority of repairs that have to be done to plumbing systems are done by someone other than the original installer. Most of the time, you could do a better job than a licensed contractor.
These common plumbing predicaments can be effectively dealt with if owners take precautions and carry out certain procedures. For one, owners can insulate the plumbing in areas where pipes are likely to freeze. When the temperature drops, unprotected pipes are at risk of cracking and bursting, but insulated pipes can safely withstand the cold. Another precaution is to replace old, worn-out plumbing. Even if aging pipes make it through an insulation test, they might not survive other conditions. Most demands on a home's plumbing happen when members of the household are present and most activities happen. It stands to reason that if plumbing inside a house is in good shape, it can perform under the (not so) normal conditions that prevail when people are around. If it can't withstand these conditions, then mishaps (like flooding) are likely to occur when most people are at home.
Furthermore, the frequency of plumbing emergencies can be reduced through homeowner education. Mistakes can and will be made, but minimizing the number of careless and avoidable errors in the use and upkeep of plumbing systems is crucial. Home plumbing is a complex system that demands a certain aesthetic, and understanding the system allows homeowners to work within its parameters to achieve both the necessary function and the desired look. More than anything, it allows the average person to avoid the kind of pitfalls that lead to unscheduled appointments with the emergency plumber. Empowerment through knowledge also allows the homeowner to tackle androgynous strengths and weaknesses in a DIY manner. Finally, knowing what to do in a pinch and having the proper tools on hand can be lifesaving, in plumbing terms at least, as well as preventing the kind of weekend muddle that can make life feel like the wet version of a Monday.