Common Plumbing & HVAC Mistakes That Cause Costly Repairs

Most homeowners don’t realise that minor plumbing and HVAC mistakes can lead to major repair bills. The good news is that most of these problems are easily avoidable if caught early. Ignoring small issues, like minor leaks or missed servicing, seems harmless, but they can turn into costly problems, including:

By knowing the common mistakes and acting to avoid them, you can save money, stop unnecessary damage, and keep your systems running well all year. Keep reading to discover the top plumbing and HVAC mistakes and how to fix them before they cost you.

1. Ignoring Small Plumbing Leaks

A small leak might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it’s often the first sign of a much bigger issue that could end up costing you a lot of money. From hidden water damage to structural issues, leaks are among the most common yet easily avoidable plumbing problems.

Even the tiniest leak can lead to significant water wastage over time. A dripping tap might not look important, but it wastes a lot of water. According to WaterSafe, the UK body for approved plumbers, a single dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water per year. That’s enough to fill a paddling pool every week of the summer!

Put a stop to it before it leads to higher water bills and creates an ideal environment for mould to grow. What starts as a simple leak can escalate into extensive damage to your cabinets, walls, or floors. Ignoring it only makes things worse.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Fix Leaks Promptly: It’s always better to deal with leaks early rather than let them fester. A small leak can often be easily repaired, but waiting too long can lead to serious issues.
Regular Inspections: Don’t wait for a leak to appear before you check your plumbing. Inspect taps, pipes, and fixtures around your home regularly for signs of damage.
Call a Professional: If the leak is persistent or worsening, it’s time to call a professional plumber. They can quickly identify the root cause of the problem and prevent further damage.

Early leak detection prevents costly water damage, so don’t wait to get it checked.

2. Over-Tightening Plumbing & HVAC Connections

When dealing with plumbing or HVAC issues, it’s easy to think that the tighter the connection, the better. However, over-tightening can be just as harmful as leaving the fittings too loose. Whether you’re dealing with pipes, fixtures, or HVAC connections, improper tightening can lead to long-term damage.

Over-tightening can cause fittings and pipes to crack. This is especially common when dealing with delicate materials like plastic. The pressure from overly tightened connections can also strip threads. This makes it challenging to reseal or repair them properly. It can also lead to leaks or, in the case of HVAC systems, issues like reduced system efficiency or even component failure.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Hand Tighten First: Always start by hand-tightening connections. This ensures you don’t apply too much pressure initially.
Use a Wrench Sparingly: If you need to use a wrench, be gentle. A slight turn after hand-tightening is typically all you need. Avoid forcing the wrench to turn beyond what’s necessary.
Check for Leaks: After tightening connections, check for leaks. If you find any, simply tighten a little more, but don’t overdo it.

Ensure your system stays secure and leak-free with Greenstar’s expert emergency plumbing services.

3. Skipping Regular HVAC Servicing

HVAC systems keep us comfortable all year, but they need regular servicing. Without it, they can lose efficiency and break down when we least expect it. A neglected HVAC system can also result in higher energy bills, as the system struggles to operate at peak efficiency.

Over time, dirt, debris, and wear and tear can take a toll on your HVAC system. If left unchecked, these small issues can snowball into costly repairs.

Regular maintenance keeps your system working well. It prevents sudden breakdowns and helps maintain efficient performance. So remember, skipping servicing might save you money today, but it will cost you more in the future.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Schedule Annual Servicing: Book an HVAC service before the season changes, ideally in spring and autumn. This ensures your system is prepared for the weather extremes of summer and winter.
Clean Filters and Coils: Regularly replace air filters and clean coils to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency.
Ensure Proper Airflow: Clear any obstructions around vents, ducts, or the outdoor unit. Restricted airflow can lead to inefficiency and overwork the system.

Don’t wait for a breakdown! Keep your HVAC system running efficiently with Greenstar’s expert AC servicing.

Protect Your Home & Wallet with Greenstar

Ignoring minor plumbing and HVAC mistakes can lead to costly repairs and ongoing issues in your home. Even minor problems like leaks or neglected servicing can escalate into major, expensive issues.

The good news is that you can avoid big problems by taking action early:

Fix leaks in a flash
Tighten connections just right
Schedule regular HVAC servicing

Greenstar offers expert plumbing and HVAC services to help homeowners avoid costly repairs. Taking a proactive approach helps prevent significant damage. Plus, maintaining your home’s plumbing and HVAC systems in top condition not only saves money but ensures they run efficiently for years. So don’t sit about and wait for the next repair.

Call 01202 355 344 or contact us to schedule your professional system check today.