Skip to content
24/7 Emergency Service
Schedule Now Call (605) 206-9402
Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make With Their Plumbing and Heating Systems

Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make With Their Plumbing and Heating Systems

Becoming a homeowner for the first time is exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities that many people underestimate. Plumbing and heating systems are the unsung heroes of any household, working quietly behind the scenes to keep your home comfortable and functional. When something goes wrong, it can quickly turn into a costly headache. At Roger’s Plumbing & Heating, a family owned and operated company that has proudly served Sioux Falls and surrounding communities since 1983, we have seen the same preventable mistakes time and time again. Helping new homeowners understand these pitfalls is part of our mission to keep homes throughout Shindler, Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea, and Ellis running smoothly all year long.

Ignoring Routine Maintenance

One of the most common and costly mistakes new homeowners make is treating their plumbing and heating systems as a “set it and forget it” part of the house. Furnaces, water heaters, air conditioning units, and even drain lines all require regular attention to perform reliably. When maintenance is skipped, small issues like a slow drain or a worn furnace component can escalate into emergency repairs or premature replacement.

Annual tune-ups are far more affordable than waiting for a system to fail in the middle of a South Dakota winter. During a routine inspection, our technicians check refrigerant levels, clean burners, test thermostats, examine connections, and ensure your equipment is operating at peak efficiency. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also keeps utility bills in check by maintaining optimal performance throughout the year.

Using Drains as a Garbage Disposal

Many new homeowners do not realize that what goes down the drain can have a serious impact on the entire plumbing system. Grease, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables, and so-called “flushable” wipes are some of the biggest culprits behind backed-up pipes and damaged sewer lines. Even with a garbage disposal, certain foods should never be ground up and washed away.

Here are some of the top items to keep out of your drains and toilets:

  • Cooking grease and oil which solidifies inside pipes and traps other debris
  • Coffee grounds and eggshells that accumulate and create stubborn clogs
  • Flushable wipes and feminine products which do not break down like toilet paper
  • Hair and dental floss that wrap around pipe interiors and catch additional waste
  • Paint and harsh chemicals which can damage pipes and contaminate water systems

Cranking the Thermostat to Extremes

Another frequent mistake is misunderstanding how a thermostat actually works. New homeowners often crank the temperature up or down in an attempt to heat or cool the home faster, but this does not actually speed anything up. Your furnace or air conditioner runs at a steady output regardless of how far you push the dial, meaning all you accomplish is overshooting your desired temperature and wasting energy in the process.

A smarter approach is to use a programmable or smart thermostat, which allows you to set schedules that match your daily routine. Lowering the heat by a few degrees while you sleep or are away at work can lead to noticeable savings over time without sacrificing comfort. Our team is happy to recommend and install thermostats that pair well with your existing equipment and lifestyle.

Attempting Complex DIY Repairs

The internet has made it easier than ever to find tutorials for nearly any home repair, but plumbing and heating systems are areas where DIY enthusiasm can quickly backfire. Improperly installed fixtures can leak behind walls for months before being detected, and gas furnace work performed without proper training poses serious safety risks. Mistakes in these systems often cost more to fix than the original repair would have.

Licensed professionals bring training, specialized tools, and code knowledge to every job. In 2011, Roger’s Plumbing & Heating was honored to be the first company in South Dakota to receive the Carrier Presidential Award, a recognition that reflects our commitment to technical excellence and customer service. When you call us for AC repair, heating service, furnace repair, or AC installation, you can trust the job will be done right the first time.

Not Knowing Where Shutoffs Are Located

Finally, far too many new homeowners do not know where their main water shutoff valve or gas shutoff is located until an emergency strikes. Burst pipes during a deep freeze can dump hundreds of gallons of water into your home within minutes, and knowing how to stop the flow is critical. Take time to locate these shutoffs, label them clearly, and make sure every adult in the household knows how to use them before trouble ever arises.