Your home can be a welcoming place when everything is running properly—and a major headache when things go wrong.
By avoiding a few common mistakes, you can avoid many problems and keep more cash in your wallet by eliminating the need for expensive repairs.
If you are a homeowner, plumbers wish you would stop making these money-wasting mistakes.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Throwing everything in the garbage disposal
A garbage disposal is a great device for cleaning up scraps at the end of dinner. However, you should not stuff everything down the disposal if your goal is to build wealth instead of spending money on expensive repairs.
You probably know not to put avocado pits or chicken bones down the disposal, but you should also avoid tossing egg shells, coffee grounds, and even potato peels.
Flushing anything except toilet paper
Toilets can get backed up if you try to flush the wrong things, including flushable wipes and paper towels.
Limit your flushing to toilet paper. Put everything else in the trash where it belongs.
Using harsh chemicals to clear your drains
Drains can get gross and clogged up, making it necessary to find a way to clear out stoppages so your drain flows again.
However, harsh chemicals can cause major problems with your drains, especially after repeated use. Instead, consider gentler remedies, such as vinegar and baking soda, to loosen up clogs.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Overtightening connections
“Lefty loosey, righty tighty,” is a great mantra to remember when you are fixing problems. But some folks go overboard when they are turning right.
Overtightening connections can cause cracks and other issues that lead to leaks and additional problems later on.
Putting hot grease down your drain
One of the unfortunate side effects of cooking is dealing with hot grease from meats and other foods.
You may be tempted to just toss the grease down the sink, but hot grease will cool in your pipes before it gets completely down the drain. That can clog up things.
Instead, consider pouring grease into a container like an empty glass jar to let it cool so you can safely toss it into the trash later.
Trending Stories
Waiting to clean a slow drain
Slow drains can be annoying, especially if you're taking a shower with water pooling at your ankles or watching toothpaste slowly drain out of the sink.
If you notice drain issues, address them right away. Waiting can cause more debris to build up, making it harder to clean.
Fixing problems without the right tools
Tools are an important part of any repair process, so make sure you have the right ones before you start the job.
Using the wrong tools or realizing you are missing tools halfway through the process could cause more issues.
Not checking local building codes
Building codes dictate how repairs can be performed. These codes are in place to protect homeowners and properties.
If you don’t make a repair that meets a building code, you could set yourself up for costly repairs later on. Your fix might not resolve the problem, or the fix might not pass inspection when it’s time to sell your home.
Not brushing your hair before a shower
If you have longer hair, get in the habit of giving it a quick brush while you wait for the shower to get warm.
Brushing your hair before a shower can get rid of loose hairs that could clog the drain and cause costly repairs later.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2 <p>See website for details.</p>
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Forgetting your plumbing when planning landscaping
Landscaping is a great way to beautify your home on the outside and give it more curb appeal.
But before you plant trees or add a concrete patio, consider your plumbing. Tree roots can affect your water line.
Not knowing where your shutoff valve is
It can be scary to have a water emergency and not know how to stop the flow into your home.
So, long before an incident occurs, make sure you know where your water shutoff valve is. That way, you will know exactly what to do if you need to shut off the water. This can help you limit damage and save money on repairs.
Fixing problems yourself
Some easy fixes — such as unclogging a toilet — might not require a plumber, but be honest with yourself about your ability to handle other plumbing issues.
Yes, we all want to get ahead financially by saving money. But it is better to have a professional work on the problem from the start so you don’t have to call in a pro later to fix any mistakes you have made.
Bottom line
Plumbing issues can get expensive, so it’s important to have an emergency fund with money set aside for major repairs.
Consider keeping cash in a high-yield savings account, so you have money on hand for home repairs, car accidents, or medical emergencies.
Financial experts suggest you keep around three to six months of living expenses in an emergency fund. It might be a good idea to set boundaries for when it’s OK to use the money. That way, you won’t be tempted to withdraw the cash for non-emergencies.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.