No one becomes a master plumber overnight. Every seasoned professional has a few war stories—moments when things went sideways and valuable (often expensive) lessons were learned. Today, I’m sharing a few of my own “memorable moments” along with mistakes I’ve witnessed from other plumbers. The good news is that each mistake helped me, or them, become better, more knowledgeable, and more cautious in the future.
(This video is sponsored by The Trades Academy. If you’re interested in how to get into the trades, become the best tradesperson, start your own business, or use social media to grow that business, head over to RogerWakefield.com to find the link to The Trades Academy.)
1. The Over-Tightened Angle Stop
When I was younger, I did a favor for a neighbor: replacing an angle stop under a kitchen sink. I cranked it down like I thought I should and left, confident in my work. Two days later, I got a panicked call: water was leaking, soaking the cabinet bottom. By the time I arrived and laid my shoulder on the wet particle board, the entire bottom gave out under my weight!
What Went Wrong
- I over-tightened the angle stop.
- I didn’t monitor it long enough after the repair.
Lesson Learned
Always snug up the fitting, turn on the water, and observe. Place a paper towel under the angle stop and watch for moisture while you handle the paperwork or gather tools. A small drip can become a big headache—and a big expense—if overlooked.
2. Walking Away Without Testing
A friend who owned a plumbing company got a call from a customer saying water was pouring under their sink. The plumber they’d sent out? He left 45 minutes earlier without testing the work! Turned out he forgot to reattach the P-trap. The customer used the sink, and the rest is history (plus a big mess).
What Went Wrong
- The plumber neither tested nor visually confirmed the connection.
- He rushed off—maybe for lunch or personal errands—before ensuring the system was leak-free.
Lesson Learned
Never leave a job without testing every fixture or connection you’ve touched. Check, then double-check, or you’ll be heading back to fix a disaster.
3. The Commercial Test Ball Blowout
On a commercial job, a plumber was testing a storm drain system using test balls to block the line. One of the main test balls blew under pressure—and with no one else around to assist—the area flooded. Instead of mitigating the damage, the plumber panicked and left the site. When he returned the next day, the damage was already done.
What Went Wrong
- Improperly secured or monitored test ball in a large storm drain system.
- Lack of an immediate plan when a test failed, resulting in major water damage.
Lesson Learned
If you’re filling up huge lines with water (or air), be prepared with an emergency plan. Stay on-site, watch the gauge, and address issues immediately. Abandoning a job doesn’t solve anything—it just ensures a bigger mess for someone else to discover.
Parting Wisdom: Avoidance and Accountability
- Check Your Work
Give every fitting and connection a thorough once-over—twice if needed. - Don’t Over-Tighten
Sometimes “hand tight plus a quarter turn” is all you need. - Stick Around
Observe your repairs under pressure or while fixtures operate. A few extra minutes can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. - Own Your Mistakes
If something goes wrong, fix it, learn from it, and move on a bit wiser.
No matter which trade you’re in—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or another—taking time to study new tools, materials, and techniques is what sets you apart. Continual learning keeps us sharp, reduces errors, and pushes us to excel.
Conclusion
Plumbing is a hands-on career where mistakes can be costly, but each error becomes an invaluable lesson if approached with the right mindset. Over the years, I’ve seen and done plenty, and I can tell you: never stop learning. In the end, it’s about doing quality work, ensuring public health, and continuously striving to be better.
If you found these stories enlightening, you’ll probably enjoy the other videos on my channel where I share more tips and experiences. Remember to check out The Trades Academy if you want to elevate your career in the trades. After all, becoming the best tradesperson you can be starts with curiosity and the willingness to learn from every mistake.
