From clogged drains and blocked sinks to slow-draining bathtubs and leaking pipes, plumbing issues are a constantly occurring matter that homeowners have to deal with more often than they want to.
Fortunately, it’s actually not that difficult to avoid most plumbing issues. A little bit of prevention and proper use can go a long way in keeping your plumbing system healthy for a long time.
Here are six smart tips you should follow to avoid unnecessary visits from your plumber.
Misusing the Garbage Disposal
Although garbage disposals are quite convenient for a lot of things, there are certainly some liquids and foods that don’t mix well with them. Grease is one of the things that you should avoid pouring into your garbage disposal at all costs as it can badly clog it.
Additionally, fibrous materials like onion skin, artichoke, and celery should also be avoided. To prevent it from jamming, try to push the waste in smaller volumes and with cold water gradually running through it.
Using Drain Cleaners Too Often
A lot of homeowners think drain cleaners are something they can use each time their drain is blocked, even slightly. In reality, most chemical drain cleaners are practically useless and can damage your pipes by corroding or degrading them if used too much.
The chemicals they are made of are also quite toxic and can cause serious health issues if your water gets contaminated with them.
Fixing Plumbing Issues on Your Own
While it’s tempting to try and DIY your plumbing repairs in order to save time and money, it can be difficult to accurately diagnose an issue and fix it without adequate knowledge, experience, and equipment.
A slight mistake could also lead to burst pipes, damaged wiring, or something worse, causing you to spend even more on repairs. Avoid cutting and drilling anything, especially if you’re not sure about it.
Flushing Everything Down the Toilet
This is a difficult one for many people to wrap their heads around, but the only things that should be going down your toilet are bodily waste and toilet paper.
Diapers, paper towels, hygiene products, or anything solid in general should be nowhere near your flushing area. Flushing items like these can lead to dangerous clogs.
Delaying Maintenance and Repairs
Any minor plumbing issue won’t get better on its own and will likely turn into something major if it’s neglected. Even a small water leak can collectively waste multiple gallons of water each month.
Similarly, a slow drain will only clog up more and eventually become a total backup. Contact a plumbing contractor immediately once you notice an issue like this.
Taking Cheap Shortcuts
Although saving money is important, it shouldn’t be your primary focus when purchasing important fixtures and plumbing equipment. Not turning off the water valve when needed, neglecting to change old parts, and generally taking shortcuts can cause you to face avoidable problems.
Invest in a leak protection system that will shut off the water in the event that a leak is detected.
